Welcome to your guide to luxury hotels in the English Lake District

The Lake District has its fair share of luxury accommodation, and some of it is simply superb. The Samling, for example, is about as fine a hotel as you'll find anywhere in the world: it's one of those places that defines the word "service".

Of course some of these hotels are pricey, but many have special offers and discounts, so you can enjoy luxury and comfort all around the Lakes without breaking the bank.

Our favourite luxury hotels in the Lake District are listed below by region, starting with the South Lakes and heading north. We'd appreciate feedback from you on all these hotels and any others you think should be included here. By the way, it's worth remembering that the number of stars isn't always an accurate guide to the comfort and luxury you'll find, because a hotel may be marked down for things you may not consider important like not having a lift (elevator) or 24 hour reception.

If you're a hotel owner, and would like to be included on this page of luxury Lakes hotels, please see our contact page for details.

South Lake District Luxury Hotels

Newby Bridge - The Knoll

Whether you're looking for exquisite attention to detail, a warm welcome, or superb comfort and the opportunity to get away from it all, there's no better place than The Knoll. It's a superbly equipped, peaceful country retreat which stands in acres of beautiful grounds perfectly located at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, in the midst of some spectacular woodland.

From the moment of your arrival, you know you're in a special place; each of the eight bedrooms is tastefully appointed, with elegance and charm, all with a beautiful bathroom. you could enjoy drinks on the lawn before a fantastic dinner of local produce, or you can sit in front of the open fires - depending on the season, The Koll can accommodate whatever you feel most inclined to enjoy.

And arguably the best part of the Lake District is right on the doorstep, just waiting for you to enjoy the spectacular scenery....this is a gem of a place, and comes highly recommended. By the way, the food is local and organic, and the business is accredited by the Tourism and Conservation Partnership. This is a Guest House that not only provides you with a great stay, but cares about the environment and the principles on which the business is based.

The Knoll, Lakeside, Near Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AU Website: www.theknoll-lakeside.co.uk
Email for any further information or to enquire about availability on info@theknoll-lakeside.co.uk.
Call and ask for Jenny or Denise: Phone: 015395 31347 Fax : 015395 30850

Windermere - Storrs Hall Hotel

I like this hotel, opulently furnished and exquisitely decorated as it is; and with a minimum age policy for its guests, adults can be sure of a relaxing break in total comfort. It's a Grade 2 listed Georgian mansion right in the middle of 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere, with panoramic Lake District views. Fabulous! The luxurious rooms have king sized beds, and the restaurant has been awarded 2 AA rosettes. If you want a quiet break, this is the place. Children under 12 are not accommodated.

Storrs Hall, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3LG
Phone: 01539 447111. Fax: 01539 447555.

www.englishlakes.co.uk

Windermere - Miller Howe

Miller Howe was one of the first of the modern breed of luxury country house hotels with superb cuisine. The founder, John Tovey, has retired, but the new owners claim that the traditions he started live on. I haven't stayed there myself, so reports from visitors would be most welcome. The furnishing is opulent, and some of the rooms have king sized beds. Let us know how you find it.

Miller Howe Hotel & Restaurant, Rayrigg Road, Windermere, English Lake District, Cumbria, LA23 1EY
Phone: 01539 442536. Fax: 01539 445664. Web: www.millerhowe.com

Windermere - Aphrodite's Themed Lodge

One of the most unexpected and interesting properties in the Lakes, a hotel with a difference! It has all the qualifications of a luxury hotel - king sized beds, hot tubs, massive showers, luxury bathrooms, heated outdoor pool, and so on.

But in addition, it has the most unusual feature of a different theme to each room - and some are very wild and whacky, too! Have a look at the website and pick the theme that best suits your mood, then look forward to a luxurious stay with a difference!

Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JD
Phone: 01539 445052 Fax: 01539 446702. Email: enquiries@aphroditeslodge.co.uk Web: www.aphroditeslodge.co.uk

Windermere - Applegarth Villa & JR's Restaurant

Applegarth Villa is a marvellous Arts and Crafts period property set in a tranquil area of Windermere, a short stroll away from the village’s shopping area. Applegarth offers a choice of rooms, varying from luxury four-posters to futuristic surrounds, all rooms and suites being gracefully appointed with the most excellent furnishings and decorations, carefully selected by Applegarth’s interior designer. Wall mounted flat screen TV's, wifi and other modern facilities blend in with the surrounding elegance.

