The Lake District Guide

Welcome to your guide to the Lake District's best Country House Hotels

The Lakes is privileged to have so many fine country house hotels, some of which are as good as any in the world. They range form contemporary designed hotels with a minimalist feel through to the traditional chintzy country house, so choose carefully to make sure you get exactly what makes you feel most comfortable! Some of our favourites are listed here.

Southern Lake District Country House Hotels

Bowness - Burn How Garden House Hotel

The Burn How is located in a secluded district within walking distance of Bowness. The hotel itself is set within a private garden precinct with the accommodation in rooms or suites laid out amongst the luxuriant and colourful garden area. All rooms are fully modernised and tastefully decorated. The Rose Garden Rooms are particularly opulent with four-poster beds and balconies overlooking the rose garden terrace. Wheelchair access is available. The larger rooms are particularly suitable for families. In the main house are the comfortable lounge and the restaurant area. Facilities include complimentary wireless Internet access. Just a stroll away is Bowness Bay and the village with access to Lakeside walks and the surrounding fells.
The Burn How Restaurant has a varied international menu, featuring fresh locally sourced produce including Herdwick lamb, Cumberland Sausage and Belted Galloway Beef. The ample cellar contains a choice selection of wines.
The management of The Burn How is passionate about our environment! They are involved in the Lakes Tourism & Conservation Partnership to help finance conservation projects throughout the Lake District. On checking out, guests are invited to make a small contribution to these worthwhile objectives.

The Burn How Hotel. Back Belsfield Road, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HH
Phone: 015394 46226 Web: www.burnhow.co.uk

 

Troutbeck - Broadoaks Country House

This luxury country house hotel dates from the Victorian age and is built in traditional Lakeland stone and slate, with antique timber panelling. Although not far from the environs of Windermere, Broadoaks presents the aura of a living in an elegant other world. The house is furnished in period style with hand carved furniture, ingle nooks and open fireplaces. The bedrooms are individually designed with period furnishings and all modern amenities. Walking in the grounds, you can hear the gurgling of the nearby streams and take in the magnificent views of the Langdale Pikes. Amenities include fishing and clay pigeon shooting.
The newly refurbished Oaks Restaurant provides a variety of choices from light luncheons or afternoon teas to the unique dishes designed by master chef Taran Baxter. The service is beyond compare. Everything you could want is provided by the professional and courteous staff. If you have your own helicopter, they will even mark out the landing spot for you!

Broadoaks Country House, Bridge Lane, Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LA
Phone: 015394 45566 Web: www.broadoakscountryhouse.co.uk

Windermere - Burnside Hotel

The Burnside is a fully modern country house hotel, with luxurious accommodation in rooms and suites with all modern facilities. All rooms are furnished in the modern style with every comfort you could wish. Guests are invited to use the substantial indoor swimming pool, sports club facilities, lounge bars and other facilities.
Silhouettes Restaurant offers first class food from substantial breakfasts to light luncheons and in the evening provides a gourmet international cuisine with a wine list worthy of the finest establishments in the land. If you want luxury in the modern style, Burnside has it.

Burnside Hotel, Kendal Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3EP
Phone: 01539 442211 Fax: 01539 444640 Email: stay@burnsidehotel.com Web: www.burnsidehotel.com

Kendal - The Castle Green Hotel

The Castle Green is located in 14 acres of striking woodlands and gardens. The modern accommodation has all the facilities that the discerning traveller requires. The furnishings, the decorative style, the bathroom facilities and the television and audio equipment are all in the modern mode. Despite the establishment’s size, it is run by the proprietors and their family, who maintain a scrupulous standard of personal service. Spacious executive rooms are available and four-poster rooms for the discerning traveller. The Castle Green holds the award for Large Hotel of the Year from Cumbria Tourism.
The Greenhouse restaurant, with views of Kendal Castle set in the surrounding countryside, offers a modern British cuisine from local suppliers. Executive Chef Justin Woods adds a fanciful touch to the menu by stating ‘food miles’ at the foot of the menu, indicating the distance between farm and kitchen. Guests with a preference for pub surroundings can dine at Alexanders, a comfortable real-ale pub, serving a selection of local steaks and traditional bar meals.

The Castle Green Hotel, Castle Green Lane, Kendal, LA9 6RG
Phone: 01539 734000 Web: www.castlegreen.co.uk

Windermere - Cedar Manor Hotel

Cedar Manor was built as gentleman’s residence in the Victorian era, with walled gardens surrounding a cedar tree, which still stands. The secluded setting is just a short walk from the shores of the lake and the picturesque Windermere village.
The accommodation comprises eleven individually decorated en-suite rooms, each with its own unique characteristics. All rooms have tremendous views, some of Lake Windermere and others of the Langdale Pikes. A converted Coach House with its own separate entrance is available for families or groups. All rooms are ensuite and have TV, direct-dial phone, Internet access and all modern facilities.
The restaurant offers an extensive menu, sourced from local produce, with an ample wine list of well-chosen vintages.

