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Things to see and do in Borrowdale

Visitors at Surprise View looking out over Derwent Water and Skiddaw, Borrowdale, Lake District
Visitors at Surprise View looking out over Derwent Water and Skiddaw | © National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra

Discover the top things to see and do during your visit to Borrowdale, including scenic walks, ancient woodlands, far-reaching views and famous Lake District landmarks such as the Bowder Stone. There’s also a ‘scenic drive for the brave’ up the steep, narrow road that leads from the lakeshore past Ashness Bridge and Surprise View to the hanging valley of Watendlath.

Beautiful Borrowdale

Take a peek at some of the highlights waiting to be discovered on your visit

A couple sits enjoying the view from the top of the Bowderstone in Borrowdale on a sunny Autumn day
Enjoying a peaceful Autumn day from the top of the Bowderstone | © National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra

The Bowder Stone

The Bowder Stone is a large andesite lava boulder that fell 200 metres from the Bowder Crag on Kings How between 13,500 and 10,000 years ago.

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Man walks along grassy, tree lined fell in autumn
Visitor walking on Castle Crag in the autumn sun | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Rosthwaite, Seatoller, Seathwaite and Scafell Pike

After the jaws of Borrowdale, the valley opens up again revealing the pattern of valley-bottom farm fields and drystone walls that surround the farming villages and hamlets.

Farming landscape

The pattern of farming hamlets surrounded by valley-bottom fields and drystone walls is part of the cultural heritage of the Lake District World Heritage Site. The thicker the walls, the older they are.

The hardy Herdwick sheep are also part of the cultural heritage of the Lake District – the farmers who breed them take pride in raising livestock that embody the knowledge and experience passed down from generation to generation. We’re working with National Trust tenant farmers to help them adapt to the pressures of climate change while keeping their heritage alive.

Clouds and mountains reflected in the water on a sunny day at Borrowdale and Derwent Water

Discover more at Borrowdale and Derwent Water

Find out how to get to Borrowdale and Derwent Water, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

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Wildlife in Borrowdale and Derwent Water 

Discover the internationally significant ‘Atlantic oakwoods’ and Derwent Water which support a variety of rare species of plants and animals, including the red squirrel and vendace.

A barn owl in flight against a blurred landscape

Car parks in Borrowdale and Derwent Water 

There are nine National Trust car parks in Borrowdale and Derwent Water to choose from. Find out how to find them and how much parking costs.

Two men in the welcome team smile from the National Trust truck in Great Wood car park on a sunny autumn day

Activities on Derwent Water 

Take to the water for a spot of canoeing, paddleboarding or paddling. The islands of Derwent Water are waiting to be discovered

Two children in wetsuits playing with a paddle board in the lake

Things to see at Derwent Water and Keswick 

Take in the views from Friar’s Crag and visit historic sculptures on a lakeside walk around Derwent Water or set off from Keswick to explore the surrounding woodlands and fells.

Two visitors in warm coats walk along a lakeshore path by Derwent Water, with autumnal leaves turning on the trees

Countryside and woodland 

Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.

Three visitors walking along a log in the grounds of Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

Countryside in the Lake District 

Explore the Lake District's majestic mountains – among them Scafell Pike, the tallest in England – ancient woodland, hidden waterfalls, rugged coastline and, of course, its many lakes. You might even spot a red squirrel, roe deer or bird of prey.

View of Sticklebarn and the Langdales, Lake District

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Visitors walking in the parkland at Lyme Park, Cheshire