Explore this beautiful inhabited island on selected days of the year and discover the 18th Century house on this little island
Derwent Island and House offers a beautiful day out for all ages and is only around a 30 minute drive away from our own, 5 star Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat. Meaning you can enjoy the beautiful luxury that Keswick Reach offers and it is ideally placed to explore the local area and all that the Lake District has to offer!
The Derwent House is lived in all year round, but is actually only open to the public 5 days a year, giving you the chance to see island living at its finest! The only date left for 2018 is Thursday 21st August, but make sure to keep an eye on the National Trust website for the 2019 release days.
the history
Derwent Island has been inhabited for centuries and was previously owned by monks and even at one time, Royalty. During the 16th Century a group of German miners, who were working in the area, lived on the island and built a camp for themselves, they grew vegetables, kept animals and even brewed beer!
The beautiful house currently on the island was built in the 18th Century by an eccentric named Joseph Pocklington, who also built a charming chapel and a small fort on the island. The fort has been used for mock battles during annual regattas on the lake. The house is currently lived in all year round.
about your trip
The most reliable way to travel to the island is by canoe, as the lake levels can be quite unpredictable and are affected by rainfall and drought in the area. Don’t worry if you have never canoed before, the trip is quick and easy for beginners and the canoes are rafted together to create extra stability. Although you will be paddling yourself, all trips are accompanied by two qualified canoe instructors from Keswick Canoe & Bushcraft. The journey takes around 5 minutes.
Only 18 people at one time can fit in the canoes, as such tickets are timed and you’ll get around 2 hours on the island itself. when you arrive you will have a 45 minute guided tour of all the main show rooms inside the 18th Century house, after the tour you can explore the island at your leisure until your time to canoe back.
Derwent Island and House is steeped in centuries of local history and offers a fantastic day out for all ages.
Located only a 30 minute drive away is our own 5 star holiday destination, Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, where you can indulge in fabulous facilities including luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments at our onsite Ammara Spa. Or enjoy a delicious meal at The Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie, which is also home to a fully stocked bar with locally produced spirits and regular live music.
Retreat back to your stunning accommodation, which comes with sumptuous sofas, fully fitted kitchens and beautiful beds, as well as selected lodges having private hot tub facilities. We have a wide range of accommodation to cater to all party sizes, from large family gatherings to our beautiful one-bed lodges, which are ideal for a romantic getaway in the Lake District.
Book your holiday to Keswick Reach and explore the rich history of the Lake District, while staying in complete luxury