A Visitor's Guide To Keswick
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Keswick is the main market town in the northern half of the Lake District and is frequently referred to as the 'Queen of the Lakes' due to it being in the centre of a ring of high mountains and fells. Keswick sits between the picturesque lakes of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite, and at the start of the beautiful Borrowdale Valley. Overlooking the town is Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain at 3054ft (931m). Keswick has a resident population of just less than 5000, yet over the holiday season there are over 1.5 million visitors. Keswick is a Fair Trade town gaining recognition in January 2005.
In the centre of Keswick is the Moot Hall. This famous landmark has been a store, prison and museum, but is now home to the Tourist Information Centre run by the Lake District National Park Authority. The town centre is free from traffic and has many cafés with outdoor seating giving the town a continental feel. There are many outdoor shops including George Fishers, Cotswold Outdoors and Blacks. Keswick is famed for its Pencil Factory and Pencil Museum, while the factory has moved out of the town the museum is still open and hosts drawings events throughout the year.
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Keswick Cottages
Cottages in Keswick are a popular choice for self catering holidays. They can offer charm and character which add to the holiday experience. It is in such properties that you will still find an open fire or log stove.
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Jasmine Cottage
This cosy cottage in the centre of Keswick is ideal for couples and young families. The accommodation consists of one double bedroom and a bunk-bedded room. Pet friendly cottage. |
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Glendera
This is a cosy, terraced cottage with a great deal of charm and comfort. Glendera accommodates 4 people in 2 doubles and a single. There is a small patio at the rear of the property that overlooks the River Greta. This property welcomes pets and has an open coal fire in the lounge. |
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Duck Pool
Located in a row of what used to be bobbin makers cottages, Duck Pool provides accommodation for four people in two doubles and a single. This is a dog friendly cottage and has a log burning stove in the lounge. |
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Valentine’s Cottage
Accommodating five people in three bedrooms, this cottage is just round the corner from This cottage has full central heating and is dog friendly. |
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Bessy Boot
A traditional, large terraced property and is just a short walk from the centre of Keswick. The accommodation consists of two double bedrooms (one with an en-suite shower room, two twin bedded rooms, a family bathroom and separate cloakroom. 1 – 2 dogs by prior arrangement. |
Places To Visit In Keswick
Here’s our pick of the places to visit in Keswick during your stay in the Lake District.
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Keswick Cars Of The Stars Motor Museum – this attraction has now closed. |
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Keswick Pencil Museum – The Pencil Museum, Keswick is a firm favourite with children and adults alike, and a useful place to stock up on drawing and painting equipment. |
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Keswick Museum – Full of unusual and interesting exhibits. |
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Keswick Cinema – Alhambra – a small, cosy cinema with a balcony circle. Shows general releases plus film club specials. |
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The Puzzle Museum – an entertaining place to visit, especially on a rainy day. Lots of illusions and some fun hands-on exhibits. |
Food Shopping in Keswick
There are two main supermarkets in Keswick – Booths and the Co-op. Both are open from 8.00am to 8.00pm Mon – Sat and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sundays. On Bank Holidays we will post Booths Keswick Easter and Christmas opening hours here. In addition, there are several smaller shops, notably Open All Hours on St. John’s Street and Spar. The two garages in town also have a Londis where you can buy food basics. Keswick Market Day is held on Thursday and Saturday. Here you can buy local produce, including cheese, fish, sausages & bacon, and pies & pickles.
Keswick Events and Festivals
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Keswick plays host to a number of well-attended festivals and events throughout the year. Many of the events are over-subscribed and advance booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Keswick Convention, whose aim is "the advancement of the (Christian) religion", takes place over 3-weeks at the middle of July / beginning of August and attracts over 6,000 visitors. Keswick Beer Festival also attracts over six thousand people and usually takes place during the first week of June. Other events include:
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Keswick Parks
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There are two main parks in the town - Fitz Park (split in to upper and lower) and Hope Park (which runs in to Crow Park). At Fitz Park there are tennis courts, a bowling green and a Children's Play Area, while at Hope Park you can play Pitch & Put or Crazy Golf or just enjoy an ice cream from the Kiosk.
A scenic viewpoint within walking distance of the town is Friar's Crag - a rock promontory jutting out in to Derwentwater. There is an excellent view up the lake towards the 'Jaws of Borrowdale' and of the encircling fells. A little further along Derwentwater foreshore you can hire rowing boats or simply take a trip on the Keswick Launch which stops at various points around the lake.
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