Skiddaw Croft Bed & Breakfast in Portinscale, England

Breakfast at Skiddaw Croft uses locally sourced ingredients and includes homemade gluten-free and vegetarian options. Guests choose from American, buffet, à la carte, full English/Irish, vegan, halal, and kosher menus with pancakes, fresh fruits, and juices. A packed lunch can be prepared on request for day trips into the fells.

The King Room with Lake and Fell Views offers a large bay window with seating and binoculars for watching activity on Derwentwater. Single rooms provide views of the lake and fells, with a small fridge on the landing providing fresh milk each day. Room 3 includes a small table and chairs by the window for relaxing with tea after a day walking.

Portinscale offers a 15-minute scenic walk on a footpath to Keswick, with the bus stop for Buttermere and Honister Quarry 30 metres from the door. Two restaurants and a bar, including the Farmers Arms, are within a 5-minute walk. Derwentwater Lake is accessible for water sports, and Scafell Pike hiking routes are close by.

Hosts Debbie and Paul provide personalised attention, including a card and bottle of fizz for guests celebrating anniversaries or birthdays. They store bicycles in the garage and will dry wet walking clothes on request. A phone call notifies guests when their room is ready for early check-in.

The guest lounge is stocked with laminated walk route sheets for Scafell summit and other fells, plus maps and Lake District literature. A selection of puzzles, playing cards, jigsaws, binoculars, and biographies is available for guest use. The lounge also contains Wainwright guidebooks and bus timetables for planning daily adventures.

Breakfast: Homemade gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options using local ingredients

Local Expert Hosts: Knowledgeable owners offering personalised attention for special occasions

Scenic Walks: 15-minute walk to Keswick on a footpath via a rural area

Parking: Free off-street parking behind the property with access for bicycles