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Dorchester House Keswick  Exterior photoDorchester House Keswick  Exterior photoDorchester House Keswick  Exterior photo

DORCHESTER HOUSE, Keswick (Cumbria)

•
9.5|Perfect
Check rooms and rates
From$173 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
01Nov
Check-out
02Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

17 Southey Street, Keswick (Cumbria), CA12 4EG
-
Steps from Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
Perfect
9.5
9.9
/10
5.0
5.0
/5

4-star guest house in central Keswick with exceptional homemade breakfast

Breakfast & Dining

Dorchester House serves a full English or Irish breakfast daily, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. The breakfast includes local specialties, warm dishes, fresh juice, and fruits, with overnight oats, porridge with whisky butter, and Cumberland sausages noted by guests. Homemade cakes are offered daily as part of the breakfast experience, and special diets are accommodated upon request.

Accommodation

All rooms have en suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee makers, and mountain views. Guests receive a bathrobe, work desk, and free toiletries, with options for family rooms, twin rooms, and single rooms with private bathroom. Beds are noted as extremely comfortable, and rooms include heating, non-smoking throughout, and outdoor furniture.

Location

The guest house is a 2-minute walk from Keswick town centre shops, restaurants, and pubs, and a 10-minute walk from Derwentwater Lake. Theatre by the Lake is a short walk away, and Cat Bells trailhead is 8 km from the property. Newcastle International Airport is 127 km away, and free on-street parking is available nearby.

Guest Services & Personalization

Hosts Simon and Lorraine are noted for greeting guests by name and providing dedicated assistance with local activities and attractions. Homemade cake is left for guests returning from a day out, and special occasion treats such as birthday cards and gifts are offered. The professional host has a strong return visitor rate, with many guests booking again.

Family-Friendly Features

Children over 6 are welcomed, making the guest house suitable for families with older children. Board games and puzzles are available, and kids' meals and special diet menus are offered upon request. Family rooms with multiple beds are available, and the location provides easy access to Lake District National Park walks.

Highlights

Breakfast: Full English with local sausages and homemade cake daily

Rooms: En suite with mountain views and tea/coffee makers

Location: 2 min walk to town centre, 10 min to Derwentwater

Service: Personalized host with strong return visitor rate

Family: Welcomes children over 6, board games available

Must-do experiences

  • Hike to Catbells for stunning views of Derwentwater.
  • Visit the Keswick Museum for local history and art exhibits.
  • Try the Cumberland sausage at The George for a local flavor.
  • Stroll through the Keswick Market on Thursdays for unique finds.
  • Take a boat trip on Derwentwater to appreciate the scenery.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    10 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    20 m²
    1 Double bed and 2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Standard Family Room
    2 persons
    19 m²
    1 Double bed and 1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Services

  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Room features

  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dorchester House Location

17 Southey Street, Keswick (Cumbria), CA12 4EG
Map view
Nearby
Museum
The Puzzling Place
540 m
Moot Hall Market Square
Moot Hall
380 m
Museum
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
320 m
Borrowdale Road East of Great Wood Car Park
Walla Crag
310 m
Great Eddy Borrowdale Road
Great Wood
190 m
Gallery
Viridian Gallery
90 m
Park
Hope Park
390 m
Gallery
Treeby & Bolton Gallery & Shop
210 m
Otley Road
Dinosaur And Raptor Experience
340 m
Otley House Otley Road
Keswick Mining Museum
340 m
Thornthwaite
Thornthwaite Galleries
390 m
Park
Fitz Park
460 m
Park
Crow Park
390 m
Store
The Cheese Delicatessen at Fond Ewe
190 m
National Park
Lake District National Park
550 m
Gallery
Northern Lights Gallery
140 m
Keswick CA12 4NF
Upper Fitz Park
340 m
Kong Adventure
Kong Escape Room
380 m
Gallery
Gallery 26
450 m
Restaurants
Casa Bella
210 m
24-26 Station Street
Woodstone Pizza and Grill
290 m
26 St. Johns Street
The George
320 m
3 St. Johns Street
The Square Orange Cafe Bar
310 m
20 St. Johns Street
Sultan of Keswick
290 m
5 St. Johns Street
The Dog and Gun
340 m
2 Lake Road
Lakes Bar & Bistro
170 m
25 Station Street
Thomasons Butchers & Deli
570 m
8-10 Station Street
Asaya Thai Restaurant
210 m
21 Station Street
The Wainwright
380 m
Lake Road
Explore Keswick (Cumbria)
Local Activities and Dining
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
4 minutes' walk
A local heritage center showcasing art, history, and geology unique to Keswick, perfect for families.
The Puzzling Place
7 minutes' walk
A quirky attraction featuring optical illusions and puzzles, ideal for a fun family outing.
Derwent Island and House
16 minutes' walk
A historic island estate with seasonal guided tours, presenting unique architecture and scenic views.
Castlerigg Stone Circle
25 minutes' walk
One of the oldest stone circles in Britain, offering stunning views and a glimpse into ancient rituals.
Latrigg Hiking
20 minutes' walk
A popular hiking route leading to breathtaking views of the Lake District, suitable for all skill levels.
Alpacaly Ever After
12 minutes' drive
An interactive alpaca experience with walking tours, great for all ages, booking required in advance.
Derwent Water Marina
5 minutes' drive
Offers boat rentals and kayaking for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an exciting water sport experience.
Spa at the Borrowdale Hotel
10 minutes' drive
Relaxation and wellness facilities ideal for guests seeking pampering treatments after outdoor activities.
Casa Bella
3 minutes' walk
An Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, known for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta.
The Square Orange Cafe Bar
4 minutes' walk
A casual cafe bar offering a mix of local and international dishes, with a vibrant atmosphere for all.
Sultan of Keswick
4 minutes' walk
A family-run restaurant specializing in Indian cuisine, catering to various dietary needs with a warm ambiance.
Woodstone Pizza and Grill
4 minutes' walk
A laid-back spot featuring delicious grilled dishes and pizza, perfect for a relaxed meal after a day out.
Keswick Film Club
5 minutes' walk
Screenings of indie films and classics in a friendly atmosphere. Great for film enthusiasts of all ages.
Theatre by the Lake
15 minutes' walk
A local theater hosting various performances from plays to musicals, with lovely views of Derwentwater.
The Dog and Gun Pub
10 minutes' walk
A traditional pub with live music nights and a cozy atmosphere, offering local ales and hearty British food.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Keswick (Cumbria) 3 min  ·  200 m
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 100 min  ·  66.6 km
    Blackpool International (BLK) 199 min  ·  132.1 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 8 min  ·  600 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-18:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
7

