Grange in Borrowdale, or just Grange as it’s also known, is a gorgeous village in the Lake District National Park, near the market town of Keswick. It’s known for its striking bridge with two arches over the river Derwent, a focal point in the village.
Grange in Borrowdale is situated at the entrance to what is known as the Jaws of Borrowdale. Here, the valley narrows into a gorge between two fells – Grange Fell and Castle Crag – to give some impressive views.
The village is full of pretty cottages made from local stone and slate, with the parish church standing out for its whitewashed walls. In fact, it’s so beautiful that Alfred Wainwright called it one of the prettiest square miles in Cumbria, and it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon activity where you don’t have to spend a penny.
Take a stroll through the pretty streets, paddle in the river, and relax with a fantastic view of the mountains.
Prepare a delicious spread at the well-equipped self-catering kitchen at YHA Borrowdale, then pop over to Grange in Borrowdale to enjoy it in the most stunning surroundings. Secure a spot with a view of the bridge or take in the fell scenery as you chow down.
The water level in the river Derwent here is usually very low, so it’s safe to explore, and children will love playing in the rock pools here. Be sure to monitor the conditions and take local advice before paddling.
The Bowder Stone is one of the most recognisable rocks in the Lake District, and you’ll find it between Grange in Borrowdale and YHA Borrowdale. It balances on one edge, and there is a metal ladder you can use to climb to the top for a fantastic photo opportunity.
The stone is around 30 feet (9.1 metres) high, 30 feet (9.1 metres) wide, and 90 feet (27.4 metres) in circumference. It weighs a colossal 2,000 tonnes and is thought to have fallen here when the Borrowdale glacier retreated.
Visit the Grange Methodist Chapel to find out more about the history of the Borrowdale valley. This permanent exhibition is open daily and admission is free.
Bridge Cottage Tea Room is a cute café that offers a large selection of homemade food and cakes. Stop off for a cuppa and a chat during your day.
Serving traditional British fare and classic French cuisine, the Borrowdale Gates Hotel offers a fine dining experience every evening and a light lunch in the afternoons. The restaurant has been awarded the 2 AA Rosette for culinary excellence.
It’s a great place to splurge on a special meal if you’re celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.
Grange in Borrowdale is the starting point for a variety of Lake District hiking routes, from short walks to longer hikes. There is something here for every type of walker. These include:
The village dates back to medieval times when monks from Furness Abbey built a monastic grange here. It is this grange that gave the village its name. The double arch bridge was built in the late 17th century, with the Holy Trinity church following in 1861.
Grange in Borrowdale was a “dry village” where the sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited. It is only in recent years that the Borrowdale Gates Hotel, a popular hotel and restaurant in the village, was granted an alcohol license for non-residents.
It’s around 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometres) from YHA Borrowdale to Grange in Borrowdale. The best ways to get there include catching the bus and cycling.
By public transport: There is a direct bus from YHA Borrowdale to Grange in Borrowdale. Just hop on the 77 or the 78 Borrowdale Bus from Longthwaite Road end and alight at the bridge. The whole journey should take less than 20 minutes.
Cycling: Cycling is one of the quickest ways to get to Grange in Borrowdale. From YHA Borrowdale, it takes around 14 minutes and is an easy route along the B5289 road.
By car: It takes around nine minutes to drive to Grange in Borrowdale from YHA Borrowdale. Parking is on the streets in the village and is limited. On busy days, you may find it a challenge to find a space.
On foot: It takes about an hour to walk from YHA Borrowdale to Borrowdale in Grange.
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