Review: The Mount Keswick – Luxury Bed & Breakfast By The Lakes

Published Feb 7 2017, 7:06 AM, Updated Aug 5 2020, 3:51 PMThe Mount Keswick is a luxury bed and breakfast nestled in the picture postcard village of Portinscale on the northwestern shore of Derwentwater in the English Lake District. This little village has one rather nice pub called the Farmer’s Arms and an excellent café “The Chalet”. Portinscale is on the shores of the vast Derwent Water, so you can rent a boat from one of the the marinas and explore the sheltered coves and islands, along with an abundance of wildlife. If you prefer to stay on land, take a walk around the lake and absorb the beautiful views from the shore and jetties – or climb any number of Wainwright’s favourite mountains. You can also take a leisurely cruise around the lake starting and ending in Portinscale and stopping at Keswick.

So the town of Keswick is a boat-ride away, or just two fields walk away, with its well-known market which attracts both locals and tourists. The market offers a wide selection of award-winning local produce and handcrafted gifts. In the town centre, the Keswick Museum & Art Gallery has wonderful exhibitions on Lakeland life. The Theatre by the Lake can also be found in Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater. Famed for its productions which include everything from comedy to drama, this is a great place to enjoy an afternoon drama in a magical setting.

On a nearby hilltop to the east is Castlerigg Stone Circle. This stone circle is one of the most visually impressive prehistoric monuments in the UK, with 38 stones approximately 30 metres in diameter which date back to the Neolithic era.

Review: The Mount Keswick Bed & Breakfast

The award winning The Mount Keswick is the perfect place from which to enjoy the outstanding natural scenery of the North Lakes all year round. It is run by husband and wife team, Clive and Caroline, who left careers in prestigious universities in order to ‘live the dream’ in a beautiful part of the world, and to spend lots of time with their children doing the things they love; walking in the mountains, swimming in the lakes, canoeing, climbing and so on.

They feel “truly blessed” to live in the Lake District and are eager to share local knowledge of the best things to do in the region. Having exchanged his research into photo-chemistry for experiments in the kitchen, Clive makes fabulous breakfasts, sublime lemon drizzle cake as well as offering photography workshops.

The house itself was built in 1904 in the Arts and Crafts period when Keswick was very much at the centre of artistic innovation. The pretty Lakeland walls are inset with large windows which look out across the awe-inspiring lakes and mountains. There is a darling garden at the front, full of flowers and offering patio seating for guests. To the rear of the house there are more gardens and seating, plenty of parking and a secure bike garage.

Light airy rooms are decorated in a period house style with a contemporary mix of stunning wallpapers and antique furniture. All rooms have amazing lake views or mountain views.

Accommodation includes scrumptious Aga prepared breakfasts, with local produce and vegetarian options, all served around a welcoming communal dining table. Caroline does an excellent job ensuring all guests feel special and sharing news on local events each morning. There is also a guest lounge where you can relax, plan your walks with an array of maps and enjoy magazines and books on the Lakes. The Mount also has free parking, free Wi-Fi and discounts at local attractions (such as The Theatre by the Lake and nearby watersport activities).

There is an array of restaurants and pubs in the nearby Keswick and the fabulous gastro pub, The Pheasant Inn, is just 10 minutes away.

At certain times of the year, you can rent The Mount as a whole house on a self-catering basis. With the capacity to sleep 11 in six bedrooms, it is the perfect place for a large family or a group of friends to stay in a beautiful Lakeland village next to Keswick.

It is hard to imagine a prettier bed and breakfast in a prettier village. If you dream of splashing about in or on a lake, long waterside strolls with magical mountain vistas, or challenging mountain climbs you will get all this and more at The Mount Keswick.

Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2025. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.