Cedar Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1AX
Phone: 01539 443192 Fax: 01539 445970 Web: www.cedarmanor.co.uk

Grange Over Sands - Cumbria Grand Hotel

The Grand was built in the late Victorian period, the era of grandiose elegance. It is located six miles from Lake Windermere, set in 20 acres of mature gardens and woodlands, overlooking Morecambe Bay.
The 120 bedrooms are each tastefully decorated and furnished with modern amenities. Four posters are available and each bedroom has ensuite facilities. Guests are invited to use the outdoor tennis court, putting green and full sized snooker table and to enjoy the outstanding views from the woodland walk.
The Hazelwood Restaurant, with views over the bay, boasts a carvery and an excellent gourmet menu complimented by an extensive wine list.

Cumbria Grand Hotel, Lindale Road, Grange over Sands, Cumbria LA11 6EN
Phone: 01539 532331 Fax: 01539 534534 Web: www.strathmorehotels.com

Grange Over Sands - Graythwaite Manor Hotel

Graythwaite Manor is a purpose built Manor Hotel of modern design and aspect. Set in ten acres of tranquil landscaped gardens and woodlands, this elegantly furnished country house hotel provides an exclusive, comfortable location for a relaxing break. Each bedroom is individually furnished and decorated to the highest standard, with all modern amenities. The bars and lounges have a relaxed atmosphere with charming views of Morecambe Bay. The dining room offers an extensive menu with an ample wine list of well-chosen vintages.

Graythwaite Manor Hotel, Fernhill Road, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7JE
Phone: 01539 532001 Web: www.graythwaitemanor.co.uk

Grange Over Sands - Hampsfell House Hotel

Hampsfell House dates back to 1800 when it was built as a country residence for a prosperous mill owner. Now converted into a luxury amenity, it stands in two acres of gorgeous gardens overlooking Morecambe bay. The 9 bedrooms are each tastefully decorated and furnished with modern amenities. King size beds are available as are ground floor rooms. The dining room offers an extensive menu, with all dishes sourced from local ingredients and prepared by head chef Jon Davies. Light luncheons and tasty snacks are available during the day.

Hampsfell House Hotel, Hampsfell Road, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 6BG
Phone: 01539 532567 Fax: 01539 535995 Email: enquiries@hampsfellhouse.co.uk Web: www.hampsfellhouse.co.uk

Newby Bridge - Knoll Country House

Situated at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, enclosed in beautiful grounds, surrounded by magnificent woodland, Knoll Country House boasts 8 gorgeous bedrooms each with its own luxurious en suite bathroom and all fully equipped with modern amenities. Mealtimes are delightful but informal. A rich variety is available at breakfast. Packed lunches are available as are afternoon teas. Vegetarians and guests with special dietary requirements are catered for. In winter a superior table d’hôte dinner is available and in summer the hotel serves a superb mezze.

Knoll Country House, Lakeside, Near Newby Bridge, Ulverston, LA12 8AU
Phone: 01539 531347 Fax: 01539 530850 Email: info@theknoll-lakeside.co.uk Web: www.theknoll-lakeside.co.uk

Bowness - Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel

Lindeth Howe was once the home of the famous children's author Beatrix Potter, who wrote several of her stories here. Now it has been converted into a sumptuous modern hotel yet retains the charm of its elegant past. Lindeth Howe has 34 beautiful bedrooms each individually furnished and decorated to the highest standard. The lounges are elegant and spacious, yet with a relaxed atmosphere with charming views of the extensive gardens and the surrounding fells. Guests can relax in the indoor pool, and the sauna and massage rooms. The dining room offers an extensive menu of dishes prepared by Head Chef, Marc Guibert, with an ample wine list of well-chosen vintages.

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Lindeth Drive, Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JF
Phone: 01539 445759 Fax 01539 446368 Email: hotel@lindeth-howe.co.uk Web: www.lindeth-howe.co.uk

Central Lake District Country House Hotels

Ambleside - Rothay Manor

This hotel was voted Small Hotel of the Year 2006 in the Cumbria for Excellence Awards, which proves that the hotel staff know a thing or two about keeping their guests happy. Not surprising, considering they'll be celebrating the fortieth year of continuous ownership by the Nixon family this year! The Rothay Manor team is particularly proud of the quality of the hotel's food, and this is certainly outstanding, but it has much more to offer than gastronomic delights.
For one thing, the setting is beautiful. Rothay Manor is a Regency Country House Hotel and it's set in beautiful landscaped gardens only 400 yards from the head of Lake Windermere. For another, the atmosphere is both relaxed and friendly and the rooms are very comfortable and pleasant with delightful views over the fells. Some of the rooms have king sized beds, and there are two private suites in the garden.
I especially like the "Special Interest Holidays" which run from October to May, where you can learn more about or enjoy a whole range of subjects including antiques, painting, walking, bridge, gardening......and so on. They're also open at Christmas and New Year, and I highly recommend these breaks (though you'll have to book early to be in with a chance!). The hotel tells me that families and disabled visitors will always receive a warm welcome. Rothay Manor, Rothay Bridge, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EH You might also like to look at the entry on the Gourmet Restaurants page for this hotel.

Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EH
Phone: 01539 433605 Fax: 01539 433607 Email: hotel@rothaymanor.co.uk Web: www.rothaymanor.co.uk

Chapel Stile - Langdale Hotel & Country Club

The 35-acre Langdale Estate of natural woodlands offers a unique opportunity to combine luxurious living with a natural environment. Within the forest are streams, tarns and mossy banks with ferns and wildlife. Strewn around are relics of the past, including ancient millstones and remnants of the gunpowder works which existed in Victorian times.
By contrast the modern accommodation has all the facilities that the discriminating traveller would require. All rooms and suites have en-suite facilities with flat-screen TV. Some have four-poster beds, double air baths and balconies surveying the Great Langdale Beck. Also available are spa therapies, swimming pool and an exercise studio and gym.
The exceptional restaurant, Purdey’s, has a reputation for the quality food and service, and an excellent wine list.

Langdale Country Club and Hotel, Langdale (Near Ambleside), LA22 9JD
Hotel Phone: 015394 38014 reservations@langdale.co.uk
Self Catering: 015394 38012 selfcatering@langdale.co.uk
Web: www.langdale.co.uk

Northern Lake District Country House Hotels

Penrith - Temple Sowerby Hotel

A beautiful and intimate hotel with only twelve bedrooms in the north Lake District. Very conformable and charming. In the best tradition of the English Country Hotel! Some of the rooms have king sized beds.

Temple Sowerby House Hotel & Restaurant, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1RZ
Phone: 01768 361578 Fax: 01768 361958 Email: stay@temple-sowerby.com Web: www.temple-sowerby.com

Thirlmere - Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel

Dale Head Hall is a charming ancient manor house dating back to Elizabethan times. Historical records show that it was here in 1577. For your accommodation, take your choice from the original Elizabethan part, the Victorian wing or the modern extension. All are furnished and decorated in period style but with equipped with all modern comforts and conveniences. The extensive gardens lead out to the lake shore where guests will appreciate the striking views of the lake and of Helvellyn. Dale Head is ideally situated near Keswick town a perfect venue for starting a tour of the Lake District.
The lounge and bar are found in the modern extension, with views over the lake. The restaurant is noted, not only for its fine cuisine and service, but for the romantic and luxurious décor.

Dale Head Hall, Lake Thirlmere, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TN
Phone: 01768 772478 Email: onthelakeside@daleheadhall.co.uk Web: www.daleheadhall.co.uk

Portinscale, Keswick - Derwent Lodge Hotel

Derwent Lodge is a traditional Georgian Manor House, originally built in 1780, set in its own grounds in the delightful village of Portinscale, just over a mile from Keswick. In 2005/2006, the house was totally refurbished to provide guests with all 21st century facilities.
The eight marvellously appointed bedrooms, all en-suite with modern furnishings, have flat screen TV and free broadband Internet connection. The rooms and the high terraces overlook Derwentwater and offer stunning views of Skiddaw and Cat Bells.
The relaxed lounge overlooking the gardens, and restaurant offer a variety of bar meals and light luncheons. Home cooked food, locally sourced where possible is complemented by an excellent wine list. For lovers of water-sports, Derwentwater Marina can be found near Derwent Lodge’s front entrance.

Derwent Lodge Hotel, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5RF
Phone: 01768 773145 Web: www.derwentlodgehotel.co.uk

Edenhall, Penrith - Edenhall Country Hotel

Although not far from the environs of Penrith, Edenhall Country Hotel is set in it’s own garden grounds by the delightful village of Edenhall, situated between the Lakeland fells and the rugged Pennine hills. The 20 bedrooms all have en-suite facilities and other modern amenities.
Edenhall is noted for its excellent food, superbly cooked and elegantly presented with first-rate service. The ingredients are locally sourced and all food is made in the kitchen, including the bread rolls and ice cream.

