The Swinside Inn Portinscale Exterior photo

The Swinside Inn Portinscale Skyline photo

The Swinside Inn Portinscale Amenities photo

Key details

Property Overview

The Swinside Inn, Portinscale, CA12 5UE

Near Derwent Water

Perfect

9.1

/10

What The Swinside Inn guests love

On-site brewery

Heritage beer tasting

Artisan breakfast options

Local hiking kits

Live folk music

"Spacious spotless room with above average tea tray! Which included home made cookies."

Sharon from United Kingdom

read full review

"Mountain view from room was amazing!"

Mike from United Kingdom

read full review

"The 3 course meals were delicious and welcome change from the usual pub grub served in the Lakes."

Sarah from United Kingdom

read full review

"Location was beautiful...an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle."

Lynn from United Kingdom

read full review

4-star mountain inn with free bikes and live folk music in Portinscale

Location & Outdoor Activities

The Swinside Inn sits 2.6 km from Cat Bells, providing direct access to Lake District hiking trails. Guests can borrow free bikes from the hotel to explore the surrounding countryside. Customizable hiking kits are available for those who want prepared gear for their walks, and the inn is 9.3 km from Derwentwater Lake and 11 km from Buttermere.

Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant serves British cuisine for lunch and dinner, with a menu that changes regularly. Breakfast includes a full English or Irish option, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free choices, all made from locally sourced artisan ingredients. Kids' meals are available, and the bar offers an extensive selection of local ales plus wine and champagne.

Entertainment & Cultural Events

Weekends feature live folk music performances in the bar area, adding to the inn's social atmosphere. The hotel organizes brewery beer tasting events and periodically hosts heritage celebrations and craft workshops. These activities are open to all guests and provide a glimpse into local traditions.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

The Swinside Inn welcomes dogs throughout the property, including the restaurant and bar areas. Ample green spaces surround the building for pet exercise, and the hotel provides a pet-friendly environment with no restricted zones. Rooms accommodate families traveling with dogs, making it easy to bring pets along on Lake District trips.

Room Options & Comforts

Family rooms, king rooms, deluxe king rooms, and family suites are available, each with private bathrooms and mountain views. Rooms include homemade cookies on arrival, and some have spacious bathrooms with baths. The inn follows a non-smoking policy throughout and is equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke alarms for safety.

Highlights

Location: 2.6 km from Cat Bells, 9.3 km from Derwentwater

Dining: Locally sourced full English breakfast & local ales

Activities: Free bikes, customizable hiking kits, live folk music

Pet-Friendly: Dogs allowed in all areas including restaurant

Events: Brewery beer tastings, heritage celebrations, craft workshops

Must-do experiences

Hike up Catbells for stunning views of Derwentwater at sunrise.
Sample local venison stew at The Swinside Inn for a true taste.
Visit the quirky Keswick Pencil Museum for a fun, unique experience.
Stroll through the Keswick market on Thursdays for local treats.
Take a boat trip on Derwentwater for breathtaking scenery.

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

See Listing on Map

Highlights from guests

DiningFoodie Paradise

Dinner was exceptional, on par with top Lake District restaurants. Breakfast was delicious and very filling.

George from United Kingdom

Review on

Guest ParkingConvenient Parking

Plenty of parking available, making arrival and departure easy and stress-free.

Helen from United Kingdom

Review on

BedroomStunning Views

The bedroom offered fantastic views of the fells. Room was beautifully furnished and very comfortable.

Sophia from United Kingdom

Review on

Room FeaturesLuxury Comfort

Rooms were renovated, beautifully furnished, and extremely comfortable with luxurious touches.

David from United Kingdom

Review on

Choose your room category

The Swinside Inn offers double, family, and suite rooms throughout the Lake District, all including breakfast, free cancellation, and seasonal deals

Double Room
2 persons
7 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
King Room
2 persons
7 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
7 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Room Rates & Availability Calendar

See current rates and availability for the Lake District now!

Amenities

The Swinside Inn provides amenities designed for a relaxing stay and memorable moments

Facilities: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Services

Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Room features

Dressing area
Terrace
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Where to Find The Swinside Inn

The Swinside Inn, Portinscale, CA12 5UE

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

Derwent Water

1.86 km

Museum

Derwent Pencil Museum

2.9 km

Museum

The Puzzling Place

2.81 km

Landmark

Alpacaly Ever After

1.5 km

Landmark

Swinside

680 m

Landmark

Thomas Arthur Leonard

970 m

Landmark

Lake District Off-Road

680 m

Bay

Derwent Bay

950 m

Landmark

Uzzicar Lead Mine

960 m

Theatre

Theatre by the Lake

2.46 km

Landmark

Moot Hall

2.89 km

Landmark

Cat Bells

2.68 km

Landmark

Fawe Park

1.12 km

Bay

Copperheap Bay

1.16 km

Park

Hope Park

2.84 km

Landmark

Skellgill Copper Mine

1.23 km

Explore Portinscale

Explore the Surroundings

Derwent Water

25 minutes' walk

A serene lake surrounded by stunning hills, perfect for boat trips and picnics. Scenic walks available around its perimeter.

Derwent Pencil Museum

30 minutes' walk

Fascinating displays on the history of pencil-making, featuring unique exhibits and workshops. Great for families and art lovers.

The Puzzling Place

30 minutes' walk

A quirky experience with optical illusions and mind-boggling puzzles, ideal for those looking for fun and interactive entertainment.

Alpacaly Ever After

18 minutes' walk

Unique hands-on experience with friendly alpacas. Guided walks are available, suitable for families and animal lovers.

Hiking at Cat Bells

35 minutes' walk

Popular hiking spot offering challenging trails and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Suitable for all skill levels.

Lake District Off-Road

10 minutes' drive

Exciting off-road biking adventures for thrill-seekers. Bike rentals available, catering to both beginners and experienced riders.

Yoga Classes

5 minutes' drive

Relaxing yoga sessions offered in nearby studios. Great for rejuvenation and stress relief during your stay.

The Swinside Inn Restaurant

0 minutes' walk

Cozy ambiance featuring local dishes and ales. Must-try: their signature steak and craft beers. Reservations recommended.

The unLocal

10 minutes' drive

Casual eatery with international cuisine. Offers vegetarian options and pub favorites. Great for families and groups.

Cafe Bar 26

10 minutes' drive

Charming café with a diverse menu, known for its homemade pastries and coffee. Ideal for a leisurely breakfast or lunch.

Theatre by the Lake

30 minutes' walk

Local theatre showcasing a variety of performances, including plays and musicals. Check for seasonal shows and events.

Keswick Brewing Company

10 minutes' drive

Craft brewery with tours and tastings available. Perfect spot for beer enthusiasts. Offers relaxed atmosphere for social gatherings.

Local transport options

City Centre
Portinscale 21 min · 1.7 km
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 108 min · 71.8 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 240 min · 159.5 km
Bus
Bus stop 33 min · 2.7 km