Derwentwater Independent Hostel

We came for a school trip with our students. The rooms were lovely and had plenty of good facilities. There were lots of cosy shared spaces, plus games, games tables and a self-catering kitchen. The food was good and the portions were generous. I stayed in a pod with underfloor heating, and it was very comfortable. It was so quiet that I slept really well and woke to stunning lake views. I can't wait to book again.

I've stayed at this hotel a few times, once with a group of adults and also with my wife and young children. It was my first time staying in a hostel, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. It is a hostel, so the accommodation is basic, and the price reflects that. In the main house there are bunk beds, and you make your own bed on arrival and strip it before leaving. Each room has a sink but no toilet, so the loo and shower are a short walk away. Those downsides are what you'd expect from a hostel. In return, you get a beautiful historic building in one of the best locations in the lakes, particularly the North Lakes, and a quieter setting if that's what you're after. Derwentwater is a short walk away. You can swim, walk around the lake or take the ferry from the pier, though we didn't do that, so I'm not sure about the rules. A waterfall and river run alongside the hostel. One path heads south towards the forest, and another goes east uphill towards local walks. It's a fantastic base with amazing views and lots of walks starting right there.

Dinner and breakfast were really nice, and the showers and toilets were clean. We stayed with a big group for a winter walking weekend, using the place as our base. The beds were comfortable, and it’s well placed for walks into the fells, about 10-15 minutes from Keswick. We had a great time and would stay again.

There’s a self-catering kitchen if you want to make your own meals, and a bus picks you up at the bottom of the road for trips into town. We came for walking and sightseeing and really liked the beautiful setting. The staff were friendly, and you can order breakfast, dinner, and packed lunches at good prices. A lovely place for a few nights.