Derwentwater - escape to the wilds
A simply charming adventure in the Lake District
Stay with us in the charming Catbells and Keepers Cottages on the peaceful Lingholm Estate, waking up to spectacular lake and mountain views. You’ll immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Derwentwater, a stunning spot in the Northern Lake District.
With activities ranging from sailing and canoe rafting to wildlife encounters and nature walks, this holiday is perfect for those who love the outdoors. Whether you’re exploring on foot, taking to the water, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings, you’ll enjoy a truly unforgettable experience.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy a holiday.
Speak to an Adventures Coordinator about your needs and grant eligibility today – we’re here to help make adventures happen.
Highlights
Relax in traditional estate cottages
The delightful Catbells and Keepers Cottages are set into the south of The Lingholm Estate, situated on the western bank of Lake Derwentwater. Tranquil and safe, with gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding mountains, this really is a stunning location.
Make use of the enclosed lawned garden and outdoor seating in good weather, or share meals and discuss the day’s adventures in the spacious and comfortable open-plan living room, kitchen, and dining area, which features windows that make the most of the nature-rich scenery.
A packed intinerary on the Northern Lakes
The Northern Lakes offer plenty of activities whatever the weather, from shoreside strolls and boat rides on the lake to short walks in the hills. There’s also the option of assisted onsite watersports, such as rafting, canoeing, or sailing. The sheltered coves and islands, along with an abundance of wildlife, make this a fantastic lake to explore by boat. If you love sailing or just being by the water, this is the trip for you!
Our friendly team with you every step of the way
From the moment you enquire to the last day of your holiday, our experienced and compassionate team is here to support you. We take the time to understand your needs, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
Whether it’s providing gentle guidance on excursions, offering a reassuring presence, or simply sharing a laugh over dinner, we’re always there to make your journey seamless, stress-free, and filled with joyful moments.
Delicious, worry-free dining
Every meal on your holiday is carefully planned to be both enjoyable and stress-free. We only visit handpicked restaurants and cafés that provide a welcoming, dementia-friendly environment, ensuring you can relax and savour the experience.
You’ll enjoy picnics and pub lunches on our days out, and delicious meals prepared by our team when back at your accommodation. We’re mindful of different dietary requirements and aim to fully accommodate them, whether due to allergies or religious beliefs.
With the information we gather during booking, we craft a tasty menu to suit the whole group, sharing mealtimes in a warm, communal setting.
What's included?
The price you pay includes:
- Four nights’ full board accommodation
- All meals, including lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the last day. Some of these will be in cafés and pubs as part of the planned itinerary, and some at ‘home’ in the accommodation
- Soft drinks, tea and coffee are available at the accommodation
- All activities and venue entrance charges
- Transport throughout the holiday
- Around-the-clock support from the Dementia Adventure team, on location and throughout the holiday
- Pre- and post-booking support
- Organisation, remote support, and personal communication in the run-up
- One free photobook per booking
Location
Lake Derwentwater in the Northern Lake District is as pretty as it is dramatic. Surrounded by stunning scenery and home to sheltered coves and wildlife, it has much to offer. To its west rise the fells of Cat Bells. To the east is the majestic Friar’s Crag, a popular viewpoint that juts into the lake, and at its southern foot lies the entrance to the beautiful Borrowdale valley. Considered Keswick’s local lake, Lake Derwentwater is only a 10-minute walk from the centre of town.
Accommodation
The Catbells and Keepers Cottages are situated on the western bank of Lake Derwentwater. Tranquil and safe, with gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding mountains, this really is a stunning location.
Two of the bedrooms are on the ground floor, while the other two are on the first floor. Each room has a King bed and an ensuite shower room, which may need to be accessed by a small step.
Facilities
- Bedrooms with ensuite showers
- Wifi
- Washing machine
- Parking
Activities
The Northern Lakes offer plenty of activities whatever the weather, from shoreside strolls and boat rides on the lake to short walks in the hills. There’s also the option of assisted onsite watersports, such as rafting, canoeing, or sailing. The sheltered coves and islands, along with an abundance of wildlife, make this a fantastic lake to explore by boat. If you love sailing or just being by the water, this is the trip for you!
Example Itinerary
Every holiday with Dementia Adventure is unique! Your itinerary may vary depending on the date, and will be released to you in good time before your departure — usually about two to three weeks prior.
