University visits
Derwentwater Independent Hostel is an ideal location for reading weeks, fieldwork, and group study. We have a large room that can be used for lectures, debates, and meetings, and several smaller rooms for independent study, small group discussions, and equipment storage. Our reasonably-priced meals and large self-catering kitchen allow for flexible catering arrangements, and the town of Keswick (2 miles from the hostel) has a supermarket, lots of cafes and restaurants, and one nightclub. Click here for a poster about university group residentials.
We have extensive local knowledge of places to visit, events, resources (books and archives), and local experts, so please get in touch if you would like any advice or ideas. Below is a non-exhaustive set of information sheets for some of the degree subjects and research topics that can be studied in the Borrowdale area.
These are some of the groups who have visited the hostel. Many come year after year.
- University of Birmingham Wilderness Medicine Society
- University of Sheffield English Language Teaching Centre
- University of Seattle English Literature Tour
- University of Derby Film Studies Trip: for the Keswick Film Festival in February
- University of Nottingham Veterinary Students
- University of Leeds: staff trip
Subject information sheets
We are gradually adding more subjects and topics. Let us know if you want help with a particular subject.
English Language and Literature
Dance, drama, music, art, design, photography, and film
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Derwentwater Independent Hostel
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Looking down on the hostel
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A bedroom in the modern annexe
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Evening light on Derwent Water
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Barrow House in Spring
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Inspiring local walks
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Red squirrels can be seen in our grounds
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View of Derwentwater Independent Hostel from a kayak
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Spring-time view from Derwentwater Independent Hostel
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Room One, our largest dormitory
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Autumn colours by the waterfall
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A heron next to our waterfall
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Spectacular local walks
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You can see Derwent Island from the hostel grounds. It used to be owned by Joseph Pocklington, the wealthy bachelor who built Barrow House.
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Astronomy workshops at Derwentwater Independent Hostel
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Expedition Medicine training at Derwentwater Indepedent Hostel
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The dam of the hydro-electric plant in the Derwentwater Independent Hostel grounds
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Walking up the fells behind the hostel
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Castlerigg Stone Circle - a short walk from the hostel
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Ashness Bridge - at the top of the hostel waterfall path
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Mist on Derwentwater
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Keswick Launch on Derwentwater
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Clear night sky
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View of Skiddaw Range from Falcon Crag (above the hostel)
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Half way up Cat Bells
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Keswick Christmas lights
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Bluebells near Buttermere
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Many of our guests enjoy walking on the fells around Borrowdale
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Building shelters in our woodland
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Our groups often enjoy adventurous activities in the Borrowdale Valley
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Sunset from the terrace in April
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Some of the staff and volunteers with our giant Easter Egg
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The dining room decorated for a wedding in 2014
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Conservation volunteers making a willow shelter in our grounds 2014
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A local walk around Watendlath
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A close-up of the fireplace in Room One
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Gingerbread house in front of the real thing.
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Staff take an evening walk along the lake shore.
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A very calm day on Derwent Water.
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A Mandarin duck on the lake shore.
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York Rowing Club training on Derwent Water during their stay with us.
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Bugle flower in the hostel grounds
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Tea and cake in the servery
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Winter walking
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Wooden hands sculpture on west side of Derwent Water.