Honister Slate Mine, Lake District: An Adventure Guide from the Heart of Borrowdale
Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District's most unusual days out, sitting at the very top of Borrowdale.
Nestled amongst the scenic fells and valleys of the Lake District, The Royal Oak Hotel in Rosthwaite offers a welcoming place to stay and unwind between days on the trails.
Staying at the Borrowdale Royal Oak will give you a profound sense of serenity and tranquility, for you to gather your thoughts or empty your mind and enjoy true relaxation. Listen to the beck, feel the sun, the gentle breeze and the fresh rain, absorb the beautiful scenery and find your inner sanctuary. Cherish the great outdoors and look after your wellbeing.
Step in from the stunning scenery to a hotel thoughtfully refurbished with walkers and their dogs in mind. Feel at home with helpful amenities like our dedicated boot drying room and free parking, and refuel with fresh, delicious locally sourced Cumbrian produce. Once you have had your evening meal, enjoy some Lakeland Gin, local ales and hand-picked wines. Share stories by the fire with fellow walkers, before recharging with a restful night sleep, as the light fades over the fells.
After a day on the trails, our characterful, ensuite bedrooms promise a view and a restful space for you to unwind and recharge. Each designed with walkers in mind, complete with individually sprung mattresses, invigorating showers, tea and coffee facilities and complimentary Wi-fi, our rooms are the perfect base to explore the Lake District from, allowing you to settle down, decompress and take the weight off tired legs before setting out the next morning.
We believe The Lake District is best explored with all members of the family, which is why we happily welcome dogs by prior arrangement, making it easy to enjoy a walking holiday together.
One of the most important parts to any successful hike is what you eat both before and after.
Our award-winning cuisine is prepared daily with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served by our friendly restaurant team, perfect for fuelling your days on the trails and bringing the best of the changing Cumbrian seasons to your plate. On return, tasty treats await you with complimentary tea and scones between 3-5pm and settle down to an evening meal in the casual atmosphere of the dog friendly Poets Corner. If you prefer a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, enjoy the warmth of The Nook.
The Lake District has long inspired walkers and authors alike with its timeless landscapes, and from The Royal Oak you can explore “the loveliest square mile in Lakeland”, in the words of AW Wainwright, right from the doorstep.
Set in Rosthwaite, in the heart of the Upper Borrowdale Valley, our country hotel is perfectly positioned for discovering the surrounding villages of Roshwaite and Seatoller, while also only 7 minutes from Scafell Pike’s Borrowdale trailhead and 18 minutes from the vibrant market town of Keswick. We are also conveniently located along the Coast to Coast Walk and The Cumbria Way, offering an inviting stopover for walkers looking for a good night’s rest.
Embrace a seasonal, romantic escape or a walking break with a range of special offers at our hotel in Borrowdale. A warm welcome awaits with complimentary extras in our exclusive stay packages, booked directly through our website.
The Royal Oak has long been part of the landscape here, offering weathered sanctuary to visitors for more than 200 years. Today, the historic character of the old farmhouse and miner’s tavern has been retained in the newly refurbished, contemporary interiors and extension of our countryside hotel. The landscapes outside are reflected in the earthy, botanical tones of the new interiors and extension, and our cuisine has won Cumbria Life’s Best Casual Dining Experience 2023.
Whether you’re coming for a walking holiday, a rural family stay with your four-legged friend or simply a peaceful retreat in the Borrowdale Valley, you’re a stone’s throw from some of England’s most treasured landscapes, and our quiet corner of the Northern Lakes is the perfect base for exploring the winding trails, rolling fells and scenic water views. Book your stay with us direct.