The oak-panelled bar with its living fire offers a relaxing atmosphere in which to order from the extensive menu available at JR's Restaurant. The gourmet dishes are freshly prepared by award winning chef, John Draper. JR's Restaurant is available to non-residents but advance booking is essential as this fine gastronomic location is much in demand.

Applegarth Villa & JR's Restaurant, College Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BU
Phone: 01539 443206 Email: info@lakesapplegarth.co.uk Web: www.lakesapplegarth.co.uk

Cartmel - Aynsome Manor Hotel

This ancient manor house, the ancestral home of the family who founded the historic Cartmel Priory, has been converted into a sumptuous modern hotel yet retains the charm of its elegant past. It is conveniently situated for tours of the South Lake District in the unspoilt Vale of Cartmell, with views of the Norman Priory and the surrounding meadows and woodlands.

Aynsome Manor has 10 luxurious bedrooms, surrounding a quaint interior courtyard, each individually furnished and decorated to the highest standard. The lounges are majestic and spacious, yet with a relaxed atmosphere with log fires and charming views of Cartmel Vale. The dining room offers and extensive gourmet menu with an ample wine list of well-chosen vintages. Overall the environment is one of imposing period charm while providing every modern amenity.

Aynsome Manor Hotel, Aynsome Lane, Cartmel, Nr. Grange over Sands, Cumbria LA11 6HH
Phone: 01539 536653 Fax: 01539 536016 Email: aynsomemanor@btconnect.com Web: www.aynsomemanorhotel.co.uk

Windermere - The Beech Hill Hotel

The Beech Hill is situated in the perfect location for panoramic views of Lake Windermere, the surrounding fells and Coniston Old Man. Views can be obtained from the bedrooms, the bars, the lounges and the restaurant. Furthermore, you can take in these panoramic vistas in the lap of luxury. The splendid bedrooms are impressively furnished and decorated, with every facility you could need.

Several luxurious and opulent suites are available for special occasions and romantic breaks! The comfortable and relaxed bar lounge affords the perfect setting to take in the panorama of Lake Windermere while the indoor swimming pool provides a comfortable place to relax after a gentle stroll along the lake shore or an invigorating walk on the fells.
The Beech Hill boasts 2 AA Rosettes for excellent cuisine. You can select the Gourmet menu or opt for the Simple Taste menu, both of which provide a panoply of gastronomic delights!

The Beech Hill Hotel, Newby Bridge Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3LR
Phone: 0844 50 27587 Email: reservations@beechhillhotel.co.uk Web: www.beechhillhotel.co.uk

Windermere - The Belsfield Hotel

The Belsfield dates back to 1845, when it was built as a country residence for a prosperous industrialist. Now converted into a luxury hotel, it stands in six acres of gorgeous gardens overlooking Lake Windermere and the Cumbrian Fells, near the delightful little town of Bowness-on-Windermere. The 64 bedrooms are each tastefully decorated and furnished with modern amenities.

Four poster beds are available, along with family suites and ground floor bedrooms. Guests are invited to use the heated indoor swimming pool and sauna and to enjoy the outstanding views over the lake from the patios and bar lounges. The Chandelier Restaurant is excellent and boasts a carvery at lunchtime and a superb gourmet menu in the evening. The Belsfield is a most popular venue for weddings, receptions and family occasions, while business functions are catered for with several large capacity meeting rooms.

The Belsfield Hotel, Kendal Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3EL
Phone: 0844 736 8604 Email: belsfield@corushotels.com Web: www.corushotels.com

Grange-over-Sands - The Grange Hotel

The Grange was built in 1866 in the rare but interesting Italianate style. Although the fabric of the building retains its ancient charm and splendour, the hotel has been fully modernised to the highest standard. The regular rooms are stylish and graceful but the front-facing Superior rooms have an extra touch of class which will be readily appreciated by the discerning guest. From the gardens you can see the picturesque town of Grange-over-Sands, famous for its period houses and Victorian promenade.

The graceful Carriages Restaurant provides a premium quality menu, sourced where possible from the locality, and the lounge menu affords simpler fare of excellent quality. The Breakfast Buffet includes the full English with home-baked breads, fresh fruit and local delicacies.
The Health & Leisure Suite contains a large heated pool with optional power jets, a spacious Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, a fast-tan solarium and a fully equipped gym. Ladies will adore the extensive range of health and beauty treatments in the Grange’s Beauty Salon.

On offer are aromatherapy massage as well as skin-purifying treatments and professional manicures. A speciality of the Grange is the Pamperbreak, a term which speaks for itself and is available at a fabulous rate.

