The Lake District Guide

Your guide to recommended hotels in the English Lake District (page 2) (see more here)

One of the great things about the Lakes is the hospitality and friendliness you'll find there. No matter what kind of accommodation you choose to stay in, you'll find excellent service and comfort. If you're looking for a comfortable hotel, in the mid to upper price range, there are hundreds of excellent properties to choose from. We've listed a selection below; these have all been recommended to us by family and friends, or we've stayed there ourselves. We'd love to hear from you if you have any comments on these hotels or if you have a favourite Lakes hotel which you think is worthy of inclusion in this guide. Do remember that stars are not always a guide to the comfort level you may expect to experience, since small hotels may not have some of the features like lifts (elevators) and night staff that are required for a high star rating.

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


South Lake District Recommended Hotels


Newby Bridge - The Newby Bridge Hotel

A beautiful setting for a hotel run by a company who care about their guests' comfort and relaxation. The hotel has a spa and pool open to hotel guests only, and some beautiful bedrooms with four posters. It's also in a good location for exploring Windermere, Coniston and the Lake District Peninsulas.
The Newby Bridge Hotel, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NA
Phone: 01539 531222 Email: info@newbybridgehotel.co.uk Web: www.newbybridgehotel.co.uk


Windermere - The Famous Wild Boar

Set in the Gilpin valley and named after Sir Richard Gilpin, who famously killed a wild boar nearby, this old coaching inn lives on as a comfortable country style hotel, with a great location and comfortable bedrooms. Run by English Lakes Hotels, a company who certainly know what they're doing when it comes to hotel management.

The Famous Wild Boar, Crook, Nr Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NF
Phone: 01539 445225 Fax: 01539 442498

Web: www.englishlakes.co.uk


Windermere - Craig Manor

A tasteful and pleasant hotel situated in a wonderful location, overlooking Bowness and Windermere. With a pool and leisure club available nearby, and rooms to suit all tastes, this is a reliable hotel with a good reputation (and a very decent restaurant with a spectacular view).

Craig Manor Hotel, Lake Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 2JF
Phone: 01539 488877 Fax: 01539 488878 Email: info@craigmanor.co.uk Web: www.craigmanor.co.uk


Windermere - Hillthwaite House

This hotel certainly has its fans. In a beautiful location and run by a family who care about what they're doing, this hotel has consistently been praised by our friends and relations for the friendly attitude of the staff, the good food, the comfortable rooms, and the reasonable prices. All too often in the Lakes, small hotels charge too much and the standards are a disappointment. Here at Hillthwaite they have the balance just right, and they are deserving of the success they have achieved. And they have a heated pool and a sauna/steam room.

Hillthwaite House, Thornbarrow Road, Windermere, LA23 2DF
Phone: 01539 443636 Fax: 015394 88660 Email: reception@hillthwaite.com Web: www.hillthwaite.com


Windermere - 1 Park Road

1 Park Road is a luxury boutique bed and breakfast, set in a quiet district of Windermere. Proprietors Mary and Philip Burton are very proud of the quality they offer. The breakfasts are in a class of their own, including local bacon and Cumberland sausage. The bedrooms are luxurious, the service is excellent and there are additional touches including discounts at local spas or bicycle hire. At weekends, dinner may be ordered accompanied by wines from the extensive cellar.

1 Park Road, Windermere, LA23 2AW
Phone: 01539 442107 Web: www.1parkroad.com


Barrow-In-Furness - Ambrose Hotel

The Ambrose Hotel is not a pub with rooms but a hotel with a pub on the side. The bedrooms are individually designed comfortably furnished with modern amenities. The newly refurbished restaurant provides a variety of choices from light luncheons to the traditional dishes prepared by the in-house chef.

Ambrose Hotel, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1XT
Phone: 0845 505 1270 Web: www.ambrosehotel.co.uk


Lakeside - Lakeside Hotel (South end of Lake Windermere)

Originally a 17th century coaching inn, Lakeside Hotel retains all its original period charm with original stonework, oak panelling and genuine beams, located by the lake in the heart of surrounding woodlands. Despite its age, Lakeside is fully modernised with handsome individually designed bedrooms and spacious suites, with views of the lake or the rugged fells. The lounges and the bright conservatory have a relaxed atmosphere, overlooking the landscaped gardens, which lead down to the lake. The Lakeview Restaurant serves an unequalled gourmet menu with an widespread wine list, while Ruskin's Bar is perfect for light lunches or traditional dishes.

Lakeside Hotel, Lake Windermere, near Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8AT
Phone: 01539 530001 Web: www.lakesidehotel.co.uk


Bowness on Windermere - Linthwaite House Hotel

Linthwaite House Hotel, perched on a magnificent hilltop overlooking Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells, offers a unique opportunity to combine luxurious living with a natural environment. Within the woodlands are tarns and mossy banks with ferns and wildlife. By contrast the modern accommodation has all the facilities that the discriminating traveller would require. All rooms and suites have en-suite facilities with satellite TV and audio equipment. The exceptional restaurant has a reputation for the quality food and service, and an excellent wine list. It is personally supervised by award–winning chef, Richard Kearsley.

