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The Horse & Farrier Inn 🐎 Lake District stay
September 10, 2026 · UK · Nature · Mid-range

The Horse & Farrier Inn 🐎 Lake District stay

Old coaching inn under Blencathra, dogs welcome in the bar 🌄

Keswick·1 night·8.4 ★ from 791 travellers
Superior Double room
7 mÂČ with private bathroom
Breakfast included
Enjoy a delicious breakfast to start the day
Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum
733 m from the hotel
Old inn under Blencathra
Local ales, fell views, dogs in the bar

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Why we love it

The setting

This guesthouse is in the village of Srellkerk, east of Keswick, a short distance from the A66 highway, at the foot of the Brenkatra Ridge. It is situated in a rural setting rather than in the town centre; a hiking trail begins right next to the guesthouse, and pubs, shops, and the lake are a short drive away. During a recent renovation, the ground floor and guest rooms were updated, while the charm of the historic building was preserved.

What to expect

A hotel designed in the style of an old-fashioned post station, featuring its own bar and restaurant. The restaurant serves highly acclaimed dishes made with regional ingredients, as well as draft beer. On warm evenings, you can sit on the outdoor terrace, and the windows offer views of the rolling countryside. The rooms are equipped with modern bathrooms and comfortable beds. After a day in the mountains, you can dry your wet boots and jackets in the drying room.

Things to do nearby

Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum in Trelkerde is just a few minutes’ walk from this accommodation. There, you can learn about the history of oil shale mining and mining in this region, and see narrow-gauge railroads and working equipment. Just beyond the village rises Blencathra, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful mountain hikes in the Lake District. If you drive a short distance west on the A66, you’ll reach Keswick, where Lake Derwentwater awaits, along with numerous cafes and outdoor gear shops.

Best for

This is less of an elegant city hotel and more of a place to stay, ideal for hikers, dog owners, and couples looking for an authentic Cumbrian-style inn where they can enjoy real ale and hearty meals. It’s also a very convenient place to stay for families visiting while hiking the Fell Walk, as there’s parking on the premises and the menu includes children’s meals.

How to get to the hotel

If you're travelling by car, take the A66 east from Keswick and turn toward the village of Threlkeld. Free parking is available near the hotel. The A66 will take you to Penrith Train Station in about 20 minutes; from there, you can take a train on the West Coast Main Line. The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport, which is about a two-hour drive south via the M6.

Choose your room

Superior Double room ✓ Your selection

Superior Double room

Modern room with a comfortable bed, a TV, and tea and coffee making facilities.

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Double Suite with mountain view +ÂŁ50

Double Suite with mountain view

Room with a double bed, a lounge area with a sofa, and windows overlooking the hills.

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What's inside the price
  • Free Internet
  • Parking
  • Barbecue grill
  • Hiking
  • Sun deck
  • Darts

Property, in pictures

Latest reviews from TripAdvisor

G
Gemma B ★★★★★10/10· September 2025

Excellent stay

Excellent stay, stayed 3 nights in saddleback suite, clean, spacious, bed and pillows so comfy, super king bed. Bathroom had a shower , roll top bath and his and her… Read full review on ZenHotels →

V
vintage59 ★★★★★10/10· July 2025

Friendly pub, fabulous staff, amazing food

From the minute we walked in, there was a warm friendly welcome. The pub is cosy and the tables are positioned not too close to each other so we could chat easily… Read full review on ZenHotels →

I
ianp995 ★★★★★10/10· June 2025

Great pub, good atmosphere and fab-u-lous staff.

Love reading reviews, especially the bad ones as the say far more about the reviewer than what they're actually reviewing. We stopped in on our first afternoon staying… Read full review on ZenHotels →

Read more reviews →

Your 2 days, loosely planned

Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.

Day 1

Blencathra ridges and a pint by the fire

Tie your shoelaces in advance, leave the village right away, and head to Blencathra. Depending on weather conditions, you can choose between the “Sharp Edge” rock-climbing route and the gentler “Blease Fell” trail. After descending and having lunch at the bar, you’ll take a walk to the quarry and the mining museum in Srelkelde in the afternoon. As twilight falls over the mountains, you’ll end the day on the outdoor terrace with a glass of local ale.

Day 2

Keswick, Derwentwater and the drive home

After breakfast, head a little west toward Keswick and spend a leisurely morning exploring the market square, the pencil museum, and outdoor gear shops.You also recommend taking a walk along the shore of Derwentwater or taking a boat across to Catbells for a short hike in the mountains. After lunch at one of the town’s cafes, you’ll head back along the A66 and take one last look at the “Brent Cutter” before leaving.

Where you'll be

Keswick, UK

Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum 733 m
Carlisle Lake District Airport 38.7 km

FAQ

What is the best month to visit Keswick?

The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall. The weather is particularly stable in September and October, when the hills are turning to fall colours and there are fewer tourists than during the peak of the tourist season. If you’re planning a trip in mid-October, expect cool mornings, the sun setting low over Derwentwater, and cool nights. Therefore, you should pack layered clothing suitable for hiking in the mountains, as well as waterproof gear.

Which is nicer, Keswick or Windermere?

It depends on the purpose of your trip. Keswick is in the north of the Lake District, close to rugged mountains such as Blencathra and Skiddaw, and has a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for hikers. Windermere and Bowness, on the other hand, with their lake cruises and numerous boutiques, offer a livelier and more elegant atmosphere. If you want to spend your holiday here with a focus on hiking, Keswick is the best choice.

Which day is market day in Keswick?

The Keswick open-air market is held every Saturday and Thursday in the main square. Stalls line up there, offering cheeses from Cumbrian, baked goods, folk crafts, and outdoor gear. On Saturdays, the market is bustling and lively, whereas on Thursdays it’s relatively quiet. The market is just a few minutes’ drive west of where the hotel’re staying along the A66, and it’s easier to find a parking spot there in the morning.

Which is better for a vacation, Ambleside or Keswick?

Ambleside is near Lake Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District, and is ideal for boating and leisurely hikes through the valleys. Keswick is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the high mountains, quiet nights, and the shores of Derwentwater. When you stay at this house in Threlkeld, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of Keswick. Mount Brenkatla rises behind you, and the northern part of the Lake District is just a short drive away.

What is Keswick famous for?

Keswick is known as the “hiking capital” of the Lake District and is on the shores of Derwentwater, surrounded by mountains such as Skiddaw, Blencathra, and Catbells. In addition, this area is considered the birthplace of the pencil, and there is a museum dedicated to the history of graphite mining in the region. In nearby Srealkeld, there is a quarry museum located just a few steps from the accommodation, showcasing the heritage of slate mining and mining in general.

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