The Borrowdale Hotel
A historic country-house hotel in the Borrowdale Valley near Keswick, with 40 bedrooms, all-day dining, dog-friendly rooms, free parking and Lake District walks from the doorstep.
About The Borrowdale Hotel
The Borrowdale Hotel is a long-established country-house hotel in the heart of the Borrowdale Valley, around four miles south of Keswick on the B5289. Set at the foot of Shepherds Crag near the southern end of Derwentwater, it combines a traditional Lake District hotel atmosphere with modern bedrooms, dining and practical facilities for walkers, couples, families and dog owners.
The hotel has welcomed guests since 1866 and was one of the first coaching inns built in the Borrowdale Valley. Historic details remain part of the building, including the original room bells displayed near reception, while the hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment over the years.
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Rooms at The Borrowdale Hotel
The hotel has 40 bedrooms, with accommodation across Prestige Plus, Prestige, Classic and Standard categories. Rooms combine traditional character with modern comforts, and facilities listed by the hotel include en-suite bathrooms, televisions, free Wi-Fi, tea-making facilities, hairdryers, mineral water, toiletries, daily housekeeping and comfortable Sealy beds.
Family accommodation is available, including family suites, travel cots and extra beds for children at an additional charge. The hotel also has four easy-access ground-floor rooms designed for guests who may find stairs difficult, with parking immediately outside. Guests with specific mobility, bathroom or step-free access requirements should confirm the exact room layout with the hotel before booking.
Food and drink
The Borrowdale Hotel welcomes both residents and non-residents for food and drink. Its dining spaces include the main restaurant, bar, traditional lounges, conservatory and gardens, giving visitors a choice between formal restaurant dining and more relaxed food or drinks after a day exploring Borrowdale.
The restaurant serves seasonal menus built around British dishes and local ingredients, alongside traditional favourites. One of the hotel's distinctive features is its silver carving trolley, while a glass-fronted walk-in wine cellar holds an extensive selection of wines and champagnes.
Current published food service runs from 7.30am until 9pm daily. Breakfast is currently served from 7.30am to 9.30am, lunch from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm. The lounges, conservatory and garden have food service from 12pm to 9pm, while afternoon tea is currently available seven days a week from 12pm to 5pm. Menus and service times can change, so check the hotel before making a special journey.
The hotel also runs its all-you-can-eat Sunday carvery, currently served from 12pm to 4pm on Sundays. Seasonal dining events and special menus are offered at different times of year.
Dog-friendly stays
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in many of the hotel's bedrooms, and dog-free rooms can also be requested. Dog beds and bowls are available on request.
Dogs can join their owners in the hotel's dog-friendly lounges and conservatory, including for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dogs are not permitted in the main restaurant. Dog charges and direct-booking offers can change, so check the current terms when reserving a room.
Parking and getting there
The Borrowdale Hotel has ample free on-site parking at both the front and rear of the property. It is approximately four miles south of Keswick, following the B5289 into Borrowdale, and around 20 miles by road from Penrith and M6 Junction 40 via the A66.
The nearest main-line railway station is Penrith North Lakes. The hotel states that transfers from Penrith can be arranged on request for an additional charge. Visitors using public transport should check current local bus timetables before travelling.
Exploring Borrowdale and Derwentwater
The setting is one of the hotel's biggest strengths. Walks begin directly from the Borrowdale Valley, while Derwentwater, Lodore, the Bowder Stone and the wider Borrowdale fells are all nearby. Keswick is a short drive or bus journey to the north, making the hotel a useful base for exploring both the town and the quieter southern end of Derwentwater.
The lounges and conservatory provide places to relax after walking, while the gardens look across the valley and include mature trees dating back to the hotel's early history.
Good to know before booking
- Bedrooms: 40, including family accommodation and four easy-access ground-floor rooms.
- Dining: Restaurant, bar, lounges, conservatory and garden dining.
- Non-residents: Welcome for food and drink.
- Dogs: Welcome in many bedrooms, lounges and the conservatory, but not in the main restaurant.
- Parking: Free on-site parking at the front and rear.
- Location: Borrowdale Valley, approximately four miles south of Keswick.
- Booking: Direct online room booking is available through the hotel's official booking system.
Information checked 11 August 2026. Room rates, packages, dining times, menus, dog charges and individual room facilities can change. Confirm any essential requirements directly with The Borrowdale Hotel before travelling.
Worth It
A particularly useful Borrowdale base for visitors who want to step straight out into Lake District scenery without staying in central Keswick. The historic character, 40-room choice, all-day dining, free parking and genuinely dog-friendly lounge spaces give it broad appeal, especially for walking breaks and relaxed Derwentwater stays.
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