Tumbling through woodland close to the southern end of Derwentwater, Lodore Falls is a classic Borrowdale waterfall and an easy attraction to combine with a lakeside day. It is particularly impressive after rainfall, when the water pours over the rocks beneath the surrounding trees and fells.
Attractions To Visit Near Borrowdale
From famous lakes and waterfalls to historic sites, family attractions and some of the Lake District’s finest scenic viewpoints, there is plenty to discover beyond the walking trails. Staying in Rosthwaite puts attractions near Borrowdale, Derwentwater and Keswick within easy reach, giving you plenty of choices for a full day out, a rainy afternoon or somewhere to explore after breakfast.
Must-see Borrowdale Attractions
Lodore Falls
Honister Slate Mine
Head through dramatic Honister Pass to Honister Slate Mine, England’s last working slate mine. Guided mine tours reveal the history beneath the mountain, while climbing, bridge and adventure experiences offer something more energetic. Its underground activities also make Honister a useful option when the Lake District weather turns wet.
Watendlath
High above Borrowdale, Watendlath is a peaceful hamlet gathered around a tarn and traditional packhorse bridge. Reached by the narrow road beyond Ashness Bridge and Surprise View, it feels wonderfully removed from the busier valley below and combines historic farming landscape, woodland, water and far-reaching fell views.
Things to Do in Keswick
Keswick adds museums, entertainment, shops and family attractions to the outdoor attractions around Borrowdale. Its compact town centre makes several visitor attractions easy to combine in one day, while Derwentwater and the lakeshore sit only a short walk away.
Keswick Launch
Keswick Launch Co. offers a relaxed way to experience Derwentwater from the water. Traditional launches travel around the lake, with jetties providing access to different walks and attractions along the shore. The foreshore is also just a short walk from Keswick town centre.
Derwent Pencil Museum
Derwent Pencil Museum tells the story of Keswick’s long association with graphite and pencil making. Visitors enter through a replica graphite mine before exploring the development of the local pencil industry, unusual exhibits and displays, making it a useful family attraction or rainy-day option.
The Puzzling Place
The Puzzling Place offers something completely different from the surrounding fells. Filled with optical illusions, perspective tricks and interactive exhibits, it is a playful indoor attraction in the heart of Keswick and a particularly useful option for families when the weather makes outdoor plans less appealing.
Theatre by the Lake
Set close to the shores of Derwentwater, Theatre by the Lake presents drama, comedy, music and visiting performances throughout the year. Its lakeside setting means an evening performance can easily follow an afternoon exploring Keswick or Derwentwater.
Keswick Museum
Keswick Museum sits beside Fitz Park and explores the landscape, history, people and industries of Keswick and the surrounding Lake District. Exhibitions and family activities make it another useful indoor attraction, particularly if you want to understand more about the area you have been exploring outside.
Keswick Alhambra Cinema
For a quieter evening or wet-weather afternoon, Keswick Alhambra Cinema is a century-old, family-run picturehouse close to the market square. Its restored auditorium shows current films alongside selected live theatre, opera and ballet broadcasts.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
Set above Keswick with mountains on almost every side, Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the area’s most atmospheric historic sites and a rewarding photography spot. The late-Neolithic circle contains 38 standing stones, is free to visit during daylight hours and welcomes dogs on leads.
Keswick Town Centre
Keswick itself is worth leaving time to explore. The historic market town has independent shops, outdoor stores, cafés and places to eat clustered around its central streets and Moot Hall. From the centre, it is easy to continue towards Fitz Park, Theatre by the Lake or the shores of Derwentwater.
Millican Dalton’s Cave
Hidden beside the River Derwent beneath Castle Crag, Millican Dalton’s Cave was once the summer home of the self-styled ‘Professor of Adventure’. Reached on foot through the Borrowdale landscape, it combines local history with woodland and riverside scenery and makes an unusual destination for visitors who enjoy discovering places with a story behind them.
Jaws of Borrowdale
The Jaws of Borrowdale describes the dramatic narrowing of the valley between steep wooded crags close to the Bowder Stone. It is one of the landscapes that gives Borrowdale its distinctive character and can be appreciated from walking trails, the valley road and several surrounding viewpoints.
Grange-in-Borrowdale
Stone cottages, the River Derwent and an old double-arched bridge give Grange-in-Borrowdale its classic Lakeland character. It makes a pleasant stop while exploring the valley and is well placed for riverside walks, picnic spots and routes towards Castle Crag and the Bowder Stone.
Ashness Bridge
Ashness Bridge is one of the Lake District’s best-known photography spots. The traditional packhorse bridge sits above Derwentwater with the surrounding fells forming the backdrop, and can be reached from the nearby car park or incorporated into a longer walking route from the lakeshore.
Surprise View
A little further above Ashness Bridge, Surprise View opens suddenly onto a sweeping panorama of Derwentwater, Keswick and the surrounding mountains. The viewpoint sits around 220 metres above sea level and is only a short distance from the car park, making the scale of the view particularly rewarding for relatively little walking.
Friar’s Crag
Close to the Keswick boat landings, Friar’s Crag provides one of the classic views south across Derwentwater towards the Jaws of Borrowdale. Its easy lakeside setting makes it ideal for a short stroll, photography stop or peaceful place to pause before heading back into Keswick.
Stay Near the Fun
The Royal Oak in Rosthwaite puts you in the centre of the Borrowdale Valley, surrounded by natural attractions while keeping Keswick and Derwentwater within easy reach. Spend the morning exploring waterfalls and viewpoints, head into Keswick for museums or entertainment, then return to the quiet of the valley for dinner and a comfortable night’s rest.
Staying at The Royal Oak Hotel makes it easy to explore without leaving the Lake District landscape behind.