Grange Hotel, Station Square, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6EJ
Phone: 01539 533666 Fax: 01539 535064 Email: info@grange-hotel.co.uk Web: www.grange-hotel.co.uk

Central Lake District Luxury Hotels

Grasmere - Rothay Garden Hotel

Rothay Garden is no ordinary hotel. It is one of the finest in the Lake District, the latest four-star hotel in Cumbria. The hotel has recently undergone a £2 million redevelopment, which has guaranteed its stature as "first amongst equals" in the vicinity.

Situated by the side of picturesque Grasmere village, enclosed in two acres of riverside gardens, and surrounded by the magnificent Lakeland fells, Rothay Garden boasts 25 gorgeous bedrooms and 5 stunning loft suites with some of the best panoramas of any Lake District hotel. The candlelit conservatory restaurant, overlooking the gardens, provides haute cuisine at each and every mealtime, from the kitchen run by Masterchef Andrew Burton.

The palatial lounge bars and the spacious symmetry of the hotel structure present an atmosphere of total luxury, set in the most spectacular scenery of the Lake District. well worth investigating if you want to be at the centre of the action and in a luxury location.

Rothay Garden Hotel, Broadgate, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9RJ
Phone: 01539 435334 Fax: 01539 435723 Email: stay@rothaygarden.com Web: www.rothaygarden.com

Western Lake District Luxury Hotels

Barrow - Abbey House Hotel

The Abbey House Hotel, named after the nearby Furness Abbey, is set in 14 acres of woodland and gardens on the outskirts of Barrow, near to Dalton, a charming medieval town. 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 2 adults and 2 children.

The Abbey Restaurant, overlooking the gardens, presents excellent service in sumptuous surroundings with gourmet dishes and a choice selection of hand picked wines.
The Abbey House Hotel also provides the setting for weddings, christening or private functions, and has facilities for business meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

Abbey House Hotel, Abbey Road, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0PA
Phone: 01229 838282 Web: www.abbeyhousehotel.com

North Lake District Luxury Hotels

Bassenthwaite - Armathwaite Hall

A very traditional - and comfortable - country house hotel in the old-school style. Wonderful views of the lake, vast grounds to wander about in, and a very tranquil environment. Excellent food and a superb wine cellar.

The Armathwaite Hall Hotel, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RE
Phone: 01768 776551 Web: www.armathwaite-hall.com

Carlisle - Dalston Hall Hotel

Minutes away from the gorgeous Northern Lake District, and a brief ride from the historic cathedral city of Carlisle, Dalston Hall Hotel is located in the centre of a woodland golf course. This magnificent hotel provides the finest accommodation with 13 luxurious, individually designed, and sumptuously furnished suites and bedrooms, including the magnificent bridal suite.

Rolls-Royce & Bentleys are at the disposal of guests and personal service is always to hand. The building itself developed from a fortified structure built to repel invaders. In the Victorian era, it was converted to a luxury gentleman’s mansion. It is now thoroughly modernised and contains every possible up to date facility.

For dining, your choice is between the exquisite cuisine prepared by the Executive Chef, complimented by a choice from the wide-ranging wine list, or the Grill Room with its relaxed style and bespoke American char grill. Dalston Hall Hotel has facilities for weddings and other celebrations and for gatherings and conferences, with a selection of meeting rooms with full facilities available.

Dalston Hall, Dalston, Carlisle, Cumbria CA5 7JX
Phone: 01228 710271 Fax: 01228 711273 Email: enquiries@dalstonhall.com Web: www.dalston-hall-hotel.co.uk

Appleby Manor - Appleby, Penrith

Appleby Manor is a country house hotel which prides itself on attention to detail. You see this in the bedrooms, the restaurant's excellent menus (indeed, the restaurant has won 2 AA Rosettes - always a sign of very high accomplishments), the impeccable standards of service, and somewhat unexpectedly in the astonishingly extensive wine and whisky selection.

Whether you want an active break with access to the beautiful surroundings of the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales, or you just want a luxury break in a wonderful, characterful old building, this hotel is going to fulfill your expectations - and maybe surpass them. When we called in we chatted to some of the residents - without exception, they praised the hotel unreservedly. In my view, the swimming pool is a little on the small side, but this is such a minor quibble it's hardly worth mentioning. The hotel is beautifully situated in wooded grounds overlooking Appleby Castle.

Appleby Manor Country House Hotel. Roman Road, Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6JB
Phone: 01768 351571 Fax: 01768 352888 Email: reception@applebymanor.co.uk Web: www.applebymanor.co.uk