If you would like to get an idea of the kinds of activities that may be in store for you, see the example itinerary below. However, please note that this example is just a mock-up based on past years’ schedules, and does not constitute your final itinerary.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Sailing on the lake with an experienced instructor | Back out on the lake for canoe rafting | Meeting with animals and birds of prey at the Lakes Wildlife Park | Late breakfast aboard Bassenthwaite Lake Station’s art deco Carriage Cafe | |
| Afternoon | Arrival, a café lunch, and a short walk, followed by driving to the accommodation to unpack and settle in | Lunch and hot drinks back at the accommodation, then visit with The Lingholm Estate’s very own herd of tame alpacas | Lunch at the accommodation before exploring some of the local sights | Picnic lunch and then a ride on specially-adapted bicycles through Watchtree Nature Reserve | A final walk around Dubwath Silver Meadows Wetland Nature Reserve |
| Evening | Enjoy a home-cooked evening meal at the accommodation | Enjoy a home-cooked evening meal at the accommodation | An evening meal out at one of the charming local pubs | Enjoy a home-cooked evening meal at the accommodation |
Who is this holiday for?
- People who enjoy fresh air and beautiful countryside
- People with good mobility — we may walk 3 miles in a day, with breaks
- People who want to share a holiday with three other pairs who are looking for the same chance to unwind and have a great time among gorgeous, natural surroundings
- People who are comfortable with being close to and out on the water
Need more support or options? Why not consider a tailored holiday instead?
| Dementia Adventure Holiday | Package Holidays | Hotel Stays | Cruises | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who's it for | People with dementia and a carer or companion, who are happy to holiday as part of a small group of people who live with similar circumstances. | General travelers, with accessible options | General travelers, with some accessible rooms | General travelers, with some dementia-friendly options |
| Dementia Support | Specialised dementia-trained support staff available 24/7 | Limited dementia awareness, accessible support only | Basic accessibility features, dementia awareness unlikely | Some dementia support may be available, but not always specific |
| Personal Care | May be available at extra cost, although assistance with feeding, or spending time with the person with dementia so their companion can have a break is included. | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Types of Activities | Nature-focused, sensory, and gentle outdoor activities | Tourist activities (general) | May include entertainment, but not tailored | Onboard entertainment, excursions, but not dementia-specific |
| Accommodation | Hand-picked to be safe, accessible and dementia-friendly | Standard, with some accessible options | Accessible rooms available, but not dementia-friendly | Accessible cabins available, not dementia-specific |
| Duration | Monday to Friday | Fixed duration (typically 7–14 days) | Flexible, depending on the stay | Fixed duration (3–14 days), limited flexibility |
| Location | Natural, peaceful settings (e.g., countryside, coastal) | Varies (city, resort, beach destinations) | Varies widely, city or scenic locations | Specific cruise routes, ports of call |
| Cost | Provided at cost price, with additional discounts available through our charitable support fund | Budget to luxury (depending on the package) | Varies widely based on location and services | Ranges from affordable to luxury |
| Health & Safety | All accomodation and activities assessed and handpicked for dementia-related needs | General health and safety standards | General health and safety standards | High standards, but not specifically for dementia |
| Group Size | Small, intimate groups of people who live with similar circumstances | Large groups (usually) | Alone | Large groups |
| Inclusivity | Fully inclusive for people with dementia | Some accessible features, not dementia-focused | Accessible features, not dementia-specific | Accessible features, not dementia-specific |
| Dining | Varied locations, often in quiet, relaxed settings (e.g., outdoor or private rooms), with tailored dietary needs (e.g., soft foods, specific textures). Meals served in calm, stress-free environments to minimise overstimulation. | Standard dining locations, usually in large dining rooms or buffet-style settings with limited flexibility for dietary needs. | Standard dining locations, usually in large dining rooms or buffet-style settings with limited flexibility for dietary needs. | Multiple dining venues with some dietary-sensitive options, but not dementia-specific. |
We believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy a holiday.
Speak to an Adventures Coordinator about your needs and grant eligibility today – we’re here to help make adventures happen.
Select a date to make a reservation request today!
Before you make a reservation, please read our Frequently Asked Questions and Terms & Conditions.
Please note that because of the limited number of places, we ask that you only book one holiday per year.
Deposits are £200 per room. We require full payment two months before the holiday. If you need to spread the cost of your holiday, talk to us about a payment plan.
If you have a question, please contact us or call us on 01245 237548.
