Lake District Cities, Towns and Villages
There's more to the Lakes than mountains, rivers and Lakes - The Lake District is alive with bustling market towns; amazing shopping destinations, and home to many artisan and boutique businesses. Let us show you around!
Keswick
North Lakes
A bustling little market town with character.
Penrith
North Lakes
A quirky little Town with lots to explore.
Bowness & Windermere
Central Lakes
Two unique Villages- one big lake!
Kendal
South Lakes
A good-sized town & shopping hub
Ambleside
Central Lakes
Cafes and boutiques abound in these narrow village streets!
Grasmere
Central/North Lakes
A walker's and art lover's paradise - try the Gingerbread!
Carlisle
North Lakes
A bustling city with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.
Hawkshead
Central Lakes
A hidden treasure and the home of Hawkshead Relish - yum!
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The History of Keswick
The earliest sign of settlement in Keswick is of course Castlerigg Stone Circle; presumed to be over 5000 years old, and possibly the oldest preserved stone circle in England! The town's name reflects the Viking influence in the the area (around 10th Century BC), the meaning widely accepted to mean 'Cheese Town'; probably because of the Norsemen's introduction and breeding of Herdwick sheep in the area- which would have supplied the town with a great supply of cheese; as well as both meat and fleece.
Keswick became a Market town in 1276, with the granting of a Market Charter by King Edward I.
Slate, Copper and Graphite mining made Keswick a very wealthy and well populated town in the 16th Century, some mining near Keswick still takes place to this day. The wealth of Graphite around Keswick in the late 1600s meant that Keswick became Britain's main manufacturer of pencils - The Kings pencils still come from Keswick to this day. A visit to Keswick Pencil museum is a must for any history or art buff!
Although Keswick and the Lake District was already becoming a tourist hot-spot back in the 18th Century; renowned for its outstanding beauty, and a draw to painters, walkers and poets alike- it was the introduction of the railway in the Victorian era that really cemented Keswick as a true holiday destination- for families, couples on romantic weekends, walkers and anyone in need of some relaxation... this is still true today.
Things to do in Keswick
There are so many things to do and places to explore in Keswick, here is a list of just a few great attractions worth a visit.
- Castlerigg Stone Circle - Ancient Stone Circle on the ouskirts of Keswick, overlooking the town and lake.
- Fitz Park - Situated next to the Lake, a great place for a family picnic, and host to lots of great events through the year.
- The Pencil Museum - A great way to learn more about Keswick's history of pencil making, and try your hand at drawing.
- Puzzling Place - Fantastic family entertainment! Nothing is what it seems in this museum of illusions.
- Peter Rabbit and Friends - A magical toy shop in the heart of Keswick
- King Kong Climbing wall - Learn to climb with the family, or try your strength on the Ice wall or in the bouldering room!
- Alhambra Cinema - Keswick's own newly refurbished old fashioned cinema, showing both Box Office Hits and independant films.
- Theatre by the Lake - Book in to see one of their fantastic productions any time of year.
- Honister Slate Mine - Go on a mine tour, climb inside the mine, or head outside for an exciting Via Ferratta!!
Facts about Keswick
- Population - (est) 4,821
- District in Cumbria - Allerdale
- Local Landmarks - Castlerigg Stone Circle, The Moot Hall, Cumberland Pencil Museum, The Bowder Stone, Millican's Cave
- Nearby Lakes - Derwentwater, Thirlmere, Buttermere, Bassenthwaite
- Nearby Peaks - Catbells, Scafell Pike, Skiddaw, Helvellyn
The history of Penrith
Once the capital of Cumbria, this well positioned town has it's own castle and some very interesting and ancient history.
Penrith was in the 9th and 10th Century, the Capitol of Cumbria and once part of the kingdom of Scotland and Strathclyde - some of the oldest streets in Penrith date from the 13th Century.
The building of Penrith Castle began in 1399 and became the eventual home of Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
On your next visit to Penrith, make sure to walk up Beacon hill, where a monument has stood since 1719, marking the spot where beacons were historically lit in times of war and emergency - right back to the times of Henry VIII.
Things to do in Penrith
There are so many things to do and places to explore in Penrith, here is a list of just a few great attractions worth a visit.
- Rheged Centre - Cinema, indoor play centre, cafe and much more- great for kids!
- Penrith Castle Park - a lovely park, encompassing the ruins of Penrith Castle
- Penrith Museum - Collections of fine art and heritage from the Penrith area
- Penrith Leisure Centre - Sports centre with classes and a swimming pool
- The National Trust, Acorn Bank - A garden well known for its fruit orchards. A wonder in the summer months!
Facts about Penrith
The history of Bowness and Windermere
Traditionally two separate fishing and farming villages, Bowness-on-Windermere and the village of Windermere benefited from exponential growth in the 19th Century, mainly due to it's desirability as a tourist destination and the arrival of a railway in 1847. Now officially considered one parish town (Windermere); Bowness-on-Windermere and Windermere are still two very unique places, with their own distinctive town-centres.
Things to do in Bowness and Windermere
With two distinct town centres, you get double the shopping; double the cafes and restaurants, and double the fun!
- Windermere Lake Cruises - Come rain or shine, this lovely little cruise around Lake Windermere is a must!
- The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction - Exhibitions, Gardens, Shop, Cafe and much more.
- Blackwell, The Arts and Crafts house - A real Lake District gem. Explore this original Arts and Crafts house.
