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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
Number of results: 264
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Troutbeck, Penrith
Rookin House offers a wide range of activities including Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Go-Karting, Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Stalwart Army truck, Paintballing, Air Rifles and many more!
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
528 reviewsCockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
COCKERMOUTH
2 electric bike charging points, located at Bassenthwaite Lake Station Cafe. Charging facility is provided free to paying customers only, in exchange for a donation to a chosen charity which will change each year.
KESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 15 spaces.
This is a small and usually very popular car park. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe…
Pay & Display car park with 32 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 35 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Nr Keswick
Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 45 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 40 spaces.
At 350m altitude, this is a good place to gain height before heading for the summits or to start a downhill walk and catch the bus back up.
The car park is off the B5289 at the summit of Honister Pass between…
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 22 spaces.
Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park on the shores of Derwent Water. A great place for water-sports, bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, unload and set off for the islands.…
KESWICK
Pay & Display car park with 10 spaces.
This is a small pay-and-display car park with a huge view across Derwent Water to Skiddaw and even Scotland on a clear day. For your convenience, you can pay-by-phone to park here.
Surprise View is 3.5 miles…
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
KESWICK
Pay & Display Car park with 35 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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