About halfway between Keswick and Cockermouth on the looping B5289, and not more than 25 minutes drive from either, Buttermere is one of the quieter lakes, with a suitably low-key village. Buttermere village is doubly blessed for lakes, sitting between Buttermere to the south and Crummock Water to the north. There is plenty of accommodation available in the village, including the old coaching inn at its centre, The Bridge Hotel, which dates from 1735 if not earlier. It is mainly for the lovely fell-walking that people come to Buttermere, which is surrounded by mountains like Red Pike and High Stile. The high tops offer some challenging routes. Alfred Wainwright, whose guide-books convey so much of the spirit as well as the practicality of walking in the area, had his ashes scattered on nearby Haystacks, his favourite spot in all Lakeland. In St James’ church in the village there is a modest plaque commemorating Wainwright, set in the sill of the window overlooking Haystacks. This little church, built in 1840, was itself beloved of Wordsworth. Buttermere the lake is a good place for walkers who want to stride out without facing the rigours of the fells. At about a mile and a half long by half a mile wide it makes a round walk of perhaps two hours, or a stroll of three, with only a small section on the road, and a little scrambling over rocks. There is a short tunnel to add spice to the hike, and at Dalesgarth Farm on the way there is generally a refreshment stop available.
Camping
Inn
Places to Stay near Buttermere
Bridge Hotel (0.08 miles)
Buttermere village is ideally situated amongst superb fellside scenery between Crummock water and Buttermere village. The heart of the hamlet is the Bridge Hotel, first licensed as a coaching ... More
Borrowdale Gates Country House Hotel (4.74 miles)
Gently cradled in the Lake District’s most dramatic valley, Borrowdale Gates holds a south-facing view down the epic ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’, which Wainwright once described as “…the most beautiful square mile in Lakeland.”
Nestled beneath ... More | visit website
Manesty Holiday Cottages (4.75 miles)
Swinside Lodge Hotel (5.04 miles)
Swinside Lodge Country House Hotel is a unique Georgian Lakeland property set in its own gardens situated at the foot of Cat Bells in the beautiful Newlands Valley. It is surrounded by fells - Skiddaw, ... More | visit website
Scafell Hotel (5.28 miles)
The Scafell Hotel is located in the very heart of Borrowdale, considered by many as England's finest valley. The hotel is surrounded by mighty fells, tranquil meadows and crystal clear waters. The ... More
Leathes Head Hotel (5.31 miles)
Magnificent Edwardian Country House Hotel set in 3 acres of lawns & woodland, offering peaceful & tranquil surroundings, beautiful views and some of the best walking in th country. Our ... More
The Royal Oak (5.38 miles)
After your busy day exploring the area you will need to relax and unwind – where better than the Royal Oak, a traditional country inn set in the heart of Braithwaite.
The Royal Oak has been ... More | visit website
The Cottage in the Wood (5.40 miles)
The Cottage in the Wood Country Hotel and Restaurant is a former 17th century coaching inn situated in the heart of the Whinlatter forest near Keswick, in one of the most beautiful and dramatic areas ... More | visit websiteLodore Falls Hotel (5.40 miles)
Overlooking Derwentwater, this elegant hotel is set within 40 acres of beautiful Lake District countryside, making it the ideal base for exploring the stunning scenery. Situated next to woodland trails and ... More
Winder Hall Country House (5.58 miles)
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