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Dorchester House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the Dorchester House's convenient location, noting its proximity to Keswick's town centre. The rooms are generally described as immaculate and well-equipped, with details like welcome trays offering a variety of hot drinks and fresh fruit salad served in lidded glass jars being frequently appreciated; the overnight oats at breakfast are also a popular choice. While some guests have noted that rooms may be small, the overall experience is highly positive and many look forward to returning.
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Review score
Based on 4 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Staff
9.9/10
Location
9.8/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Value for money
9.4/10
Pros
Free parking
Accommodating hosts
Comfortable bed
Cons
No air conditioning
Limited stay
Guest reviews
based on 4 reviews
8.4/10
based on 356 reviews
9.5/10
chris from united kingdom
Single
double room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 06, 2026
6/10
cramped room inconvenient elevator
the breakfast was good.
the room felt cramped, and the layout was just odd. i also had to deal with several flights of stairs, not great for my knees (.. ) the noise from the street was noticeable, disrupting sleep. the lack of elevator was really inconvenient with luggage.
0 Helpful
Duncan from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 13, 2026
9/10
glass jars good choice
The room included a welcome tray with many hot drinks. The fresh fruit salad was arranged in lidded glass jars and it looked fabulous. breakfast was excellent. It offered a good choice.
the room was not huge, but it was adequate.
0 Helpful
Connor from Australia
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 06, 2025
9.4/10

really good stay in a charming place

afternoon tea superb shower local bacon local knowledge
the afternoon tea cake was a lovely touch. my room had a superb shower. breakfast was delicious with locally sourced bacon. the hosts offered helpful local knowledge making my visit easy.
my room was on the third floor and there were no lifts.
Rooms
9/10
My double room included tea and coffee making facilities. it was warm and contained a very comfy bed. the shower was excellent. The water pressure was strong.
Facilities
9/10
there are no lifts in this building. the hotel offers breakfast. the hotel is very close to town. it is a short walk to the lakeside.
Service
10/10
the hosts are friendly. they seem to take great care of their guests. i found them very kind and accommodating. their service is excellent.
Location
9/10
the location is quiet. it is also close to amenities. the town center is only a short walk. the walk to the lakeside is also short.
Dining
10/10
four breakfast options are available to choose from. the breakfast includes locally sourced bacon and sausages. the hosts bake cakes . the cakes are freshly baked.
0 Helpful
|
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harper from canada
Family with children
family room
4 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: September 01, 2025
9/10

wonderful experience indeed

clean room spacious room comfortable beds
lorraine welcomed my family immediately. our room was clean and it was spacious. the beds were comfortable and i found plenty of towels. simon and lorraine answered all the questions i had.
the room was small and the bath and bedroom layout was awkward. i realized my knees would cope with some stairs.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Dorchester House
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dorchester House?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Is parking available at Dorchester House?
Free public parking is possible at a nearby location.
What type of breakfast does Dorchester House offer?
The hotel serves a full English/Irish breakfast as well as vegetarian options with local specialities.
How far is Dorchester House from Derwentwater Lake?
Dorchester House is located 3 km from Derwentwater Lake.
What amenities can guests find in the rooms at Dorchester House?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and en suite bathrooms.
What nearby restaurants can guests visit while staying at Dorchester House?
Nearby restaurants include Lakes Bar & Bistro (0.5 km), Asaya Thai Restaurant (0.5 km), and The George (0.5 km).
How far is Dorchester House from Carlisle Lake District Airport?
Dorchester House is approximately 70 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
What nearby attractions are located close to Dorchester House?
Nearby attractions include Lake District National Park and the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery (0.5 km).
What family-friendly amenities does Dorchester House offer?
Dorchester House features a children's menu and board games for family entertainment.
What languages do the staff at Dorchester House speak?
The staff at Dorchester House are proficient in English.

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