- Kankku Off Road Driving - Explore the Lake District Off-Road, with this wild and exciting day out!
Facts about Windermere
The history of Kendal
Kendal is listed in the Doomsday book as part of Yorkshire, under the name of Cherchebi. In later years it was refered to as Kirkby Kendal- meaning 'having a church in the Valley of the River Kent'. Two miles South of the modern Kendal was situated a Roman Fort, dating around 90AD - many historical artifacts from this site can be seen at the Kendal Museum.
Kendal's main industry was always wool and cloth; home to the infamous Kendal-Green (cloth), worn by soldiers at Agincourt and Slaves in the Americas - even Shakespeare mentions Kendal Green in his play Henry IV part 1.
Kendal Mint Cake was an accidental discovery of Joseph Wiper, while he was trying to create a clear mint. Marketed as the energy food of the time, Kendal Mint Cake supplied Earnest Shackleton's 1914 Antarctic expedition and subsequent expeditions to the likes of Everest and K2. Be sure to pick some up while you're exploring Kendal!
Things to do in Kendal
Enjoy exploring the Yards and Main Streets of Kendal's town centre - With plenty of shops and restaurants, you wont be short of things to do.
- Sizergh Castle - A wonderful National trust property with beautiful gardens and tea-room.
- Museum of Lakeland Life - Kendal's museum, showcasing local Lake District history and culture.
- Hawkshead Brewery - Take a tour of one of the Lake District's finest breweries!
- Kendal Climbing Wall - Kids and adults, learners and experts; Kendal climbing wall has something for everyone.
- Levens Hall - Visit the Hall and gardens and their world renowned topiary, then the lovely cafe and gift shop to complete a good day out.
The history of Ambleside
Ambleside became a Charter Market town in 1650, making it an agricultural and wool trading centre in the Lakes. The workplace of William Wordsworth from 1813 and the home of Harriet Martineau from 1846.
Bridge House is probably the best known landmark in Ambleside; having been built on a bridge over Stock Ghyll more than 300 years ago. The National Trust manage this quirky little Grade 1 property now and use it as a Trust information centre.
Things to do in Ambleside
This little village is full of interesting boutique and outdoor shops; fabulous restaurants, and lots of character.
- Armitt Museum - A museum, Gallery and library, all in one! The Armit museum is your one-stop-shop for Lakes heritage.
- Zeferellis - This Pizza house and boutique cinema combo is one of the top places to visit in Ambleside.
- Bridge House - One of the tiniest buildings in Britain; this National Trust owned listed building is a must-see, selfie op!
- Loughrigg Fell - A short hill-walk that many visitors to Ambleside like to do; allowing spectacular views over Rydal Water and Windermere.
- Rydal Mount - The last family home of William Wordsworth, and still occupied by his decendants. House and Gardens open to the public.
Facts about Ambleside
The history of Grasmere
The history of Grasmere has been most marked by its notable characters over the years. Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth between 1799 and 1813 is now a National Trust property, welcoming visitors with its popular museum. Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) is also known to have spent time at Dove Cottage.
The original meaning of Grasmere is simply 'the lake by the long grass'
Sarah Nelsons Gingerbread was invented in 1854 by Victorian cook and pioneering female entrepreneur, Sarah Nelson; the spicy, sweet treat and the history of Sarah Nelson still attracts tourists to the original Grasmere Ginger Bread shop to this day.
Things to do in Grasmere
Grasmere is a unique destination for walkers, art lovers and those who love the charm of the Lakes.
- Allan Bank - William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy moved to this house overlooking Grasmere lake in 1808. It is now owned by the National Trust, having once been the home of its co-founder, Canon Rawnsley.
- St. Oswald’s Church and Wordsworth’s Grave - This rustic, ancient little church homes the graves of both William and Dorothy Wordsworth, as well as a beautiful daffodil garden, planted in their honour.
- Rydal Cave - Siting above Rydal Water, this old mining cave is the perfect spot for a family picnic!
- Sarah Nelsons Old Gingerbread Shop - A visit to Grasmere would not be complete without trying some of Sarah Nelson's famous Gingerbread!
- The Lion and The Lamb - This iconic Lakeland Fell (actually called Helm Crag) towers over Grasmere village, with its famous lion and lamb shaped rocky crag at the very top. A worthy Wainwright walk for any keen hiker.
The history of Hawkshead
Originally owned by the monks of Furness Abbey, Hawkshead became and important wool market in Medieval times- going on to earn it's Market Charter during the reign of James 1st.
The Poet William Wordsworth was educated at Hawkshead Grammar School and Beatrix Potter lived nearby.
With the formation of the Lake District National Park in 1951, Hawkshead became a tourism hot-spot, attracting visitors to this tranquil and (still) traditional farming village. There are many buildings of architectural and historical interest in Hawkshead, most of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Find out more HERE
Things to do in Hawkshead
A visit to Hawkshead would not be complete with a beautiful, scenic walk - and a spot of cake of course!
- Latterbarrow - A five mile round walk, taking in stunning views of the surrounding Lakeland Valleys.
- Hawkshead Brewery - Take a tour of this unique Lake District brewery (and a few sneaky pints if you're not driving).
- Hawkshead Relish - This amazing local condiment company have a shop in Hawkshead- perfect for Lake District gifts.
- Sun Cottage Cafe - Well worth a visit, if only to ogle at their gigantic cakes! A great stop after a long walk.
