Panoramic view of a lake nestled between green mountains beneath a cloudy sky

Our Mission and Sustainability

Over the years, Royal Oak Hotel has welcomed generations of travellers, walkers and guests drawn to the Lake District’s landscapes that have inspired so many. As a historic hotel in the heart of Borrowdale, we have a responsibility to our guests, our team, our local community and the landscape that surrounds us. Our approach is about making choices with an eye towards the future, from the suppliers we work with to the way we heat and power the hotel, while maintaining the heritage we’re so proud of.

A bartender pours pale beer from a polished brass tap into a tilted pint glass.

Our Approach to Hospitality

We believe that true hospitality is more than just providing a place to stay; it’s providing a place for memories to be created. Across our hotel and restaurant spaces, we aim to create a relaxed atmosphere, with thoughtful service and quality dining, to allow you to focus on recharging and exploring in the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District.

Traditional stone cottage with a slate roof set against a green mountain valley

Reducing Our Environmental Impact

Royal Oak sits within the Lake District National Park, so helping to preserve the landscapes around us matters.

Running a hotel in a historic stone building comes with some practical limitations. Our hotel is an old property, so not every modern environmental improvement is possible. Instead, we focus on considered changes that can make a genuine difference while retaining the character of the building.

Warm bedside lamp on a white bedside table beside a neatly made bed and curtains.

· We have replaced our previous diesel heating system with high-efficiency LPG boilers and modern water heaters, and our kitchen is now fully electric.

· All of our lighting has been upgraded to energy-efficient LED lighting, while insulation in the loft spaces and around water pipes helps to reduce heat loss.

· Our electricity comes from a fully renewable supplier, and we offset the carbon footprint of our LPG through independently verified carbon credit projects. We also have electric vehicle charging points, with two vehicles able to charge at the same time.

· Sustainability also comes into the choices we make when furnishing and maintaining the hotel. Our vegan pillows are made using recycled plastic bottles, while reclaimed timber tables and restored original furniture have been used as part of our refurbishments.

RESPECTING BORROWDALE

Historic stone arch bridge over a rocky stream in a lush mountain valley

WHAT WE DO

We’re dedicated to supporting Borrowdale, the place we’ve called home for so long. Supporting local businesses is one of the simplest ways we can contribute to the area. We work with local producers and suppliers wherever possible and encourage our guests to discover the independent businesses, food and experiences that make Borrowdale and Cumbria unique.

Sailing boat with bright red sails on Derwentwater beneath misty Lake District fells.

What you can do to help

We also ask guests to help us look after the landscape during their stay. Following walking routes, taking care with waste and respecting the countryside all help to protect the places that make the Lake District such a special place to live and visit.

What Can Guests Do?

There are many simple ways for you to make a difference during your stay too. Choosing to explore local businesses, use our EV charging points and respecting the surrounding countryside are all choices that can have a real impact.

We know that no single change will solve everything, but small, practical choices across the hotel and from our guests can help us reduce our environmental impact and keep Borrowdale beautiful for whenever you return, and for generations of visitors to come.

Plan Your Stay