7 Night Rambles with a Sketchbook in the Northern Lake District
Let the Lake District spark your creativity as you sketch some of the very same scenes that inspired so many artists over the centuries. Enjoy a range of walks, guided by an HF Holidays Leader, and capture the timeless beauty of Derwentwater and the surrounding lakes with the help of an expert art tutor. Perfect for those who’ve experienced our Introduction to Drawing breaks but also open to beginners, this holiday allows you to develop your artistic skills while drawing inspiration from stunning surroundings.
What you’ll love
- Developing your sketching skills
- Exploring the local area with an HF Holidays Leader
- Having an expert art tutor on hand for advice and guidance
- Building your expertise and trying new techniques
- Small groups of 15 people or fewer
What’s included
- Expert tuition with a HF art tutor
- Loan of wooden A3 art boards
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- A trip on the Ullswater Steamer
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- 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
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
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.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Ascent: 140m (460 feet)
Descent: 150m (500 feet)
We’ll start our Rambles with a Sketchbook holiday with a shorter walk, through Borrowdale, starting at the Bowder Stone. This 2000-tonne boulder fell to the ground over 10,000 years ago and has been a source of wonder for Lake District visitors for many years. Our walk will then continue down to the shores of Ullswater towards Manesty.
Distance: 7km (4½ miles)
Ascent: 125m (400 feet)
Descent: 335m (1,100 feet)
On today’s walk, we’ll start atop Latrigg: one of the smallest Lake District fells but one which packs a punch with its wide-ranging views over Keswick and Derwentwater. Our route will mostly consist of gradual descent today, so please bring walking poles if desired. We will have time to stop and sketch in Keswick too, where the stone and slate buildings offer a different artistic subject.
Discover more about Derwent Bank and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
Distance: 7km (4½ miles)
Ascent: 140m (460 feet)
This circular walk encompasses the whole of Buttermere, starting and ending in the village. It is a low-level walk which mainly follows the lakeshore, but we’ll be surrounded by some mighty peaks, such as Fleetwith Pike, High Stile, and Haystacks, that will surely provide inspiration for our artwork.
Distance: 6.5km (4 miles)
Ascent: 210m (700 feet)
Descent: 320m (1,050 feet)
Set above the town of Keswick, Castlerigg Stone Circle is not only the start point of our walk, but an intriguing subject matter set amongst dramatic scenery. Our ‘ramble’ will then take us over Walla Crag and Falcon Crag, before dropping down towards Ashness Bridge. Please note: portions of this walk will be rocky underfoot and there may be loose stone.
Distance: 5.5km (3½ miles)
Ascent: 50m (150 feet)
Descent: 200m (600 feet)
Our final walk takes us to Ullswater, the second largest lake in England. We’ll start up in Dockray before descending to the lakeshore beside Aira Force, a dramatic series of waterfalls surrounded by peaceful woodland. Next, we take the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, before taking one final stroll along the lakeshore to capture a different perspective on Ullswater.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Derwent Bank
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.
Rooms
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
About your stay
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.
Food & drink
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.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Derwent Bank
Getting to Derwent Bank
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
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.
2025 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.
What to Bring
On our Rambles with a Sketchbook holidays, you will carry all kit with you throughout your walks and will not have access to the coach for the duration of the day. We advise packing light wherever possible.
For Sketching
- H/HB/B pencils
- Sketchbook with good quality cartridge paper – size to suit (A4 is popular)
- Pencil sharpener
- Eraser
- Portable and lightweight easel and stool (optional)
- Wider range of pencils or graphite sticks (optional)
For Walking
To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. Please bring a rucksack, a thermos flask for a hot drink, a water bottle (at least 1 litre) and first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed).
Derwent Bank Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
12 Jun - 19 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,449 £1,399 pp |
from £1,449 £1,399 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
31 Jul - 07 Aug 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,449 £1,399 pp |
from £1,449 £1,399 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
7 nights
from
£1,449pp
£1,399pp
£50 off 7-nt country house holidays
or call 020 3974 8865
