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4 Night Guided Birdwatching in the Northern Lake District

Derwent Bank, Keswick
New holiday

■ Location: Lake District

■ Duration: 4 nights at an HF Country House

■ Availability : Nov 2026, Nov 2027

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Board Type: Full Board

■ Carbon Footprint: 85kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£699

pp

Members From

£669

pp

Members Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Join a group of likeminded nature enthusiasts on a guided exploration of the Northern Lake District’s best birdwatching sites. Beginner or seasoned birder, you’ll head out each day with an expert ornithologist who knows the habitats, can pick out a bird by its call, and help you identify different species before you've got your binoculars up. You’ll learn from both your experienced birdwatching leader and each other, so beginners can find their feet whilst practised birders add to their list. From transport to meals, everything is taken care of, leaving you free to enjoy sociable daily birdwatching and easy over-dinner conversation with people who share your interests.

Accommodation

HF Country House
Adored by poets, painters, and literary giants for centuries, the Lake District has always had an irresistible pull. It’s no surprise, then, that this country house near the market town of Keswick holds such appeal, not least for its setting in lovely grounds that slope down to the shores of Derwentwater. The location couldn’t be more perfect; to the west is Cat Bells, to the east is Keswick, Walla Crag, and Latrigg, and to the south is the entrance to the Borrowdale valley. There’s a wealth of big-name attractions within easy travelling distance, including Blencathra, Helvellyn, and Ullswater. Also visit-worthy for walkers is Scafell Pike for its well-trodden routes and trails and the 73-mile-long Cumbria Way for its mist-shrouded peaks, glacial valleys, and many excuses for pit-stops and picnics.
Derwent Bank Drone Wayne 1.jpg

What You’ll Love

  • Daily guided visits to the best birding sites in the area 

  • Having an expert ornithologist leader 

  • Visiting the Solway Firth, St Bees Head, Whinlatter Forest & more 

  • Chances to spot thousands of wading birds, ducks & geese, as well as birds of prey and smaller birdlife too 

  • Relaxing at our comfortable country house 

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house 

  • Local ornithologist leader 

  • All transport throughout the itinerary 

  • Cream tea on arrival day 

  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 

  • Daily packed lunches 

  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee 

  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently.  

Reviews

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

After dinner this evening, your local ornithologist leader will introduce themselves and the itinerary.

This morning we head to Whinlatter forest hoping to spot their resident red squirrels, as well as birdlife including crossbills, siskin, and other finches in their feeders. 

From there we’ll head to Bassenthwaite Lake, stopping to look for birds of prey such as buzzard, goshawk, red kite and peregrine and to admire the views over the water towards the Skiddaw range of mountains. 

Bassenthwaite Lake gives us the opportunity to see both woodland birds, as well as wildfowl, harriers and grebes, and if we’re lucky herds of red deer roaming the shores. 

 

We head north to the coast today, where the saltmarsh and peat bogs of the Solway Firth provide a rich patchwork of habitats, making this home to thousands of wading birds, ducks and geese. We’re on the lookout for teal, wigeon, shoveler, barnacle and greylag geese amongst others - about 30,000 Svalbard barnacle geese visit the Solway estuary each winter.  

Our base today is the RSPB Campfield Marsh and while it’s the perfect escape from flocks of tourists, we’re guaranteed crowds of the feathered variety. 

Our final day takes us to another coastal location. Wrap up warm as the famous cliffs at St Bees Head offer fantastic birdwatching but often some biting winds. Scan the waters for red-throated divers, common scoter and goldeneye, and keep an eye on the sky for merlins and sparrowhawks, hunting some of the smaller birds. We’ll follow the coast seeing what we can spot, until we reach the village of St Bees on a walk of approx. 2-3miles.  

This afternoon, we’ll stop at Loweswater, known as a habitat for red squirrels, roe deer and a variety of woodland and water birds. It’s also home to a cracking pub that offers a welcoming roaring fire and its serves own home brewed beer, too. The perfect place to raise a glass to the end of our birdwatching adventure together. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Accommodation

Derwent Bank, Keswick

Adored by poets, painters, and literary giants for centuries, the Lake District has always had an irresistible pull. It’s no surprise, then, that this country house near the market town of Keswick holds such appeal, not least for its setting in lovely grounds that slope down to the shores of Derwentwater. The location couldn’t be more perfect; to the west is Cat Bells, to the east is Keswick, Walla Crag, and Latrigg, and to the south is the entrance to the Borrowdale valley. There’s a wealth of big-name attractions within easy travelling distance, including Blencathra, Helvellyn, and Ullswater. Also visit-worthy for walkers is Scafell Pike for its well-trodden routes and trails and the 73-mile-long Cumbria Way for its mist-shrouded peaks, glacial valleys, and many excuses for pit-stops and picnics.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