Edenhall Country Hotel, Edenhall, Penrith, CA11 8SX
Phone: 01768 881454 Fax: 01768 881266 Email: info@edenhallhotel.co.uk Web: www.edenhallhotel.co.uk

Bampton, Penrith - Haweswater Hotel

The Haweswater Hotel, is set in an area unspoiled natural beauty by the shore of Haweswater in the Valley of the Golden Eagles. Guests are invited to walk by the lake in the secluded woodlands, with their wildlife including the ubiquitous deer and red squirrels. Guest rooms are decorated and furnished in the traditional style, but with every modern convenience including flat screen television, and satellite and free wireless Internet access.
‘Le Mardale’ restaurant boasts not one but two of the finest chefs who create masterpieces with seasonal ingredients from local farms. The cuisine is accompanied by an extensive wine list including specialist wines judiciously selected by the management.

Haweswater Hotel, Lakeside Road, Bampton, Penrith, CA10 2RP
Phone: 01931 713235 Fax: 01931 713145 Web: www.haweswaterhotel.com

Alston - Nent Hall Country House Hotel

Nent Hall was built in 1738, by a local miner who had the good fortune to strike a vein of silver in his lead mine. His heirs added the striking Italianate facade in the nineteenth century. Today Nent Hall has been fully modernised into one of the finest hotels in Cumbria. It is located near Alston, England's highest market town, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District fells. A short walk from the gardens takes guests to vantage points above the banks of the Nent, with a panorama of the valley below.
Nent Hall Hotel has a variety of accommodation, including the opulent 5 room Tower Suite, luxury four-poster rooms, and family rooms which sleep up to five. All rooms are en-suite with bath and shower. All rooms enjoy views of the extensive grounds, the River Nent and the surrounding valley.
Guests find a choice of dining areas. The Valley View restaurant offering has a varied international menu and The Coach House Inn offers traditional fare in an informal setting.

Nent Hall Country House, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3LQ
Phone: 01434 381584 Email: info@nenthall.com Web: www.nenthall.com

Penrith - The Roundthorn Country House

Roundthorn is a charming ancient manor house dating back to Georgian times. Enclosed in extensive landscaped gardens, surrounded by the magnificent Lakeland fells, Roundthorn is located above the Eden Valley with panoramic views of the natural countryside below. The well-appointed suites and bedrooms are each individually furnished and decorated to the highest standard. All have en-suite facilities and some have four-poster beds. Family rooms can accommodate up to 5 guests. Although Roundthorn has no restaurant, the area is celebrated for its chef owned restaurants and traditional pubs with menus.

The Roundthorn Country House, Beacon Edge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8SJ
Phone: 01768 863952 Email: info@roundthorn.co.uk Web: www.roundthorn.co.uk

Western Lake District Country House Hotels

Winscales - Hunday Manor Country House Hotel

Hunday Manor dates from the 18th century and is built in traditional Lakeland stone and slate. It has recently undergone a complete renovation to provide modern facilities in a tasteful style. All rooms are individually decorated, some with four-poster beds, including the bridal suite in its own unique romantic style. The extensive gardens have superb views and on a clear day, guests will be delighted with the vision of the Solway Firth in Scotland. A feature of Hunday Manor is the special weekend break, which allow individuals and families the ideal opportunity for relaxation in an idyllic setting.
The excellent restaurant is renowned for its table d'hôte menu. Residents naturally have priority but tables are available to non-residents. Early booking is essential as the restaurant’s reputation means that is it regularly fully booked.

Hunday Manor Country House Hotel, Hunday, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 4JF
Phone: 01900 61798 Fax: 01900 601202 Web: www.hunday-manor-hotel.co.uk

Eastern Lake District Country House Hotels

Ullswater - Rampsbeck Country House Hotel

Overlooking Ullswater, this charming 18th-century country house is set in nearly twenty acres of attractive parkland with paths running down to the lakeshore. There are many original features, and the furnishings include elegant period pieces and delightful antiques. The comfortable lounges include a bar which opens out on to a sunny summer terrace; the attractive restaurant looks out over magnificent views, delighting the eye and the palate at the same time. The chef has an innovative approach which incorporates fresh local produce of the highest quality, and the results are of the highest standard. Indeed, the team of chefs, under the watchful eye of Master Chef Andrew McGeorge, are justly famed for their high standards and skill; as a result, the restaurant is recommended by all of the most important guides. Their skills have resulted in the award of 3 AA Rosettes, given to only the top ten percent of restaurants.
All the bedrooms are different in both size and aspect, but they are all individually decorated and furnished to the highest standards, and include several deluxe rooms, with private balconies which offer spectacular views over Ullswater and the local fells; the remaining rooms overlook the delightful gardens. All rooms are ensuite, with bath and shower, and all the facilities you'd expect from a country house hotel, including complimentary fruit and mineral water.

Rampsbeck Country House Hotel, Watermillock, Ullswater, CA11 0LP
Phone: 01768 486442 Fax: 01768 486688 Email: rampsbeck@btconnect.com Web: www.rampsbeck.co.uk