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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.
Glaramara Hotel is situated at the southern end of the Borrowdale Valley close to Lake Derwentwater…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Rowling End Farm and The Mouse House Rowling End are located in the Newlands Valley, with private…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest…
Moses Trod, the high-level path that skirts the base of Great Gable's impressive north face (Gable…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Hendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviewsCockermouth
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery nights really are like no other. Seated on our stunning steam train and surrounded by 1930’s decor, you will be transported to an era gone by whilst the…
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
Loweswater is a small hamlet situated between Loweswater and Crummock waters. It is home to The Kirkstile Inn which has been providing food and shelter for some 400 hundred years, and now has it's very own brewery.
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…
Borrowdale, Keswick
Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports and Borrowdale, close to Keswick is the perfect place to have your first experience of outdoor rock climbing as it is close to where some of the first ever rock climbs were completed. There are…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsThe loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
809 reviewsPortinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most northerly of the lakes and is also one of the largest.
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and mindful activities & retreats to connect you with nature and our beautiful and ancient Lakeland Landscape. Forest bathing, mindfulness, foraging, full…
Crow Park Road, Keswick
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Keswick
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced products with a Breakfast Award. All prices include breakfast. Home from home, warm and welcoming. Recently refurbished to a high standard.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead.
This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Lake Rd, Keswick
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a guided walk along the accessible path on the Derwent Water shore.
Join ranger Roy as he guides you along Derwent Water, taking in the views across the…
Keswick
Not only is the Scafell Hotel in one of the most stunning locations in the Lake District, but great food, great wine, great beer and of course great service makes our 2 AA Rosette restaurant an eating destination.
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