Whether you’re planning a spontaneous hike-and-dine weekend or meticulously researching a walking tour of the Lake District, finding the best hotel amenities in the area is key. We help you find the best hotels with lake views, spa treatments and gourmet meals.
An 18th-century Georgian hotel peering out over Windermere, Storrs Hall has rooms, suites and lodges, plus a restaurant and tower bar. Enjoy genre-defining cuisine and stunning mountain scenery at this luxurious escape.
1. Location
A glacial ribbon of lakes and rugged fell mountains make the Lake District one of England’s most beloved national parks, according to this blog. The region seduced the likes of Thomas Gray, William Wordsworth and Coleridge and continues to attract intrepid travellers seeking the “sublime nature” described by the poets. Historic market towns such as Kendal and Ambleside on scenic Derwentwater are home to traditional inns, galleries of local art and outdoor equipment shops.
The best hotel amenities in the Lake District can be found at the hotels with a view. A stay at Storrs Hall, for instance, promises a stunning mountain backdrop to your morning coffee and afternoon tea. Rooms are individually designed with beautiful furnishings, and some offer four-poster beds and roll top baths. A spa with an infinity pool and a bubbling thermal suite rounds out the experience.
Another great hotel for a scenic view is Applegarth Villa, a luxury boutique B&B on the shores of Lake Windermere. The original Edwardian building has been renovated to offer sleek, contemporary rooms. Alternatively, choose to stay in one of the lodges that are scattered throughout the gardens. They each have private hot tubs and terraces with stunning views. The hotel also offers two dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant run by Ollie Bridgwater (from Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck).
For a secluded stay in the heart of the Lake District, head to Randy Pike. The hotel’s name is a nod to the highest peak in the area, and each of its suites is designed with a unique theme that honors individuals who have shaped the area. Each suite is also packed with luxurious touches, such as large shower rooms and wooden furniture.
Another secluded retreat in the Lake District is Cedar Manor. This boutique hotel is located a short walk from the center of Windermere. The rooms are a blend of modern and traditional, with bold blocks of color, sleek furniture and fun art prints. A breakfast of seasonal fare is served in the main restaurant, and you can grab a drink at the mellow bar or enjoy a game of chess with a twist on their giant outdoor set.
2. Rooms
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer itching for a new adrenaline rush, a yogi looking for serenity by a lake, or a family looking to make some holiday memories, your hotel will likely have an effect on your entire trip. Get your choice right, and everything else will fall into place, from the hikes you’ll take to the meals you’ll have and everything in between.
For a luxury stay in the Lake District, head to The Langdale Hotel. Rooms feature Egyptian cotton sheets and all the tech trimmings, plus a hot tub with a view. Those in search of a little more indulgence can book a themed suite, which includes a spa bath or even a private hot tub.
Another high-end option is Henrock by Simon Rogan, located in the village of Cartmel. The hotel’s 16 rooms are spread around the village, and each has a cottagey feel. Exposed rafters, flagstone floors and higgledy-piggledy layouts meet with a palette of linen, wool and natural shades, creating an inviting atmosphere. Rooms that look out on the village’s medieval priory, or the river and surrounding moorlands, are especially popular.
The Masons Arms is another traditional inn that’s well-placed for exploring the Lake District. Situated in the village of Cartmel, this cosy retreat offers five quaint suites and two cottages. Guests can expect a welcoming atmosphere, which makes this a great choice for couples and solo travelers alike. Suites at this hotel are decorated with a mix of original features and modern craftsmanship, offering a comfortable environment. The decor also reflects the natural beauty of the landscape, with earthy tones throughout the rooms.
For those who want to be closer to the action, there’s Waterhead Inn. This traditional inn is located on the shores of Lake Windermere and is one of our favourite places to stay in the Lake District. The rooms have a nice balance of comfort and style, with old beams and leaded windows mixing with contemporary furniture, and bathrooms featuring Japanese plunge baths and rainwater showers.
Of course, not all hotels are created equal. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly stay, the Aphrodites Group offers a good selection of properties in Cumbria. Rooms are large and spacious, and many feature a patio or balcony so that you can enjoy the lovely views.
3. Food
The Lake District packs a staggering amount of variety into a 30 by 40-mile sweep of twisty laned villages and mirror-calm lakes. It’s a place where hikers set their sights on bagging as many of the mountains mapped out by Alfred Wainwright as they can, but it’s also a region that woos gourmet travellers with Michelin-starred restaurants.
The best hotels in the Lake District offer a variety of dining options to suit your personal tastes, from hearty country pub grub to inspired modern cuisine. The region’s chefs make the most of fresh ingredients from local farmers, fishermen and small growers – and occasionally even head out into the woods to forage their own mushrooms and herbs.
For a special treat, book into one of the Lake District’s luxurious spa hotels where you can indulge in a treatment with picture-perfect views of the lake or mountains. Many of them are dog friendly too, so your four-legged companion can enjoy the experience with you if you wish.
In the quaint village of Bassenthwaite, for example, The Jumble Room is a restaurant that’s celebrated for its menu of artisan food and locally sourced produce. It’s also a top choice for dog owners as it’s fully equipped to cater to their furry friends, with everything from water bowls to specially designed treats available.
A great choice for families is Another Place, a hotel that’s home to a unique mix of accommodation types. From family suites to shepherd huts and cottages, it’s the ideal place for a fun stay in the Lake District with children.
The 16 rooms spread across several village houses at this boutique hotel all follow a cottagey theme, with exposed rafters, flagstone floors and higgledy-piggledy layouts. You can even opt for a room with a view over the river and medieval priory in the hamlet of Cartmel. At the flagship restaurant, meanwhile, lauded chef Simon Rogan indulges his culinary whims with dishes that reflect the seasonal bounty of the region. The hotel also runs popular culinary celebrations at Taste Cumbria events.
4. Facilities
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast itching for the next adventure or a yogi seeking serenity by the lakes, finding the right accommodation is key to your stay in the Lake District. From quaint country inns to full-on luxury stays, we’ve picked out the best hotels for every type of trip.
The Lake District is a wildly popular destination throughout the year, but peak season (especially during school holidays) can see rooms fill up quickly. Try to avoid this if you can, as booking early is the best way to secure a room in one of the finest hotels for your trip.
A former coaching inn that has been spruced up, the Cottage in the Wood is a cosy yet swish hideaway. Its 17th-century origins remain apparent in some of the 62 rooms, but most are modern with sleek lines and designer touches, such as Carrara marble bathrooms and sunken tubs. Its star attraction, however, is the swoon-worthy restaurant overseen by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan.
Situated a mile south of Bowness-on-Windermere, Linthwaite House is another long-standing lakeside hotel with a reputation for exemplary service. Its hilltop position and vistas of Windermere win guests over from the get-go. But it’s the recent multimillion-pound renovation that has cemented this luxury hotel as a standout. The new rooms are sleek and contemporary, but still feel understated behind the gabled Edwardian exterior. Some, like the Lake-View and Loft suites, have their own private hot tubs and sweeping views of the lake.
At the other end of the scale, the Storrs Hall offers an elegant Lake District escape in a Georgian mansion. Choose from a range of rooms, suites and lodges, all with views of the beautiful Low Wood Bay and the surrounding mountains. The property also boasts a top-notch restaurant, tower bar and regular boat cruises across Windermere.
For a less formal experience, the Drunken Duck Inn is a smart country inn just outside Ambleside. Its traditional decor is complemented by a modern-day take on craftmanship, with a collection of local artwork on the walls and a menu that changes with the seasons. There are 12 stylish rooms, and a good-value pub restaurant serving locally sourced food.