Newlands Church

Pink skies over a countryside town surrounded by mountains and trees

Overview

Newlands Church is just outside the hamlet of Little Town, near Keswick in the Lake District National Park. It’s a picturesque white building which dates right back to the 16th century. Inside, you can soak up the peace and tranquillity of this ecclesiastical building, while outside, you can explore the fascinating churchyard.

If you’re looking for a free indoor activity to do near Keswick when it’s raining, then taking a look around Newlands Church is a great option. Don’t forget to bring your waterproofs so you can discover the pretty little churchyard and admire the outside of the building. It’s also a good place to stop off on your way to the fells or as a starting point for a hike.

In late January, the churchyard is full of snowdrops, and then, later on in the spring, a host of golden daffodils!

Little Town

Little Town, or Littletown as it’s sometimes known, is a hamlet in the Newlands Valley, near to Keswick. The village dates back to the 1100s and is full of historic buildings. There are several trails and paths leading directly from the village through the nearby hills and forests, making it popular with walkers.

Is Newlands Church accessible?

Newlands Church is accessible to most. There is level access to the main areas of the church and accessible toilets inside.

Is there anywhere to get something to eat in Little Town?

Although there are no cafes or restaurants in Little Town itself, there are several within close driving distance, including:

Swinside Inn
Borrowdale Gates Hotel Restaurant
Grange Bridge Cottage Tea Shop
The Leathes Head Restaurant
The Borrowdale Hotel Dining Room

Walks from Newlands Church

There are several walks in the stunning countryside surrounding Newlands Church, with something to suit everyone. From relaxed strolls to long-distance treks, no matter your walking style, you’ll find a fantastic walk here.

Walks include:

•    A short Newlands Valley circular walk (1.5 miles/2.4 kilometres)
•    Newlands Round including three Wainwrights (10 miles/16 kilometres)
•    Newlands Valley low level circular (4.5 miles/7.3 kilometres)

Newlands Church and Beatrix Potter

When she was a child, famous author and illustrator Beatrix Potter visited the Lake District every summer with her parents. Her first visit was in 1882, and she moved there in 1905 when she bought Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey with the proceeds from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

One of her books, The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, is set in the Newlands Valley. Beatrix’s sketches of Catbells, Skelgill, and Little Town all make it into the book. Beatrix visited Newlands Church and got to know the vicar and his family during the summer of 1901 when she was staying nearby at Lingholme.

Lucie Carr, the vicar’s daughter, used to play with Beatrix’s pet hedgehog, and so inspired the character of Lucie in the book. The book has a dedication to Lucie inside.

Newlands Church and William Wordsworth

Beatrix Potter is not the only famous literary figure to have visited Newlands Church. William Wordsworth went in 1826 with his daughter, and it is thought to have inspired the poem To May. Inside the church, you will see a monument to this.

How to get to Newlands Church from YHA Keswick

Newlands Church is around 5.8 miles (9.3 kilometres) from YHA Keswick. The best way to get there is by driving. Unfortunately, the journey is not served by public transport.

By car: Driving from YHA Keswick to Newlands Church should take about 20 minutes. There is free on-street parking available outside the church.