This former manor house became a permanent youth hostel in 1961

Derwentwater Independent Hostel has had an interesting history. Built as an impressive manor house overlooking the lake, known as Barrow House, it later became a grand hotel. It is surrounded by extensive grounds which include Barrow Falls, an artificially created series of waterfalls allegedly inspired by the nearby Lodore Falls. In 1931 a small section of it opened briefly as a hostel for a few months. What happened in the intervening years is not known but it didn’t open again as a youth hostel until 1961. This time the whole mansion was used as accommodation. In 2011 the running of the hostel transferred to Derwentwater Youth Hostel Ltd. and in 2012 it joined our Independent Hostel Network. A tip for guests, have a look at the plasterwork in room, it’s amazing!