• 13 en-suite double bedrooms in Cumbria

  • Access to all facilities at HPB's Braithwaite Court

  • Ideal location for exploring the English Lake District

  • Easy access to an amazing number of walks

  • Links to numerous artists and authors who were inspired by the area's quiet charms

  • A great selection of historic buildings and National Trust properties to visit

Discover Cumbria

More about Ivy House

Set in the centre of the village of Braithwaite, in the midst of the stunning English Lake District, the Ivy House Hotel benefits from magnificent views of the surrounding hills and is just over two miles away from Keswick. The hotel comprises 13 double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, and houses a fantastic restaurant with comfortable lounge.

The largest of England’s National Parks is also home to its highest mountain and deepest lake; and with Ivy House situated in the centre of Braithwaite, you have a perfect base from which to explore all that the northern parts of the Lake District have to offer. The breathtaking landscape includes stunning mountain views, deep green valleys and, of course, a number of lakes. Loved for its scenic beauty, wildlife and culture, it is not surprising that the Lake District receives the highest number of visitors of all the National Parks each year.

The area is a favourite with walkers, and an array of different routes and pathways cross a variety of terrain, providing something for all ages and abilities. An abundance of water sports is available on the copious lakes – Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater being the closest. There are plenty of picturesque market towns to explore nearby as well, including Keswick and Cockermouth. There really is something for everyone!

See Wordsworth’s inspiration in person

If you’re staying at Ivy House in the spring, we highly recommend heading to Ullswater and Glencoyne Bay to see the daffodils in bloom. These very same daffodils were the inspiration behind Wordsworth’s most famous poem: I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.

You can also visit the home in which Wordsworth lived. Dove Cottage is open to the public and gives a unique insight into what life was like at the beginning of the 19th century.

Take a ride on the Steam Yacht Gondola

Coniston Lake is a beautiful place to enjoy a ride on a traditional steam yacht, and there are several cruises to choose from. You can take a full lake cruise, which will allow you to spend as much time on the yacht as possible; a head of lake cruise, which includes an optional stop-off at Brantwood House and Gardens; or the walkers’ cruise, which combines the ride with a walk on the fells.

Explore the best of the Lake District

There’s so much to see and do within the Lake District, you’d need to know which locations are ‘must-visits’. Windermere should certainly not be missed – it’s a great place to go for a boat trip, plus it’s where Beatrix Potter House and the World of Beatrix Potter can be found.

If it’s walking you’re interested in, Grasmere has some wonderful routes. Those up for a challenge can try and tackle Langdale, Helvellyn, Scafell and Skiddaw Pikes.

Enjoy one of Alfred Wainwright’s favourite journeys

Follow in the British fellwalker’s footsteps by taking the longest and oldest railway journey in the Lake District to Dalegarth for Boot. The ride begins in the only coastal village in the park, Ravenglass, and goes across the estuary and through the hills. Take the camera as it really is a beautiful ride.

Watch a play at The Theatre by the Lake

The Theatre by the Lake is set in a stunning area – the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick. It hosts a range of productions, from serious dramas to hilarious comedies, so there’s something for everyone. Be sure to pick up a discount voucher from Braithwaite Court’s reception.

Shops and restaurants

An on-site restaurant and bar are both run by a local licence holder and Braithwaite village has a further 3 pubs as well as a village shop to make use of. A number of supermarkets are within easy driving distance, including Keswick, just 10 minutes away.

On-site amenities

A central washing and drying area is situated on the ground floor of the hotel, but guests will also have free run of all the facilities at nearby Braithwaite Court – a large holiday property just a couple of minutes’ walk away. These include:

  • Clubhouse with pool, snooker and table tennis
  • Small exercise room
  • Children’s play area
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Steam room

There is also free internet access and WiFi for those who wish to use it.

A lovely Hotel, in the heart of the English Lake District, offers 13 en-suite double bedrooms and provides a perfect base from which to explore the stunning surroundings.

Each of the rooms are spacious and superbly furnished with a television and DVD player. There are laundry facilities, a restaurant and guests also have free use of the facilities at nearby Braithwaite Court. This means a heated indoor pool, an exercise room and games room are all just a couple minutes’ walk away.

Properties in Cumbria

Ivy House

The Ivy House Hotel in the pretty Cumbrian village of Braithwaite provides 13 two-guest bedrooms, ideal for couples eager to get out and about and discover all the wonders of the northern Lake District.

Location

HPB Ivy House Hotel
Braithwaite
Keswick
Cumbria
England
CA12 5TD

Tel: +44 800 230 0391
Email: details@hpb.co.uk

The Lake District is England’s largest National Park and is home to some of the most incredible scenery in Britain.

The village of Braithwaite benefits from the stunning backdrop of the Grizedale mountains and is also well situated at the start of both the Whinlatter Pass and the Newlands Pass. The surrounding area offers some of the best walking country in the Lake District. From here you are in a great position to explore this incredible corner of England and see for yourself why it was such an inspiration for so many well known literary and artistic works.

Things to do in The Lake District

The Lake District is the largest of the English National Parks and is famous for its breathtaking landscape and unrivalled views. Its natural beauty has been a key inspiration for a number of artists and writers such as Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin.

The pretty market town of Keswick, just ten minutes from Ivy House, has bike hire on offer as well as tennis courts. Nearby are several good golf courses and riding stables too. One of the town’s most popular attractions is the Theatre by the Lake, whose core programme includes a six-month summer season, a Christmas production and at least one other play each spring.

Local history and National Trust properties

The closest National Trust attraction is Wordsworth House, a short 15-minute drive away. The famous poet was born here and the house has been well restored, with costumed guides bringing the history vividly to life. Another former home, Dove Cottage, is a great Wordsworth Trust attraction just outside Grasmere. It displays a range of artefacts that give an insight into Wordsworth’s life.

National Trust properties in the area, most within 25 miles, include Sizergh Castle, Stagshaw Garden, Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill, the Beatrix Potter Gallery and the steam yacht Gondola on Coniston Water. Don’t forget there are plenty of historic sites too, such as Castlerigg Stone Circle and the Ambleside Roman Fort. So lots to see!

For Kids

Travel 30 miles south to the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside, set next to the Windermere Lake Cruises terminal. Visitors can explore freshwater marine life found in lakes across the world, ‘from otters in Asia to piranhas in the Americas’. Children will be kept busy with the aquarium’s quiz trail.

Ducky’s Park Farm is about 20 mins south of that and children can learn about farming methods in a friendly, safe environment. They can get up close and personal with a wide range of animals, as well as meeting Dilly the Duck.

For the more adventurous, Keswick Canoe and Bushcraft is easy to get to and makes a great day out. Good for families, groups, individuals and complete beginners, you’ll be taught basic canoeing, as well as practical bushcraft skills. This is great for any age to get hands-on whilst under the supervision of one of the experienced instructors. Plant identification, wood collection, building shelters and fire lighting are some of the activities you can expect.

Experience the incredible geography

Honister Slate Mine is only eight miles south of Braithwaite. Take a tour of the mine, located at Honister Pass, to learn about its decline and subsequent regeneration. Deep underground, you’ll see the amazing formations and get to learn about how tricky the mining life was. Alternatively, experience a little adventure on the Via Ferrata, for overground views instead!

The Lake District is teeming with magnificent walking routes for all abilities. Take a gentle amble around one of the lakes, hike a peak to get your heart pumping, or scramble rock faces to reach some of the most stunning views. Whatever time of year, and whichever route you take, you’re bound to stumble upon a fantastic photo opportunity.

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