Kettlewell National Trust car park Borrowdale

a person in a canoe with Skiddaw reflected in the water — Canoeing on Derwent Water

Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park on the shores of Derwent Water. A great place for water-sports, bring your canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard, unload and set off for the islands. Get here early though - it fills up fast on busy days. For convenience, you can also pay by phone to park here.

How to get here

Postcode: CA12 5UN (please note that in rural locations post codes often cover a wide area - so don't believe the SatNav, look for the signs!)
Grid ref: NY266195
Find us on Google Maps

Kettlewell car park is 3 miles outside Keswick on the Borrowdale Road, B5289. Drive out of Keswick and the entrance to the car park is on the right hand side of the road, marked by a roadside sign.

How much does it cost to park?

National Trust members can scan to park for free, but if you’re not a member don't forget some change as due to our rural location there is very limited mobile signal which means we can't take card or phone payment. Every penny directly funds our work in the valley to care for wildlife, walls, paths, cottages and farms.

Get an instant view

It’s easy to access the beach with views right across Derwent Water ideal for getting that perfect photo whatever the season. Enjoy a lakeside picnic, sit back, relax and take in the beautiful Lake District landscape. Or if you fancy something a bit more adventurous, this is a good spot to join the 10 miles of easy level walking that makes up the round Derwent Water walk.

Access Statements for Borrowdale

Need more information to help you decide if a car park's the right place to start your day out?

Fancy a bite to eat?

There are 2 hotels just down the road if your looking for refreshments, The Mary Mount Hotel (1/4 mile/0.2 km) and the Lodore Hotel (1/2 mile/0.8 km) are just down the Borrowdale Road from here.

Park up and boost conservation work in Borrowdale

Whether you are a member who scans your card (we get £1 from central funds every time you do) or a non-member who pays for a ticket, every penny you generate in this car park goes to help us take care of this special place, so thank you.

Read about one of the issues were tackling on Derwent Water