About Us at Howe Keld
Howe Keld is an established award winning Guest House that is listed in a range of top travel guides.
Built in 1906 mostly of Lakeland Stone, it is wonderfully situated adjacent to Hope and Crow Parks which separate the town centre from the shores of Lake Derwentwater. Fifteen minutes walk from the front door you will discover Friars Crag. From here you can gaze out over Lake Derwentwater to the surrounding mountains, woods and rock faces - surely one of the finest views to be found?
The 14 bedroom Guest House has been run by David and Valerie for over 15 years - in all they have been running a B&B for nearly 20. Having refurbished the building over the course of 10 years they then decided to do it again! Only this time the planners allowed an extension to be built. The business was closed for 7 months over the winter period and from the debris emerged a modernised and enlarged lodging that set a new standard for Bed and Breakfast in Keswick.
There is a reception lounge on the ground floor with comfy sofas and a library including maps and walking suggestions. We ask that it is not used after 10.30pm to avoid any disturbance to other guests.
In a previous life, David worked for two ‘hotels of the year’ – Sharrow Bay on Ullswater and Gravetye Manor in Sussex. He then spent many years managing restaurants for ‘Cranks’, the leading vegetarian chain in London. Valerie trained as a home economist, taught food and nutrition and co-authored two of ‘Cranks’ vegetarian cookery books.
"We are both outdoor types and love fell walking and cycling. . . when we have the time!"
There is a reception lounge on the ground floor with comfy sofas and a library including maps and walking suggestions. We ask that it is not used after 10.30pm to avoid any disturbance to other guests.
In a previous life, David worked for two ‘hotels of the year’ – Sharrow Bay on Ullswater and Gravetye Manor in Sussex. He then spent many years managing restaurants for ‘Cranks’, the leading vegetarian chain in London. Valerie trained as a home economist, taught food and nutrition and co-authored two of ‘Cranks’ vegetarian cookery books. "We are both outdoor types and love fell walking and cycling. . . when we have the time!"
“At one stage two years after we got married we packed in our jobs and took six months off to cycle round France. We then exchanged bikes for backpacks and trekked for 5 weeks from Lake Geneva through the French Alps to Nice,” says Valerie. “It was a fantastic experience.”
Our love of the mountains, especially those we have travelled to in the Alps, Pyrannees, Scotland and Cumbria has influenced the choice of materials in the design of Howe Keld. Lots of wood and slate, local woollen carpets, natural and tranquil paint colours all blend together seamlessly to create a tasteful and life affirming experience .And our influences at Howe Keld? Many and diverse but I don't think I can do better than repeat the sentiments of a dear Swiss hotelier whose lodging our family so enjoyed over the years......
"To offer hospitality is more than a business. It enriches the lives of those who have the privilege of providing it."
Howe Keld is proud to incorporate an environment policy which can be read here and you can also Read our Access Statement here
To take a look at our location please click here, you can also contact us by clicking here and we will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
We feel very privileged both to live and work in the most beautiful place on the planet! We also recognise that tourism on the scale that exists in the National Park requires careful management to prevent pressures on the environment from building and ultimately damaging what we all love. As a tourism business we have responsibilities and want to play our part in helping this stewardship. Read more on our Green issues here
