A weekend in Borrowdale

Lakeland's most dramatic valley, with woods, crags and a famously wet climate

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Borrowdale is a deep, wooded valley running south from Derwentwater, with steep crags, riverside paths and some of the best oak woodland in England. The valley has been celebrated by walkers and writers for centuries.

It is also known for being one of the wettest places in England, so expect rain, but the waterfalls and mist add to the drama.

Best forWalkers, History lovers, Dog owners, Couples

Best time to goSpring to autumn. Autumn woodland colour is spectacular, and rain makes the valley dramatic.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereManchester: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Borrowdale

Plan your weekend in Borrowdale

Top attractions in Borrowdale

Castle Crag

A small but steep summit with a wooded climb and huge views, one of Wainwright's favourites.

The Bowder Stone

A giant boulder balanced on one edge, in the woods.

Watendlath

A hamlet by a tarn, reached by a pretty walk from Ashness Bridge.

Lodore Falls

A tumbling waterfall in a wooded gorge near Derwentwater.

Honister Pass

A famous road over the fells, with a slate mine at the top.

Best things to do in Borrowdale

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Catbells walk

Catbells is a small fell of about 451 metres above Derwentwater, and one of the most popular walks in the Lake District. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Scafell Pike walk

At 978 metres, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. Allow 5 to 8 hours.

Derwentwater boat trip

The Keswick Launch runs a circular service around Derwentwater, stopping at several jetties including Hawes End, Low Brandelhow, High Brandelhow, Lodore, Ashness Gate and Nichol End. Allow about 50 minutes for a full circuit.

Best areas to stay in Borrowdale

Grange

A small village at the northern end of the valley, with a pretty bridge.

Rosthwaite

A hamlet in the middle of the valley, with a few inns and cafes.

Keswick

A bigger town just a few miles north.

Best hotels in Borrowdale

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The Borrowdale Hotel

Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa

Compare places to stay in Borrowdale

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Borrowdale

Spring to autumn. Autumn woodland colour is spectacular, and rain makes the valley dramatic.

Seasons that suit Borrowdale well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Borrowdale

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Borrowdale

From Manchester: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car.
From Newcastle: About 2 hours by car.
From Keswick: About 15 minutes by car, with a seasonal bus.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Borrowdale

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Grange.
Saturday: Start with Castle Crag, then The Bowder Stone. In the afternoon, head to Watendlath.
Sunday: Visit Lodore Falls or Honister Pass, then head home.

Packing list for Borrowdale

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Wild swimming gear

Good to know

The valley road is narrow, with limited parking.
Paths can be wet and slippery, so wear sturdy boots.
Weather changes quickly, so carry waterproofs.

Borrowdale weekend FAQs

Is Borrowdale good for walking?

Yes. It has some of the best valley and woodland walks in the Lakes, and paths up to big fells.

Is it really the wettest place in England?

Seathwaite, at the head of the valley, is often described as the wettest inhabited place in England.

More weekend ideas

Lake DistrictCumbria

England's biggest national park: lakes, fells and cosy villages

KeswickCumbria

A lively Lakeland market town between lake and mountains

ButtermereCumbria

A tiny, perfect lake with a flat path and some of Lakeland's greatest fells

AmblesideCumbria

A friendly slate-built town at the head of Windermere

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North East · Best countryside weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.