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Derwent Bank, Keswick ■ Location: Lake District
■ Duration: 7 nights at an HF Country House
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Jun-Oct 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Carbon Footprint: 142kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£1,349
ppMembers From
£1,319
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
Admiring the most beautiful landscapes of the Lake District
Visiting beautiful Buttermere with its dramatic mountain scenery
Discovering the story of Cumbria at Tullie House Museum
A cruise on a traditional Ullswater 'Steamer' and on the Keswick Launch
Exploring the gardens and grounds of the historic Dalemain and Mirehouse estates
A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 16 people)
Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
Guided sightseeing with an experienced HF Holidays 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.
Entrance included to: Honister slate mine tour, Keswick Launch boat trip, Ullswater Steamer boat trip, Dalemain House & Gardens, Tullie House Museum & curator tour, Threlkeld Quarry & Museum, Mirehouse & Gardens
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. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
After dinner this evening, your leader will introduce themselves and the itinerary.
Our first morning takes us over the famous Honister Pass to Honister Slate Mine for a tour of its historic tunnels. The mine lies below Fleetwith Pike, the iconic “fell” (mini mountain) that you see at the head of Buttermere. These mines have been worked for almost 400 years and are still in use today.
From Honister we head to the shores of Buttermere, where we’ve time to take in the scenery and explore the lake shore, before heading back over the pass and down to Derwentwater for a trip on the famous “Keswick Launch”, crossing the lake from Lodore to Hawes End. A short walk (1 mile, flat), from Hawes End takes us back to Derwent Bank, passing the beautiful gardens at Lingholm (once Beatrix Potter’s holiday home), where there’s time to stop for refreshment if we wish.
Today we'll travel through a series of picturesque northern Lakeland hamlets and villages to the town of Cockermouth where there’s the chance to visit the birthplace of the poet, William Wordsworth.
From Cockermouth we journey to the pretty fellside village of Caldbeck along the back road ‘Back o Skidda’, which offers fantastic views of Skiddaw itself. Arriving in Caldbeck, we’ll learn about Mary Robinson – otherwise known as the Maid of Buttermere – and about renowned huntsman John Peel.
Please note: Entrance to Wordsworth House is not included in the holiday price as many of our guests are already National Trust members and will receive free entrance upon showing their membership card – please remember to bring it. If you’re not a National Trust member, you can pay on the day.
Discover more about Derwent Bank and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
This morning begins with a visit to Dalemain Mansion, home of the Marmalade Awards, where there will be plenty of time to explore the house and gardens. It’s then on to Aira Force, an impressive waterfall hidden amongst the leafy foliage of an arboretum, known as a prime spot for sightings of the red squirrels. From Aira Force we head to Glenridding, where we take a wonderful cruise along Ullswater on the ‘Steamer’. The perfect end to our tour of the far eastern fells.
Please note: The trails at Aira Force, though well-trodden, can be slippery underfoot after rain. Walking shoes/boots will be required.
A visit to Tullie House Museum and a walk around the streets of Carlisle passing highlights including the guildhall, cathedral, and castle, reveal the story of this historic border city.
We’re treated to a tour of Tullie House Museum guided by the curator who talks us through the different ages of Carlisle.
There will be free time to explore the city, too. If you’ve English Heritage membership, you might be interested in visiting medieval Carlisle castle. Alternatively, there are many shops and attractions to discover.
Our return journey back to Derwent Bank takes us along the Solway coast to the end of the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. We'll see that here, history and wildlife sit side by side amongst the sand dunes, salt marsh and mosses.
Our final day takes in some of northern Lakeland’s most famous landmarks for stunning views across both Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake. In the morning, we visit Threlkeld Quarry & Mining Museum where we’ll ride the rails on its 2ft narrow-gauge railway into the inner area to view the quarry faces.
Afterwards, there’ll be a stop at the much-photographed Castlerigg Stone Circle, before we spend our final afternoon relaxing in the scenic grounds of the historic Mirehouse estate which stretch down to the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
Helping you enjoy the Great Outdoors - A natural focus on walks
Walks talks and Discovery Points
Our founder, country pastor turned social innovator, Thomas Arthur Leonard, was passionate about encouraging people to explore the countryside. His legacy continues in HF's continued focus on walking. Many guests choose to travel with us on guided or self-guided walking holidays, and as such, evenings at our houses are often busy with walk leaders hosting various briefings and talks. On guided walking holiday arrival days, there are walking information briefings before dinner, and for the duration of any guided walking holiday there will be a Walks Talk before (or on occasion after dinner), to go through the following day's walk options. Self-guided walking guests, and those on special interest holidays (where there is free time to explore independently), are of course welcome to also join in these Walks Talks - please talk to the team locally if you have any queries. Our Discovery Points are filled with handy maps and route notes, designed to ensure everyone, not just those booked on a guided walking holiday, can enjoy the beautiful countryside settings that our HF houses enjoy.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, our HF Holidays Leaders run through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure walkers 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 |  |
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
Derwent Bank
Portinscale
Nr Keswick
Cumbria CA12 5TY
Tel: +44 (0)1768 773667
The nearest station is Penrith, on the main line between London and Glasgow.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weather conditions in the UK can vary throughout the day. Use the following list as a guide when preparing for your holiday.
Essentials
Sturdy footwear with good grip for spending much of the day on your feet
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof overtrousers
Sun hat
Rucksack with a waterproof liner
Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre
Sunscreen
UV-protective sunglasses
Mobile phone
Recommended
First-aid kit, including plasters
Sit mat
Waterproof pouch for valuables
Rubbish bags
Wallet or purse
Walking poles
Flask for hot drinks
Durable lunch box
Waterproof rucksack liner
Membership cards for English Heritage, the National Trust or similar heritage organisations in Scotland and Wales, if you are a member. These may be useful when visiting attractions during your itinerary or on your free day.
This holiday is active and busy with visits throughout the day. You will need to be able to get on and off minibuses with ease, and be able to walk up to 2 miles, across uneven, grassy terrain where the ground can be slippery underfoot. It is important for your own and your fellow guests’ enjoyment that you can maintain the pace. We’ve provided a simple fitness test below, which will help you assess whether this holiday is for you:
You should be able to do the following:
• Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace (2 miles per hour) without needing to take a break to rest
• Climb two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
• Stand unaided for an hour
Please ensure you able to fulfil these fitness requirements, to ensure you get the very best from your holiday.
Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.
Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.
Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.
If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.
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 morePassionate about Cumbria’s history, landscapes and hidden stories, Jeff is an HF Holidays Leader and accredited Cumbria Blue Badge Tour Guide who loves sharing his enthusiasm for the county with others. After an international career in healthcare, he changed tack to qualify as a Blue Badge guide and study Regional and Local History at Lancaster University. His interests span Cumbria’s landscapes, industrial heritage, historic buildings, and renowned food and drink. He has completed all 214 Wainwright fells and walked the Coast to Coast. Jeff lives in South Cumbria overlooking the vast expanse of Morecambe Bay.
Code: DBK07-HCH05
Dates & availability
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Non-members
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Non-members
£1,349
ppMembers
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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.
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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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
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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