The best hotels in the Lake District offer spectacular views of the English countryside and the country’s largest lake, Lake Windermere. Clustered around this lake are a variety of accommodations, from sleek and modern Scandinavian-style hotels to luxurious Victorian-era country houses with sprawling gardens.
Lake District’s impressive collection of hotels caters to a range of budgets and travel styles. Some properties give you quick and easy access to major towns such as Windermere and Ambleside, while others are tucked away on secluded hillsides – ideal for those looking for a quiet, undisturbed escape.
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Lakes Hotel and Spa
A stylish hotel with an excellent location
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- Luxury
Located just a short walk from the center of Bowness-on-Windermere, this stylish hotel features excellent lake views and a lavish in-house spa. Its prime location gives you easy access to many walks in the scenic Lake District as well as noteworthy spots such as Brockhole and Wray Castle.
There’s plenty to do inside the hotel. Sip on a cocktail on the terrace as you soak in beautiful views of Lake Windermere and the hotel garden. Indulge in a massage – the spa comes with a pool, jacuzzi, steam room and even a pub. End your evening with a traditional British or Asian fusion meal at one of the onsite restaurants.
Location: Lake Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3HH, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 442211
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MacDonald Old England Hotel and Spa
An elegant hotel with an array of facilities
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- Luxury
This stately hotel on the shores of Lake Windermere boasts breathtaking views and elegant decor. Lakeside moorings, a private jetty and a spa are just some of the facilities at your disposal.
There’s plenty to do indoors when you’re not exploring the Lake District’s myriad attractions. Treat yourself to a classic afternoon tea with decadent cakes and scones at the Terrace Lounge or savor the best of British cuisine at the lakeside restaurant. A visit to the in-house spa and thermal suite is the best way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Location: 23 Church St, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3DF, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 487890
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Low Wood Bay
For a relaxing getaway
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- Food
- Luxury
Once a vine-covered inn from the 18th century, this hotel is now imbued with modern luxury. It sits on the shores of Lake Windermere, views of which can be enjoyed from many of the rooms as well as the bar and breakfast area.
There are plenty of spots around the hotel where you can unwind, including lounge neighborhoods, a grassy terrace and a spa with thermal spaces. It is conveniently located a short drive from noteworthy sites such as the National Trust Hill Top Museum, Rydal Mount Museum and Brockhole.
Location: Ambleside Rd, Windermere LA23 1LP, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 433338
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Linthwaite House
A secluded hilltop country house
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- Food
- Luxury
Perched on a secluded hilltop, this charming country-style hotel is perfect for anyone seeking a quiet getaway. Take a quiet stroll on the hotel grounds as you absorb far-reaching views of Lake Windermere, paddle along the private tarn, or play a game of croquet or giant chess. Gourmands will delight as this hotel houses a restaurant owned by Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan.
Linthwaite House gives you convenient access to a number of attractions such as Bowness, Wray Castle, and Beatrix Potter’s house. To make your visit even more special, you can opt for an in-room spa treatment or guided walk arranged by the hotel.
Location: Crook Ln, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3JA, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 488600
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Lindeth Fell Country House
An boutique hotel with picturesque gardens
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- Luxury
This elegant boutique hotel houses only 14 rooms – each individually designed – and is surrounded by immaculately-maintained gardens. The property affords beautiful views of Lake Windermere and the nearby Coniston mountain range.
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in the airy dining room and let time slip away as you relax on the sunbathing terrace or picnic area. Lindeth Fell Country House is conveniently located, with noteworthy sights such as Beatrix Potter’s house and Grizedale Forest less than 30 minutes away by automobile.
Location: Lyth Valley Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JP, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 443286
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Storrs Hall Hotel
A mansion steeped in history
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- Food
- Luxury
Storrs Halls is one of the more secluded properties on this list. It occupies 17 acres of land on the serene south shore of Lake Windermere. Built in the late 1700s, the mansion received notable visitors such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Much of the original Georgian and Victorian decor is still preserved. Enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea in the drawing room or take a leisurely stroll on the grounds. For a romantic getaway, opt for the private boathouse on the lakeshore – it gives you plenty of privacy and comes with a hot tub, steam room, and fire pit.
Location: Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3LG, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 447111
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Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Two unique hotels in one
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- Food
- Luxury
This hotel encompasses two separate properties – the modern, Scandinavian-style Gilpin Hotel and the six-bedroom Gilpin Lakehouse. Originally a fishing lodge, the Lakehouse gives guests access to a boathouse, pool, hot tubs, and a spa. Llamas and alpacas roam the picturesque grounds, and the ponds teem with fish.
One of the biggest draws of Gilpin is its top-notch food – it has three restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, making it an epicurean’s paradise. Savor pan Asian cuisine at Gilpin Spice, try locally-sourced, sustainable dishes at SOURCE, or enjoy charcoal-grilled fare at Knipe Broil.
Location: Crook Rd, Windermere LA23 3NE, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 488818
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Daffodil Hotel & Spa
Luxury relaxation in the heart of the Lake District
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- Luxury
Imagine if the first thing you saw upon waking up was the sunrise over the gorgeous lake Grasmere – at Daffodil Hotel & Spa you can live your dream. This luxury hotel and spa attracts returning visitors and newcomers alike with the stunning beauty of the nature in the area, spectacular lake views and top-notch spa facilities and treatments for the ultimate relaxation.
The spa invites you to unwind in a thermal pool, sauna or steam room, get revitalized with a mud rasul and spend an hour or two in the lovely tepidarium. The mid-19th century building has a modern and quirky interior, several rooms with a view to the lake and a fabulous restaurant serving British delicacies with a twist.
Location: By The Lake, Keswick Road, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9PR, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 463550
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Cragwood Country House Hotel
An Edwardian mansion packed with personality
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- Luxury
Cragwood Country House Hotel is conveniently located halfway between two major Lake District towns – Windermere and Ambleside. Originally built as an Edwardian mansion, this charming country house encompasses 22 bedrooms, each with its own unique design – expect huge windows, patterned curtains and carpets and old-fashioned fireplaces.
The hotel is pet-friendly, and you can walk your dog in the landscaped gardens and woodlands that surround the main building. After enjoying a hearty made-to-order breakfast, spend the day sightseeing. The Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats and Orrest Head Hill are just a short drive away.
Location: Cragwood Country House Hotel Ambleside Road, Ecclerigg, Windermere LA23 1LQ, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 488177
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The Waterhead Inn- The Inn Collection Group
A mix of modern and traditional
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- Food
- Luxury
Perched above Waterhead Bay, this former country house combines a traditional facade with a modern interior. Stay in one of the superior rooms for breathtaking views of Lake Windermere.
The hotel gives you easy access to spots such as Ullswater, Hawkshead and Keswick. You are also given free usage of facilities in Low Wood Bay, its sister hotel. Visitors rave about the home-cooked style breakfast, which you can enjoy while soaking in views of the lake. At the onsite pub, you can choose from a range of ales, ciders, gins and cocktails.
Location: Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0ER, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1539 963973
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