•  40 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 54 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Full-board (including cream tea on arrival)  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  2 travel cots & high chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounge  •  Garden  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Derwent Bank has 40 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: Room 12 for its extra space and lovely views across the gardens and Derwentwater. Rooms 46, 47, 48, and 49 are first-floor garden rooms, each with their own balcony. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Derwent Bank

Getting here

Address

Derwent Bank
Portinscale
Nr Keswick
Cumbria CA12 5TY

Tel: +44 (0)1768 773667

By train

The nearest station is Penrith, on the main line between London and Glasgow. 

Check National Rail for train times and routes.

By shared transfer

If you’re travelling to or from Derwent Bank on Mondays or Fridays or over the festive period, you can join our group transfer from Penrith Railway Station.

2026 prices are £64 per person for a return transfer or £32 per person for a single transfer.

Outward journey: Depart Penrith Railway Station at 16:50; arrive at Derwent Bank at 17:30.

Return journey: Depart Derwent Bank at 09:15; arrive at Penrith Railway Station at 10:00.

Places are limited so booking is essential. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance by contacting:

HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Tel: +44 (0)203 974 8865
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk

By taxi

The 20-mile journey from Penrith railway station to Derwent Bank takes about 40 minutes by taxi in normal traffic conditions. 

For pricing, please contact A Cab Taxis directly.

A Cabs Penrith
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, A Cabs Penrith*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)7482 289021
Email: acabspenrith@gmail.com

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Derwent Bank.

By bus

The X5 bus runs approximately every hour from Penrith station and the journey takes around 50 minutes. The nearest bus stop is on the A66, about a three-quarter mile walk from the house.

As you alight the bus at the Portinscale bus stop, turn to your right and go down the road signposted to Portinscale, Grange, and the Newlands Valley. Follow this road through Portinscale village - Derwent Bank is on your left-hand side after the Derwentwater Marina.

Alternatively, catch the X4 or X5 bus to Keswick bus station and take a 10-minute taxi ride to Derwent Bank. We recommend booking a taxi in advance.

By car

There is a large car park at Derwent Bank if you decide to drive. 

From Penrith, you’ll need to leave the M6 motorway at junction 40, taking the A66 towards Keswick. After 17 miles you'll reach a roundabout - continue ahead following signs to Cockermouth and Workington. Turn left off the A66 towards Portinscale, Grange, and the Newlands Valley. Derwent Bank is about three quarters of a mile further on the left. 

By air

The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.  

There are direct trains every hour from Manchester Airport to Penrith and the journey time is about two hours.  

Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option but you’ll have a longer onward train journey – it could take at least 4.5 hours to reach Penrith. From Heathrow, take the train to London Paddington, then the London Underground to London Euston connecting to the main line train to Penrith, which takes three hours. 

More Information 

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The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   
Essentials  
  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated  
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Spotting scope and/or binoculars 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  
Recommended  
  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera 
  • First-aid kit 
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Packing list

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated  

  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  

  • Waterproof overtrousers  

  • Gloves and a warm hat  

  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 

  • Spotting scope and/or binoculars 

  • Flask for hot drinks   

  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  

  • Sunscreen  

  • UV sunglasses  

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  

  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  

  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 

  • Sit mat   

  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  

  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  

  • Wallet/purse  

  • Camera 

  • First-aid kit 

Carbon Footprint - 85kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more
John Miles

John has many years of experience leading birdwatching tours across Britain and internationally, ranging from long weekends to two-week cruises. He is also a regular contributor to Birdwatching magazine and has authored books on the best places to watch birds in Northern England.

Code: DBK04-WBR05

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Dates & availability

4 Night Guided Birdwatching in the Northern Lake District

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£699

pp

Members

£669

pp
Single rooms

£739

pp

£709

pp
Book Now

30 Nov - 4 Dec 2026

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£699

pp

Members

£669

pp
Single rooms

£739

pp

£709

pp
Book Now

2027

29 Nov - 3 Dec 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£789

pp

Members

£759

pp
Single rooms

£829

pp

£799

pp
Book Now
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We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.

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