Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
These holidays offer a perfect mix of short, guided walks (4-6 miles), combined with time spent sightseeing. Visit a selection of standout highlights in the Northern Lake District with hassle-free coach travel and the help of an experienced leader.
Highlights:
Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Nr Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5TY (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward. Check out by 10:00am.
Unpack Once!
Explore places of interest, beauty, heritage and wonder. Enjoy active guided sightseeing on relaxed-pace trips to revel in the history, landscapes, architecture and culture of your chosen destination.
Walking tours with sightseeing include:
The Walking tour with Sightseeing program is a combination of Guided Walking Tours and Discovery Tours to give you the best of both touring styles.
Enjoy easier walks (6 – 8 km) that let sightseeing take center stage. We offer carefully-curated itineraries that balance sights, hikes, and activities. Let our experienced Leader introduce you to the heart of a region, highlighting the history, heritage, landmarks, wildlife, and more.
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. (D, T)
Accommodation: Derwent Bank
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: Drive through the Jaws of Borrowdale, where crags close in on both sides and the Iron Age fort of Castle Crag guards the entrance to the dale with a stop for a visit to the 2000 ton Bowder Stone. The coach continues to Rosthwaite to begin a walk along the Cumbria Way. There’s a visit Dalton’s Cave (once home to the Lakeland legend Millican Dalton) before continuing to the pretty hamlet of Grange for a coffee stop before a walk along Catbells Terrace. Fabulous views all the way back to Derwent Bank. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Derwent Bank
Distance: 4½ miles (7km)*
Ascent: 250 feet (80m)*
In summary: From the village of Dockray, follow a good path under Gowbarrow Fell, descending steadily to Aira Force, Lakeland’s most magnificent waterfall. A trip on the Ullswater Steamer takes us to Pooley Bridge for a second short walk to Dalemain, with its wealth of Tudor and Medieval rooms and outbuildings, a museum café, and delightful gardens. (B, L, D)
* split between two walks
Accommodation: Derwent Bank
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Derwent Bank
Distance: 7 miles (10km)*
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)*
Descent: 1,300 feet (380m)*
In summary: The atmospheric setting of Castlerigg Stone Circle is the first visit today, a prehistoric monument set beautifully between some of Lakeland’s highest mountains. From here, walk across farmland and fells to Falcon Crag and then the much photographed Surprise View and Ashness Bridge. Continue to the shores of Derwentwater to catch the Keswick launch sailing round the lake and back to Keswick. The route is rough underfoot in places but the views are superb! (B, L, D)
*Split between 2 walks
Accommodation: Derwent Bank
Distance: 4 miles (7km)
Ascent: 450 feet (140m)
In summary: We enjoy a brief stop at the top of Honister Pass, home of the last working slate mine in England. From here we take a scenic route to Buttermere for a low-level walk following the lake shore. We’ll pass by the cascading waters of Sourmilk Gill and Fleetwith Pike – one of the much loved fells featured in the guidebooks of author and walker, Alfred Wainwright. On the way back to the village, we’ll cut through an interesting Victorian-era tunnel carved into the rock that’s some 15 metres long. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Derwent Bank
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Ascent: 1,160 feet (360m)
In summary: Walk from Derwent Bank following a relatively easy ascent route to the summit of Latrigg for far-reaching views over Keswick, Derwent Water and the Borrowdale valley. Transport to Dodd Wood and Mirehouse, a 17th century English manor with links to Tennyson and Wordsworth. At Dodd Wood there may be the chance to spot Ospreys, often seen from the viewpoint here (April-October). (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Derwent Bank
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
| Departure Dates | Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2024: May 31 | $2,600 | $2,880 |
| 2024:October 4 | $2,340 | $2,620 |
Pricing
Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.
Supplement applied for single in a double room.
Rates include room upgrade (premium) and membership fees.
Rates are in $ CAD.
Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.
During your Walking with Sightseeing Tour you’ll have the opportunity to visit many fascinating places. The following is our provisional programme, and your leader may adjust it at their discretion, taking into account factors such as weather, local opening times, or other events. This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.
Most admissions to places of interest are not included. Please allow up to £10 per day for admissions to all the places of interest we will be visiting. The full adult price is given but there are usually good reductions for parties and seniors. If you are a member of the National Trust, English Heritage or similar, remember to bring your card for free admission to their properties. Please bring cash as card machines are not always available at all venues.
Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.
Travel Details:
Address is: Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Nr Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5TY
By Rail:
The nearest train station is at Penrith on the main line between London and Glasgow.
By Taxi:
The journey from Penrith to Derwent Bank can be made by taxi. The 20-mile journey from Penrith railway station takes approximately 40 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Davies Taxis. The price of a 4-seat taxi is around £40. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:
Davies Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0) 17687 72676
Email: info@daviestaxis.co.uk
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Derwent Bank Manager.
*Davies Taxis is not owned or managed by us.
By Bus:
The X5 bus runs approximately every hour from Penrith station. The nearest bus stop is on the A66, about ¾ mile walk from Derwent Bank. Alight at the Portinscale bus stop and take the road on the left (signposted to Portinscale, Grange and the Newlands Valley). Follow this road through Portinscale village – Derwent Bank is on the left-hand side after the Derwentwater Marina.
Alternatively catch the bus to Keswick and then take a short taxi journey to Derwent Bank in Portinscale.
By Car:
From Penrith – leave the M6 motorway at junction 40 and take the A66 towards Keswick. After 17 miles you’ll reach a roundabout in Keswick – continue ahead following signs to Cockermouth and Workington. One mile beyond the roundabout, and 200yds beyond the B5289 turning to Keswick, turn left off off the A66 signposted to Portinscale, Grange and the Newlands Valley. Derwent Bank is approx ¾ mile along this road on the left after the Derwentwater Marina and before the Nichol End Marina. There is a large car park available at Derwent Bank.
Close to Keswick and situated slap bang on the shore of Derwentwater, with the glassy lake on one side and the razor-edged ridges, humpbacked fells and muscular mountains of the Lake District on the other, beautiful Derwent Bank has been entrancing walkers since 1785. Extensive refurbishment and investment have seen this established walkers’ retreat transformed into a beautiful country house hotel perfect for people looking to explore the great outdoors. It’s also perfect for drinking in the views over a glass of something chilled on the terrace. With 41 bedrooms across the main house and garden rooms as well as a rustic ‘pod’ to sleep in, there’s plenty of space, along with a pretty orangery, large lounge and relaxed vibe. The lakeside land encompasses a formal garden, extensive lawns and mature trees. The emphasis is on enjoying the great outdoors and it’s all made super easy with walkers’ facilities from an inspiration point equipped with maps and route ideas to a boot room and drying space – this is the Lakes, after all. With views of Cat Bells and Grizedale Pike, the inspiration for adventure is never far away. Venture out from the house to head to the high peaks such as Scafell Pike, Blencathra and Helvellyn or stick to the lower slopes and lakes; Ullswater, arguably the most beautiful of the Cumbrian lakes, Borrowdale and Buttermere are all within easy reach.
Address: Derwent Bank, Portinscale, Nr Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5TY
Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the main building’s beautifully presented rooms or in the stylish outhouse where there are eight garden rooms with exceptional views for stylish, laid-back Lake District accommodation. In the main house, we’d pick room 12 for the extra space and stunning views over the gardens and Derwentwater. Alternatively, ask for rooms 46, 47, 48 and 49 in the outhouse, all first-floor garden bedrooms with their own glass balcony looking over the ornate formal garden and with views of the lake. There’s easy access to the boot room and orangery too, making these rooms a must to stay in. If you’re after somewhere a little more unusual to stay overnight, there’s a ‘pod’ in the garden that offers extra privacy, sleeps up to four and gives you a great story to take away!
All ‘Classic’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Premium’ and ‘Superior’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers.
Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, formal garden, extensive garden, putting green, orangery, lounge and board games to borrow
After a day exploring the Lake District, settle in at our country house. Walk the pretty gardens, pause on the pier that juts out in to Derwentwater and look for the boats and ferry that sail on the lake. Try your hand on the putting green or at croquet. Grab a drink and sit on the terrace above the sloping lawns. Indoors, the spectacular orangery with its superb views, is the ideal setting for a bit of peace and quiet, or sink into the sofas in the large, comfortable lounge. Head to the bar for a great local ale and a cracking conversation with fellow guests.
