Portinscale
Portinscale is a small village with 560 inhabitants, located just over a mile from Keswick on the western shore of Derwentwater lake. The village features three tearooms, a pub, an hotel, two lively marinas, a country estate, several b&b’s, holiday cottages and a landing stage for the Keswick Launch
Walk to Portinscale from Keswick
A footbridge crosses the river Derwent just outside the village. The walk from Keswick to Portinscale takes approximately twenty minutes on a rural path or slightly longer on a pavement beside the road. The pathway crosses an area of two fields known as ‘The Howrahs’. These were named by a Keswick man, Edward Stephenson, who had served as an 18th century governor of Bengal, living at one point near the Indian city of Howrah. Stephenson died in Keswick in 1768.
Derwentwater Marina
Derwentwater Marina is just south of the main village. The marina provides seasonal moorings and winter shore storage. Various small watercraft, such as paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, pedalos, and rowing boats are available to hire. Buoyancy aids are supplied with all rental. The marina is a certified RYA training provider and offers courses for sailing boats and windsurfing.
The onsite watersport shop and chandlery is well stocked. New and used boats, ranging from paddleboards to yachts, are available for sale
Lingholm Estate
The main house and estate are not open to the general public. Self catering holiday apartments are available in the main house and there are a small number of holiday cottages on the estate. The Lingholm Kitchen, a café, and part of the gardens are accessible to customers of the café.
The Lingholm Estate near Portinscale village offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. This Grade II listed building was built in the 1870’s in what has been described as ‘modern gothic’ style by renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse. The commissioning owner was Lt-Col James Fenton Greenall, a member of the prominent Greenall brewing family. Waterhouse was also the creator of the Natural History Museum in London
The estate has historically served many roles, including playing its part in both world wars. It was set up as a Military convalescent home for officers in World War I. It was also used for a period to house evacuee children from the Northeast in the second world war. Lingholm estate was also enjoyed as a retreat for Beatrix Potter who spend many summer holidays drawing inspiration for her stories. The kitchen garden is famous for being the inspiration for Mr McGregor’s Garden in ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’
Visit Cumbria’s editor, Vanessa, fondly remembers sailing across the lake to play with Viscount and Lady Rochdale’s grandchildren in Lingholm on a number of occasions during the 70’s. She particularly recalls a ‘brisk’ indoor climate, with tea taken in the dining room on Beatrix Potter crockery, and playing cricket in upstairs corridors on wet days.
Lingholm Kitchen cafe and the Walled Garden
One of today’s stand out features is the Walled Garden, A Victorian style garden surrounded by a octagonal reclaimed red brick wall providing fresh produce for the busy cafe. The cafe itself (The Lingolm Kitchen) overlooks the garden and offers great views of the surrounding countryside. They offer hot drinks, breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas, as well as the fresh vegetables grown in the garden.
Nichol End Marine
Nichol End Marine is a popular option for moorings and boat hire on Derwentwater from the Portinscale area. This family run business offers a wide selection of small watercraft and sailing boats to hire.
The marina also features a nice cafe serving hot drinks and good food to enjoy after some good exercise on the water. The scones are legendary, and I was firmly instructed to return to the Visit Cumbria office with one of Nichol End’s cheese scones for our editor!
Nichol End is also home to a landing stage for the Keswick Launch but has been out of service due to low water level for some time. Hawes End landing is the next closest stage to Portinscale, and you can find more information about Hawes End further down this page
The Farmers Arms: Portinscale’s local pub
Located in the center of the village, The Farmers Arms is a traditional Lakeland pub servicing the local population since circa 1835. Although it has been refurbished extensively it still maintains much of its 19th century charm. It serves real ale and good food year-round, although it is worth calling ahead in the quieter winter months.
The interior is of a rustic style with old wooden beams and a great atmosphere. The large outdoor beer garden can be particularly popular in the afternoon. A good stop to enjoy some refreshments in Portinscale during a long walk and some time out enjoying the lake.
The Chalet Tearooms
The Chalet Tearooms in the centre of Portinscale village have been established since 2012. It is a charming and relaxing place for locals and tourist to enjoy. Hot and cold drinks, afternoon teas, snacks and mains made from local produce, home baked cakes and a fully licensed bar with local beers and good wine are all on offer. The tea rooms are dog friendly and also offer electric bike charging for a modest fee.
Hawes End Landing: Portinscale landing for Keswick Launch
With the closure of Nichol End Landing, Hawes End is now the main Keswick Launch landing for Portinscale. Located about 1.5 miles from the village, it offers a great view of the whole lake without walking around it. It is also a short, very scenic, walk from Lingholm Estate. Hawes End is at the foot of Catbells, one of the most popular fell walks in the Lake District.
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