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Keswick is both the most northerly of the Lake District’s towns and maybe its best located: at the northern end of beautiful Derwentwater, it’s surrounded by large fells including Skiddaw and Blencathra, two of the most popular among walkers and hikers. It’s also the perfect spot to explore this part of the national park, notably the valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere.
Right in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Keswick is still only 20 minutes from the M6 – and close enough to some of the Lake District’s best-known lakes, including Bassenthwaite, Thirlmere and Ullswater as well as Derwentwater. Fancy some fell-waking? There’s Skiddaw and Blencathra, but don’t forget Grizedale Pike and Catbells, a fell that is popular with walkers of all ages and abilities.
Little is known about the early history of Keswick, but St Kentigern is known to have preached at Crosthwaite (to the east of the town centre) in AD 556. A Norman church was built on the spot in 1181, followed by a small settlement.
The church apparently attracted unofficial markets following church services. This caused much contention until a market charter was granted in 1276 to a small cheese dairy not far away on the banks of the river Greta. This was the start of Keswick, whose name translates as ‘cheese farm'.
As Keswick grew in size, the original settlement at Crosthwaite declined, leaving the church isolated.
Prosperity came to Keswick in the 16th century with the extraction of minerals from the surrounding fells. With no local mining expertise, skilled German miners were drafted in to work the copper and lead mines in the Newlands Valley, and a large smelting plant was established at Brigham (where the A66 road bridge crosses the river Greta).
The later discovery of wadd (graphite) at Seathwaite in Borrowdale gave rise to around 14 pencil manufacturing businesses in the area, one of which - the Cumberland Pencil Company - was operational in Keswick up to 2007.
Blencathra - Set near Skiddaw forest overlooking the River Greta in the north of the Lake District, Blencathra is one of the county's most renowned peaks.
Borrowdale - From above the shores of Derwentwater, Borrowdale presents an impressive picture - high peaks reflected in the lovely lake. The valley is a paradise for all walkers with low and high routes to suit all tastes. It's a playground for rock climbers too.
Castlerigg Stone Circles - Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles, with panoramic views and the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop.
Latrigg Fell - Latrigg is Keswick’s premier viewpoint. It sits in a superb position high above the northern edge of town with its back nestled against Skiddaw’s towering flanks and its front and sides open across the whole Vale of Derwent. From its lofty summit you can sit and have a fantastic time spotting almost the whole of the Lake District’s central fells.
Saturday 22nd June 2024 Distance: 26km / 16.1 miles Fell walking Challenge fundraising in aid of…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the…
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Newlands Valley
Saturday 22nd June 2024
Distance: 26km / 16.1 miles
Fell walking Challenge fundraising in aid of The MS Society. Start/Finish: Swinside Inn, Newlands Valley. The Family 5in5 Challenge will be held on Saturday 22nd Jude 2024 along side our Annual…
Keswick
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie movies, and live-streamed theatre, ballet and music.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
291 reviewsKeswick
It is traditional at Beltane to jump the 'Bel fire' for good luck and prosperity, to purify and heal. But why jump when you can walk across it..?
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
Cumbria
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable Crag), owes its existence to a colourful quarryman known as Moses Rigg.
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Cumbria
Mountain passes have been important thoroughfares in the Lake District ever since people needed to travel from one valley to another, because the distance around the mountains was usually very long. This scenic and atmospheric walk follows these old…
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
The English , Buttermere
Building on site for over 1000yrs. First licensed 1735 as a coaching inn. Nestles between 2 lakes Buttermere and Crummock. Surrounded by famous peaks, Haystacks, Red Pike and Great Gable.
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Keswick
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to the Earth, and symbolises the beginning of our personal harvest as the season begins to slow.
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred…
Keswick
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience the rewards of Surprise View.
Cumbria
This modest mountain occupies an important position at the head of the Buttermere valley and is surrounded by a diverse and interesting range of peaks. To the south is the towering crags of the Pillar range whilst to the north is the slightly…
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Cockermouth
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the Lakes Distillery (www.lakesdistillery.com) and is named after their iconic "The One" whisky. The course starts and finishes at the distillery, taking…
Keswick
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater and Keswick. Close to Scafell Pike and the high fells. On the Coast to Coast route. It is an ideal base for a walking/hiking holiday. Double/twin and…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Beautiful natural slate products from England's last working mine. Forces of nature formed this rugged corner of the lake district over 450 million years ago – its legacy today is honister green slate. With quality unique and bespoke gifts that last…
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
393 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL