Lake District National Park Guide, 11K


Lake District Guide, Link to Home Page, 4K

Lake District Guide, Link to Lake District A-Z, 4K

Lake District Guide, Link to Accommodation in the Lake District, 4K

Lake District Guide, Link to Other UK Town Guides, 4K

Lake District Guide, Link to UK Travel Advice, 4K



    Keswick and Around

    | Keswick | Castlerigg Stone Circle | Cumberland Pencil Museum |


    Lake District Guide, Derwentwater, 10K

    Derwentwater


    Keswick

    The town of Keswick is situated close to Derwentwater in the northern region of the Lake District National Park.

    This makes it a very popular base from which to explore the region, and as a result it can become very crowed during the summer months.

    Keswick is also popular because it is an ideal starting off point for climbing some of England's most spectacular peaks, including Skiddaw, Blencathra and of course England's highest mountain Scafell Pike.

    The appeal of Keswick to climbers and hikers is particularly evident in the massive profusion of shops selling walking and climbing gear - this is definitely the place to head to pick up a new pair of walking boots!

    For the less energetic why not take a boat trip on Derwentwater, or visit the Cumberland Pencil Museum.

    Or visit one of Keswick's most famous landmarks - the Castlerigg Stone Circle.

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    Castlerigg Stone Circle

    This ancient stone circle, dating back some four thousand years, is set in the stunning landscape of the hills behind Keswick.

    Thirty-eight stones, some as tall as eight feet, make up an oval that's around a hundred feet in diameter. Within the circle are ten more stones making a rectangular configuration.

    Although the purpose of the circle isn't really known, it is believed that it would have originally been used as a calendar of some kind.

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    Cumberland Pencil Museum

    In the 16th century graphite was discovered in the hills surrounding Keswick, a discovery that was to have a dramatic impact on the town.

    At first the graphite was used for making moulds, but once pencils had been invented Keswick soon became an important centre for the pencil making industry.

    By the late 18th century the industry had gone into decline, and today there is only one remaining factory, attached to which is a museum tracing the history of graphite use and pencils.

    The Cumberland Pencil Museum is located on Main Street, to the west of the town centre. It is open daily from 9.30am to 4pm. Admission costs around £2.50 for adults.

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