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Bracken Howe, Keswick

Cumbria » Keswick
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Bracken Howe is a semi-detached house in Portinscale near Keswick, Cumbria. This property sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. Completely renovated to an extremely high standard, it offers exceptional facilities and quality furnishings. The house sits in an elevated position with glorious views from Grisedale Pike to the Skiddaw range, with glimpses of Bassenthwaite Lake from most rooms.

Portinscale lies on the northern edge of Derwentwater. The village has a pub, restaurant, tea rooms and two marinas. Keswick is within walking distance.

The ground floor has a living room with TV and gas fire, dining room with multi-fuel burner and kitchen with breakfast area and Range cooker.

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About Bracken Howe

Bracken Howe is a semi-detached house in Portinscale near Keswick, Cumbria. This property sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. Completely renovated to an extremely high standard, it offers exceptional facilities and quality furnishings. The house sits in an elevated position with glorious views from Grisedale Pike to the Skiddaw range, with glimpses of Bassenthwaite Lake from most rooms.

Portinscale lies on the northern edge of Derwentwater. The village has a pub, restaurant, tea rooms and two marinas. Keswick is within walking distance.

The ground floor has a living room with TV and gas fire, dining room with multi-fuel burner and kitchen with breakfast area and Range cooker. The first floor features a kingsize bedroom, two double bedrooms and two bathrooms with baths and showers. The second floor has a twin bedroom. Private parking for three cars and a bike store are included.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre is 84 miles away (1 hour 45 minutes). Whinlatter Forest Park offers mountain bike trails 4 miles away (12 minutes). Derwentwater Lake is half a mile away (3 minutes). Dodd Wood walking trails sit 3 miles away (8 minutes).

Bracken Howe works brilliantly for groups wanting high-quality accommodation with fell walks from the doorstep. The combination of space, equipment and those spectacular mountain views makes this house special.

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Local Insights: Bracken Howe

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Keswick, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

11°C

Overcast

Updated: 10 Sep 2026, 3:08am

🌡️
11.40°C
Temperature
💨
9 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
82%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bracken Howe sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

84m

(276 feet above sea level)

Bracken Howe sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
84m
Elevation
📍
Keswick
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Keswick are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.6036650° N | Longitude: 3.163025° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Keswick (Friday, 11 September 2026):

5:34am

Sunrise

5:44pm

Golden Hour

6:44pm

Sunset

🌅
5:34am
Sunrise
🌇
6:44pm
Sunset
📸
5:44pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:44pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Keswick, you have approximately 13.16 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Bracken Howe.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cumbria. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 10 Sep 2026 | Location: 54.6036650, -3.1630250

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Bracken Howe

Spectacular Mountain Views

Glorious views from Grisedale Pike to Skiddaw range visible from most rooms, with glimpses of Bassenthwaite Lake from this elevated position.

High Standard Renovation

Completely renovated and refurbished to an extremely high standard with quality furnishings and exceptional facilities throughout the property.

Walking Distance to Keswick

Portinscale location means Keswick town centre with its wealth of amenities and tourist attractions is within easy walking distance.

Parking for Three Cars

Private off-road parking for three cars plus dedicated bike store makes this ideal for groups arriving with multiple vehicles.

Fabulous Fell Walks

Walks on the fells around Portinscale start directly from the doorstep, with Whinlatter Forest mountain bike trails nearby.

Two Full Bathrooms

Two complete bathrooms on the first floor, each with bath and shower facilities, plus separate ground floor toilet for convenience.

Getting To Bracken Howe

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Bracken Howe by car, take the M6 to Junction 40 and follow the A66 towards Keswick. Turn onto the A66 Keswick bypass and take the Portinscale exit. The property is in an elevated position in the village with private parking for three cars.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Penrith, approximately 18 miles away. From there, the X4 or X5 bus services run regularly to Keswick, followed by a short taxi ride to Portinscale.

