Keswick

The heart of Keswick is traditionally its market place which has been renovated into a pedestrian area of shops, dining, pubs and hotels. Nature is still prevelant even in the town centre, with pretty parks and wooded areas blending with the superb Lakeland backdrop. These important parts of Keswick's well maintained appearance have won it several national awards, European commendation and the hearts of many visitors.

Keswick forms part of the incredible Lake District National Park which offers a broad choice of holiday style; from calm tranquillity, to vibrant and exciting sports pursuits. The area abounds with historic sites, activities, welcoming villages and warm, friendly local people.

The landscape of the Northern Lake District ranges from the rugged central volcanic mountains to the smoother outlines and wide open countryside found along the valley floors, offering visual delights at every turn. This is a wonderful area in which to enjoy a wide choice of outdoor activities; walkers and climbers, fishermen, rafting enthusiasts, riders and golfers are particularly well catered for here.

Keswick has a surprising range of shops and you will be spoilt for choice. The friendly service is a pleasure too, both in the shops and the weekly markets around the Moot Hall. With four museums, art and craft galleries, cinema and the successful and all year round Theatre by the Lake, there is always plenty to do for all the family.

Few visitors come to Keswick without enjoying the short walk to the lakeshore and the boat landings from where rowing and small motor boats can be hired; the regular launch service around the lake also starts from here. Another five minutes walk brings you to Friar's Crag with its outstanding views across the lake and Borrowdale. There is a climbing wall for the more adventurous as well as a leisure pool, tennis and bowls.

On the nearby hilltop of Castlerigg, the 4000 year old Stone Circle overlooks Keswick in its lush valley setting on the shores of Derwentwater. The founding of St Kentigern's Church in AD533, early lead mining, quarrying, farming and the growth of pencil manufacture are all in evidence here as an historic backdrop for today's visitor to explore. Famous literary names too, such as Ruskin, Coleridge, Wordsworth and Southey, were influential in attracting the early tourists with their vivid portrayals of what visitors were missing.

The name 'Keswick' is said to mean 'cheese farm' and is first recorded as a settlement in 1240. Its origins as a market town though, date back to 1276 when Edward I granted Thomas, Lord of the Manor of Derwentwater a charter to hold a Saturday market, which still continues today. The Moot Hall in the Market Square was used in the past as a covered market, a courthouse, a museum and a prison so has many an echo of the past within its walls.