Borrowdale Gates Hotel

About

"the loveliest square mile in Lakeland" - Alfred Wainwright

The Borrowdale Gates is one of the most beautifully located hotels in the English Lake District.

Our country house hotel is the best-kept secret in the Borrowdale Valley, with log fires, wonderful Lakeland-inspired cooking and warm comfortable bedrooms updated in classic, modern style - a real home-from-home. Situated on the edge of the hamlet of Grange-in-Borrowdale.

Surrounded by first-class fellwalking country and set in two acres of peaceful, wooded grounds, our Victorian country house is close to the shores of Derwentwater. You can discover the many attractions on our doorstep, such as Keswick's celebrated Theatre by the Lake, Honister Slate Mine and the famous Derwent Pencil Museum.

This Lake District country house hotel has been lovingly refurbished and updated, blending modern comfort with homely charm and traditional craftsmanship.

Built 150 years ago by Margaret Heathcote, benefactress of Grange, every window is a picture frame for the beauty of the Borrowdale Valley. Our dining room looks onto a breathtaking panorama of green pastures where Herdwick sheep graze, up to the slopes of Castle Crag, High Spy, Grange Fell and distant Glaramara. It's a wonderful place to linger over dinner, before curling up with a brandy beside the log fire, lit when the temperature outside is cooler.

Rooms with a view are our speciality. The cosy bar and beamed lounge with its wood-burning stove looks onto our gardens and the valley beyond. Each bedroom has picture-perfect views to wake up to, whether dusted by wintry frost or glowing with sunshine. Catbells, home of Beatrix Potter's Mrs Tiggy-winkle, is our magnificent backdrop.

Our en-suite bedrooms are individually designed for a blissful night's sleep - crisp cotton sheets, feather pillows (unless you prefer a different kind), plenty of fluffy white towels to wrap yourself up in, and a tray of morning tea and coffee.

Recently refurbished in soft, restful colours and fabrics, our rooms make the most of the timeless Borrowdale Valley views from every window. Each has its own special character, from the classic simplicity of the Standard rooms, to the added luxuries of Deluxe and Superior, such as Egyptian cotton sheets, perhaps a deep corner bath or walk-in shower, or maybe a decked balcony or French doors opening onto the gardens. Whichever style of room you choose, the views of the valley and fells from each one will make your stay unforgettable.

Dining at Borrowdale Gates is a magical experience as you gaze out towards the soaring Lakeland fells.

Our menus celebrate the Lake District's glorious food heritage - contemporary, country house cooking with a lightness of touch that is wonderfully satisfying. Our head chef is constantly inspired by the wealth of produce on our doorstep, such as fell-bred Herdwick lamb, Waberthwaite cured ham and sausage (by Royal Appointment to The Queen), venison from the Holker Estate, Morecambe Bay scallops and shrimps, plenty of fresh, seasonal vegetables and tea and coffee from Farrer's, the Kendal merchants who roast the beans themselves.

Everything is carefully prepared by the talented kitchen team, from Cumberland breakfasts to an elegant dinner by candlelight with fine wines. Our reserve list presents a connoisseur's selection of old and new world wines that can be pre-ordered by the bottle from our vintners' cellars.

We welcome non-residents for dinner, from 18.30 to 20.30 (£44.00 per person) and Sunday lunch, from 12.00 to 13.30 (only £27.50 per person). Both meals include three courses with tea and coffee.

Whether for a special meal, a long weekend's fell-walking or a relaxing holiday, we look forward to seeing you very soon.