Private parking for three cars
Penrith station (18 miles)
Accessible from A66 Keswick bypass

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Derwentwater Lake
Distance: 0.5 miles
CA12 5DJ
Whinlatter Forest Park
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5TW
Dodd Wood Walking Trails
Distance: 3 miles
CA12 5TW
Grisedale Pike
Distance: 2 miles
CA12 5UE
Skiddaw Mountain
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 4QX
Catbells Ridge Walk
Distance: 2.5 miles
CA12 5UY
Keswick Town Centre
Distance: 1 mile
CA12 5JR
Booths Supermarket Keswick
Distance: 1.2 miles
CA12 5BT
George Fisher Outdoor Shop
Distance: 1 mile
CA12 5BZ
Keswick Launch Company
Distance: 1 mile
CA12 5DJ
Theatre by the Lake
Distance: 1.2 miles
CA12 5DJ
Keswick Museum
Distance: 1 mile
CA12 5DX
Derwentwater Lake
Distance: 0.5 miles
CA12 5DJ
Whinlatter Forest Park
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 5TW
Dodd Wood Walking Trails
Distance: 3 miles
CA12 5TW
Grisedale Pike
Distance: 2 miles
CA12 5UE
Skiddaw Mountain
Distance: 4 miles
CA12 4QX
Catbells Ridge Walk
Distance: 2.5 miles
CA12 5UY
Keswick Town Centre
Distance: 1 mile
CA12 5JR
Booths Supermarket Keswick
Distance: 1.2 miles
CA12 5BT
George Fisher Outdoor Shop
Distance: 1 mile
CA12 5BZ
Keswick Launch Company
Distance: 1 mile
CA12 5DJ
Theatre by the Lake
Distance: 1.2 miles
CA12 5DJ
Keswick Museum
Distance: 1 mile
CA12 5DX

Is Bracken Howe Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will love the proximity to Derwentwater for lake activities and the two marinas in Portinscale village. Whinlatter Forest Park sits 4 miles away with Go Ape tree top adventures and mountain bike trails. Keswick has swimming pools, parks and the Puzzling Place attraction. The enclosed garden provides safe outdoor space and a cot is available for younger children.
Groups Will Love...
The dining room with multi-fuel burner and TV provides an excellent social space for groups of eight. Combined with the separate living room featuring a gas fire, groups have two distinct areas for relaxation. The kitchen includes a breakfast area with a Range cooker, perfect for preparing group meals. Two full bathrooms on the first floor plus a separate ground floor toilet prevent morning queues.
Pet Friendly
Bracken Howe does not accept pets. The property operates a strict no-pets policy for all animals including dogs. If you need pet-friendly accommodation in the Lake District, you will need to look at alternative properties in the Keswick area that welcome animals. This policy ensures the house remains suitable for guests with allergies.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Bracken Howe

The Farmers Arms

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 5RN

Swinside Inn

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 5UE

Old Sawmill Tearoom Dodd Wood

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 5TW

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Bracken Howe

Is Bracken Howe pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at Bracken Howe. This policy applies to all animals including dogs.
How many guests does Bracken Howe sleep?
The property sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. The first floor has one kingsize and two double bedrooms, whilst the second floor has a twin bedroom with two single beds.
What parking is available at the property?
Private parking for three cars is provided on site. There is also a dedicated bike store for secure bicycle storage.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is after 16:00 on your arrival day. Check-out is before 10:00 on your departure day.
What cooking facilities are in the kitchen?
The kitchen features a Range cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher. There is also a breakfast area within the kitchen and a washing machine for longer stays.
How far is Bracken Howe from Derwentwater?
The property is half a mile from Derwentwater Lake. Portinscale sits on the northern edge of the lake with two marinas in the village.
What heating system does the property have?
Gas central heating is installed throughout the house. The living room has a gas fire and the dining room features a multi-fuel burner for additional warmth.
Are cots available at Bracken Howe?
Yes, a cot is available for an additional charge of £10. Bed linen, gas, electricity and Wi-Fi are all included in the rental.

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