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In the heart of Borrowdale, this much-loved walkers' inn has had a careful makeover that retains its authenticity while giving it contemporary comforts. The white-washed, 18th-century building sits in the middle of Rosthwaite village, a perfect base for tackling both high- and low-level walks in pretty Borrowdale with its mix of craggy fells, wooded slopes, riverside pastures and slate-built villages. It's also very convenient for the Coast-to-Coast walking route.
Step through its welcoming porch into two low-beamed snugs on either side, with a tiny bar ahead. Comfortable with jolly striped carpets, vintage and upcycled furniture and an open fire, they make restful spots for planning the next day's activities. The dining room has a smart bistro feel but still has an old tree trunk supporting the beamed ceiling. Food on the short-choice menu has a smart spin on rustic dishes, such as beef rump with smoked potato terrine, and pork fillet with champ and baked apple. Be sure to get back in time for the complimentary home-baked scones served up each afternoon.
Bedrooms are divided between the inn and converted cottages and barn across the rear courtyard. While most are modest in size, they make good use of space and have a modern cottage style with chunky wooden furniture, panelled headboards and neutral walls beneath beamed ceilings. Calm colours of greens, browns and greys reflect the valley. Sleek bathrooms are a good size and most with bath as well as shower. Rooms overlooking the beck at the rear, with the sounds of gentle water, are particularly soothing and restful.
Families
Country Escape
Sights nearby
Great walks
Restaurant
Kayaking
Hotel Entertainment
Pet friendly
Full of character
Outstanding location
Family Suites
Gourmet
Views
Traditional
Disabled access
Village
Inn
Historic
Rooms
21 rooms in this hotelRestaurant
Enjoy a hearty meal crafted from fresh, local ingredients, capturing the flavours of the Lake District’s culinary traditionsPet friendly
Pets are welcome on request. Charges may apply and bowls and baskets are providedParking
Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed)Bar
Family Suites
Views
Wifi
Suites
Disabled access
Sitting Room
Garden
Sights nearby
Great walks
Kayaking
Hotel Entertainment
Why do people love staying in your hotel ? Staying at the Royal Oak allows you to enjoy true relaxation, enjoy the beautiful scenery and look after your health and well-being by cherishing the great outdoors. There are incredible doorstep walks, exceptional food, friendly, helpful staff, dog friendly, a warm atmosphere and ambiance and beautiful bedrooms. Our electric car charging station, free car park, boot drying rooms and power showers, all help to make it a haven for those who love the outdoor life.
What is there to do in the area? We have many doorstep walks to explore the surrounding fells and countryside, the area is also renowned for cycling, rock climbing, watersports such as paddle boarding, canoeing and open water swimming. There is also plenty of history and culture to explore around Keswick, which is a lovely market town.
What kind of breakfast do you offer? Hearty Cumbrian breakfast, poached eggs & avocado on sourdough toast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on sourdough toast, cereals, Greek yogurt, croissants, pan au chocolate, rye miller bread and local jams & honey. We serve beverages from Cumbrian-based expert tea & coffee merchants Farrers.
Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Evening dinner is something to look forward to, we produce the highest quality dishes using the freshest ingredients, our daily changing menu offers three courses for £38 which includes bread for the table, a starter, a main course, dessert and tea & coffee. in addition, we serve a house cheese board complimented with chutneys and grapes and is available at £9.
Which are your most popular room types, and why? We have beautiful characterful rooms with a contemporary and rural charm, standard classic rooms always sell out first but many guests are happy to pay the upgrade for an executive, deluxe or superior room. Our rooms are inspired by our scenic surroundings with botanical and earth tones, we have brought the inside in.
What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We have a family room with an adjoining door that sleeps four guests, an apartment that sleeps four guests, two adults in the double bedroom and bunk beds for children in the other bedroom. We also have several triple deluxe rooms which sleep up to three. In the lounge, there are board games to keep children entertained.
What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? From the moment you step inside the Royal Oak, there is a sense that this is a truly special place to stay and you won't be in any hurry to leave. We've got it covered, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming bathrooms, hearty breakfasts, delicious evening dinners, charmful lounges and wonderful customer service. We've even got a drying room and boot warmers, a free car park with an electric car charging station. Not to mention our stunning location with doorstep access to the best display of fell walking in the country.
A much-loved walkers' inn set in the scenic Lake District valley of Borrowdale. The low-slung 18th-century former farm has enjoyed a jaunty freshen-up that still retains its black-beamed character, honest cooking and unpretentious, down-to-earth welcome. Dogs, muddy boots, children and bicycles are all welcome.
Originally published by The Telegraph
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