Online Booking
For group bookings please contact
017687 77246 or
contact@derwentwater.org
"I was hesitant as my kids have never stayed at a hostel before, but when we first parked the car and I saw children running around, I had a feeling it would work out fine. Fine, it did! The self-catering kitchen was a great hangout place for the family and to make a simple meal. At first, my teenage son was disappointed that the free wifi did not extend to the bedroom, but the kids made up their own games and it turned out to be one of the best nights we had as a family."
August 2019
August 2019
Situated in the Borrowdale Valley, in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Derwentwater Independent Hostel occupies a Grade II listed Georgian house, standing in 17 acres of grounds, with a beautiful waterfall, wildlife-rich woodland, and a large grass play area.
We became independent of YHA in November 2011, and today the hostel is managed by Tim Butcher as a UK registered charity and not-for-profit company, providing accommodation, room hire, and educational resources for individuals, groups and families.
This is the view from the hostel terrace - we never tire of it! Hopefully we can welcome you here soon.
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Derwentwater Independent Hostel
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Looking down on the hostel
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A bedroom in the modern annexe
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Evening light on Derwent Water
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Barrow House in Spring
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Inspiring local walks
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Red squirrels can be seen in our grounds
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View of Derwentwater Independent Hostel from a kayak
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Spring-time view from Derwentwater Independent Hostel
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Room One, our largest dormitory
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Autumn colours by the waterfall
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A heron next to our waterfall
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Spectacular local walks
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You can see Derwent Island from the hostel grounds. It used to be owned by Joseph Pocklington, the wealthy bachelor who built Barrow House.
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Astronomy workshops at Derwentwater Independent Hostel
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Expedition Medicine training at Derwentwater Indepedent Hostel
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The dam of the hydro-electric plant in the Derwentwater Independent Hostel grounds
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Walking up the fells behind the hostel
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Castlerigg Stone Circle - a short walk from the hostel
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Ashness Bridge - at the top of the hostel waterfall path
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Mist on Derwentwater
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Keswick Launch on Derwentwater
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Clear night sky
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View of Skiddaw Range from Falcon Crag (above the hostel)
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Half way up Cat Bells
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Keswick Christmas lights
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Bluebells near Buttermere
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Many of our guests enjoy walking on the fells around Borrowdale
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Building shelters in our woodland
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Our groups often enjoy adventurous activities in the Borrowdale Valley
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Sunset from the terrace in April
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Some of the staff and volunteers with our giant Easter Egg
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The dining room decorated for a wedding in 2014
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Conservation volunteers making a willow shelter in our grounds 2014
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A local walk around Watendlath
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A close-up of the fireplace in Room One
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Gingerbread house in front of the real thing.
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Staff take an evening walk along the lake shore.
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A very calm day on Derwent Water.
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A Mandarin duck on the lake shore.
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York Rowing Club training on Derwent Water during their stay with us.
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Bugle flower in the hostel grounds
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Tea and cake in the servery
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Winter walking
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Wooden hands sculpture on west side of Derwent Water.