Derwentwater Independent Hostel - Now Closed

My first stay in a hostel and I was very impressed. I stayed in the week of schools Half term. Staff were very helpful and allowed me to leave my car until the check-in time as I'd arrived to early. Perfect location, very quiet and a lovely view towards Derwentwater. The walk at the back of the hostel was nice and the waterfall is very pretty. Clean and comfortable accommodation and the self catering kitchen was very clean. Food is great with lots of choices and there's a bar service available from reception. Thank you for making my stay enjoyable. I look forward to visiting again.

Stayed here for walking and site seeing it's in a beautiful location staff are friendly, breakfast can be be ordered and dinner and packed lunches all at a good price. There's a self catering kitchen perfect for making your own meals a bus picks you up right down at the bottom of the road for getting into town. It's a lovely place to stay for a few nights

Visited for a school trip with our students. The rooms were lovely, with lots of good facilities. There are plenty of rooms to get snug in, with games and games tables as well as a self catering kitchen. The food provided was good, and portions were fab. I stayed in one of the pods which was underfloor heated and very comfy. The area is so quiet and I slept really well. I woke up to stunning views of the lake. I can't wait to boo k again.

I've stayed at this hotel a few times now. Both with a group of adults and with my wife and young children. This was the first hostel I'd ever stayed in and I was a bit dubious. But I was really surprised by the place. Yes it's a hostel, not a hotel, so the accommodation is basic. The price reflects that. In the main house, were talking bunk beds and you have to make your own bed when you arrive and strip it before you leave. Each room has a sink, but no toilet, so you do have walk a short distance to go the loo, have a shower etc. Those are the cons and are expected from it being a hostel. But you're staying in a beautiful historic building, in a location which is one of the best locations in the lakes, especially in the North lakes and especially if you want somewhere a little quieter. In terms of location, you have Derwentwater lake a short walk away where you can swim, walk the lake or get the ferry boat from the pie (we didn't actually do this, so I'm not sure if the rules). There's a waterfall and a river that runs alongside. A path to the south that leads to the forest and another that leads east, upwards towards local hill walks. Like I say, a fantastic location to stay at with some amazing views and plenty of walks from the hostel itself.

Stayed here as a base for a winter walking weekend with a large group. Beds were comfortable and clean. Toilets and showers were clean. Breakfast and dinner was really nice. Great location for walks up into the fells and only 10-15 minutes from Keswick. All in all a great experience and would definitely stay here again.

A quick one night stop to drop off a family Member for a D of E expedition. A much more traditional Youth Hostel. Clean, friendly and calm. The breakfast was super!

We were family of four staying in the camping pods. Getting negatives out the way first, there is little about the the pods on their website. Be aware, the only thing they contain is two made beds, two foam beds, a few sockets and nothing else. No chairs, cupboards etc. Second negative was lackluster attitude from some staff (not all). Right, positives, the pods are new and warm. There is a small decking area at the front so bring your own camping chairs for sitting out. Also, bring a water container for bringing water down from main building. Next positive, the location is great. They're are paths out onto the fells from the building. Final positive, breakfast was reasonable for the money. More positives then negatives, especially if you bring chairs for the pods

May 2022. Excellent staff, location, views, property, kitchen, showers, camping, value, bike storage. Water fall out the back. Must be the best Hostel in the Lakes! Stayed again in May 2023. Excellent again. I'd left some clothes in the drying room. Realised when I got home. The Hostel posted them to me. Fantastic!