Our local guide
Our Borrowdale favourites1. Sit back and soak up the view in our log fired hot tub
Enjoy the view, watch the stars, and listen to the owls or the breeze in hte overhead branches as you relax in our all natural, log fired, cedarwood hot tub.
2. Picnic by the Lake
The pretty south western shores of Derwentwater is less than a mile away, a gentle 10-15 min stroll.
3. Climb Catbells
Everyone should climb Catbells at least once, and with the path starting just behind Manesty, what are you waiting for? Even at a leisurely pace you will be at the top in less than an hour and be rewarded with 360 degree views over the Lake District.
4. Explore Honister Slate Mines
A perfect place to hide on a rainy day, at the heart of Borrowdale. Take a guided tour into underground chambers and learn about this ancient local industry or take a cliff top climb on the Via Ferrata.
5. Take the launch to Keswick
The Edwardian launch runs to Keswick from Brandelhow and Lodore landing stages, both less than a mile away. Why not spend the day in Keswick and then take the 78 ‘Borrowdale Rambler’ bus back to Grange or the 77A ‘Honister Rambler’ bus back to the cottage door.
6. Have afternoon tea at the ‘Flock In’
This favourite haunt of Prince Charles is in Rosthwaite, a lovely walk along the River Derwent from Manesty. It serves home made goodies, local herdwick lamb and tea in pint mugs.
7. Paddle, Sail or Row out to an island
Play at ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and take a boat out on Derwentwater. You can hire your craft (and have a lesson if you need it) from Lodore landing stage, a mile or so away with Platty+, or at Portinscale or Keswick.
8. Drive over Honister Pass
Either take the ‘Honister Ramber’ bus from the door or drive yourself up Borrowdale, over the spectacular pass to pretty Buttermere and then back to Manesty via the Newlands Valley or Whinlatter Forest.
9. Swim or paddle in the River Derwent
On a hot day, what better way to cool off? We will tell you our favourite swimming holes when you get here!
10. Breakfast, brunch or lunch in Grange
Stroll the three quarters of a mile into the pretty village of Grange and have a good hearty breakfast to set up for a day’s walking or sightseeing at our local cafes.
11. See Manesty or the sunset from Surprise View
Just across the valley off the lane up to Ashness and Watendlath, from the famous ‘Surprise View’ you can see a postcard panorama.
12. Dine out in style
The Leathes Head, The Borrowdale Gates, the Lodore and the Borrowdale Hotel are all within 2 miles of Manesty and offer a fine dining evening experience.
13. Visit the local theatre or cinema
The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, with its professional company, renowned artistic director and seven month season of plays in repertoire make it a ‘must visit’. We are TbtL ambassadors so our guests can receive a discount! The Alhambra Cinema in Keswick celebrated its centenary in 2015 and shows a variety of different films. We provide an up to date ‘what’s on’ flyer in your cottage.
14. Be pampered
Treatments are available at the beauty spa at the Lodore Hotel, a one mile walk across the valley through the fields and past the lake.
15. Go fishing
The young or young at heart can catch minnows in Ellers Beck, which runs through the field in front of Manesty (nets can be found in the shared utility room). The more serious can fish for Rainbow and Brown Trout at the beautiful Watendlath Tarn, a three mile hike or six mile drive away. Permits for the local rivers and lakes can be purchased in Keswick from Youdales Newsagents and Keswick Information Centre.