You're in good company at this historic Georgian coaching inn tucked on the edge of Keswick's Market Square. Frequented by poets William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge, today, it's a jolly meeting place for both locals and visitors. You'll certainly not be short of good 'crack' at the bar. And dogs are made very welcome.
The ground floor has been opened up and smartened up but still balances the conviviality of a pub with the relaxed warmth of a small hotel. There are stools by the long bar, raftered ceilings and an open fire, but also comfortable plaid-upholstered chairs, long banquettes, classy feature wallpapers and fresh colours of dove grey, chocolate brown and milky coffee. Bedrooms, apart from the superior and character grades, are on the cosy side but clever use of space - open hanging rails, custom-made oak headboards and bedside tables, and pale grey walls - makes them feel more spacious. Big-patterned feature wallpapers and bold-coloured throws add pizzazz while all rooms have coffee machines, water and fresh milk. Bathrooms are largely shower-only and compact but smartly done in shades of grey.
As a Thwaites-owned inn, there’s a good range of the Lancashire brewer’s cask ales while food is robust and generous and mixes pub staples - steaks, burgers, fish pie - with fancier options such as beef wellington, and crab, salmon and crayfish ravioli. Together with the substantial breakfast options - including eggs Benedict and a gargantuan full grill - just the ticket for a day on the hills.
Local exploring
Sights nearby
Great walks
Museums
Trekking
Gourmet
Restaurant
Full of character
Charming
Traditional
In/by a Nature Reserve
Pet friendly
Inn
Rooms
18 rooms in this hotelParking
Restaurant
Walking distance restaurants
Bar
Wifi
Pet friendly
Sights nearby
Great walks
Theatre
Museums
Trekking
Why do people love staying in your hotel? The central location on the bustling high street of Keswick, the home-cooked comfort food, the cosy bedrooms with original features
What is there to do in the area? The Royal Oak is opposite Keswick’s tourist advice centre - staff always offer advice on sight-seeing and popular walks for all abilities.
The weekly market in the bustling square.
Enjoy the magnificent Derwentwater lake, 3 miles long, 1 mile wide and a focal point of the area. Discover the lake's four main islands; Lord’s, Derwent, St Herbert’s and Rampsholme with three smaller ones as well. Take to the water on a Keswick launch or wander along the Derwentwater Walk for 10 miles of glorious views around the lake's edge. Head back 3,000 BC as you take in the ‘Stonehenge of the Lake District’ - just four miles east of the town is the Castlerigg Stone Circle and with a gradual climb to the site it’s one that’s perfect for the family to tackle. Marvel at the 38 free-standing stones and capture an impressive shot of one of the earliest stone circles.
What kind of breakfast do you offer? A choice between continental and cooked breakfasts are available - poached, fried or scrambled free range eggs with grilled back bacon, pork sausage, hash brown, baked beans, grilled tomato and field mushroom. Guests might also the fancy the oak smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on a toasted English muffin or eggs benedict - poached egg and ham on a toasted muffin with Hollandaise. There’s also creamy porridge with your choice of cinnamon and brown sugar or honey.
Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The Royal Oak is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Which are your most popular room types, and why? The most popular room is the Monarch, the largest of the room types – Monarch rooms have a super king bed and a small living area.
What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? There is one Family Room which has solid oak bunk beds and caters for children up to 16 years old. Children are included in the room rate, but there’s a £6 charge for children’s breakfast. A Children’s menu is available in the restaurant.
What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? The Royal Oak is a Grade II listed property with original features in a great location with friendly, welcoming staff.
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