The Royal Oak, Keswick

This historic inn, formerly a Georgian posting inn and once the seat of the local magistrate’s court, has been given a smart yet careful upgrade that has kept its cosy, pub-like charm. The ground floor still centres on its tiled-floor long bar while to either side are large, low-ceilinged, semi-open dining areas with a mix of parquet flooring and plaid carpets, dado-panelled walls and light colours of smart grey and cream. Rustic chairs mix with banquettes while there are toasty fires for cooler days.

Bedrooms are on the cosy side but clever use of space - open hanging rails, purpose-built oak furniture, pale-grey walls – make them feel larger than they are. Bold feature wallpapers, plaid curtains and wool throws add a smart dash. Bathrooms are mostly shower-only and compact, although well-lit. Food is robust – steak and ale pie, fish and chips, home-made burgers – and just the ticket for refuelling after a day on the fells. As a Thwaites-owned inn, there’s a good range of the Lancashire brewer’s cask ales.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Parking
• Restaurant
• Walking distance restaurants

• Bar
• Wifi
• Pet friendly

• Sights nearby
• Keswick Pencil Museum; Castlerigg Stone Circle, The Lakes Distillery at head of Bassenthwaite Lake
• Great walks
• The surrounding countryside is full of wonderful walking routes.
• Theatre
• Enjoy the immersive experience of Theatre by the Lake.

• Museums
• Take a trip to the magical World of Beatrix Potter.
• Trekking
• Take on Scafel Pike, England's highest mountain.

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.