Linthwaite House Hotel, Crook Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JA
Phone: 01539 488600 Email: stay@linthwaite.com Web: www.linthwaite.com


Windermere - Low Wood Hotel

Low Wood is a modern hotel built in the ‘manor house’ style. Enclosed in extensive landscaped gardens, surrounded by the magnificent Lakeland fells, and close by the lake, Low Wood is noted for its panoramic views of the natural countryside. 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. The Leisure Club, Beauty Salon and Water Sports Centre are available to guests. For a first-rate dining experience, choose between the modern Windermere Restaurant, with a large array of classic European dishes and the Café del Lago in an informal setting with a traditional menu. The Windermere Restaurant is noted for its opulent surroundings, hand crafted by a European master painter.

Low Wood Hotel, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LP
Phone: 01539 433773 Email: info@elhmail.co.uk Web: www.englishlakes.co.uk


Arnside - Number 43

Number 43 was built in the late Victorian period, the era of sturdy elegance. This townhouse is located on the coast overlooking the Kent Estuary towards the Lakeland Fells. It is noted for its stunning views at sunset from the terraced garden. The house is decorated in the traditional style with oak, velvet and chandeliers, yet has been renovated to accommodate modern amenities.

The bedrooms are each tastefully decorated and furnished in an individual style with flat screen televisions and Internet connection. Guests receive personal attention from the genial proprietress, Lesley Hornsby, who attends to every fine detail, including homemade cakes. Traditional English breakfasts include wild boar sausages and bread baked that morning. The ‘light bite’ supper menu includes smoked chicken and duck breast and cheeses made in the locality.

Number 43, The Promenade, Arnside, Cumbria, LA5 0AA
Phone: 01524 762 761 Web: www.no43.org.uk


Central Lake District Recommended Hotels


Ambleside (Great Langdale) - New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

An absolute gem of a hotel in the Langdale valley, praised by all who stay there for its comfort, superlative views, fine cooking and general all-round air of relaxed comfort. Truly a hotel to have a wonderful break from the pressures of everyday life.

New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale, Nr. Ambleside, LA22 9JX
Phone: 01539 437213 Email: enquiries@dungeon-ghyll.com Web: www.dungeon-ghyll.com


Ambleside - Cherry Garth

A charming hotel run by two sisters who'll give you a warm welcome and a comfortable bed; some rooms have Jacuzzi spas. A small hotel, so you'll have to find somewhere to eat out in the evening, but with all the attractions of Ambleside close at hand, that shouldn't prove too difficult to arrange!

Cherry Garth, Old Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0DH
Phone: 01539 433128 Email: reception@cherrygarth.com Web: www.cherrygarth.co.uk


Grasmere - The Red Lion

This hotel is right in the centre of Grasmere Village, and has served as the base for many of our walking weekends over the years. Each time it has produced the same comfortable rooms, high standard of food, and and good service. It also has a sister hotel owned by the same company - the Salutation Hotel - in Ambleside.

The Grasmere Red Lion Hotel, Red Lion Square, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SS
Phone: 01539 435456 Fax: 01539 435579 Email: reservations@grasmereredlionhotel.co.uk Web: www.grasmereredlionhotel.co.uk


Ambleside - The Salutation Hotel

Neatly located in the village centre, The Salutation is a fully modern hotel, with comfortable 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 Health Club and Spa, which contains state of the art techno gym equipment complete with ipod docking stations.

The Garden Room Restaurant offers first class food from substantial breakfasts to light luncheons and in the evening provides a select international cuisine with a superior wine list.

The Ambleside Salutation Hotel, Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BX
Phone: 01539 432244 Fax: 01539 434157 Email: ambleside@hotelslakedistrict.com Web: www.hotelslakedistrict.com


Grasmere - Dale Lodge Hotel

Dale Lodge was built as gentleman’s residence in the Georgian era, set in three acres of landscaped gardens. The secluded setting with the mountains in the background is just a short walk from the shores of the lake and the quaint village of Grasmere.

The accommodation comprises individually decorated en-suite rooms. All rooms are ensuite and have TV, direct-dial phone, Internet access and all modern facilities. There are four luxury ‘mews rooms’ set in a terraced area each with a lounge area and separate bathroom.

The Lodge Restaurant offers an extensive International menu, of traditional and newly created dishes by head chef James Goodall, sourced from local produce, with an ample wine list of well-chosen vintages. Tweedies Bar offers a select menu and a variety of real ales.

The Dale Lodge Hotel, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SW
Phone: 01539 435300 Email: enquiries@dalelodgehotel.co.uk Web: www.dalelodgehotel.co.uk


Ambleside - Lake House

This is one of our favourite guest houses. You will find Lake House at Waterhead Bay, an amazing setting for a special break, by the shores of Lake Windermere. It is stylish and luxurious, yet with a relaxed atmosphere. The landscaped gardens are noted for the spectacular views across Waterhead Bay, Loughrigg Fell and the Langdale Pikes in the distance.

The bedrooms are all ensuite and individually designed with all modern amenities. King size, twin or family rooms are available. The full English breakfasts, including the speciality Garside’s Traditional Cumberland sausage, is one of the best treats in the Lake District.

Lake House, Lake Road, Waterhead Bay, Ambleside, LA22 0HD
Phone: 01539 432360 Email: info@lakehousehotel.co.uk Web: www.lake-house.co.uk


North Lake District Recommended Hotels


Keswick - The Skiddaw Hotel

Another of our favourite hotels, run by English Lakes Hotels Limited, which has a second property in Keswick, and another in Borrowdale, this is a reliable, conveniently located hotel which has recently been refurbished and fulfils the expectations of travellers looking for comfort and style at a reasonable price.

The Skiddaw Hotel, Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BN
Phone: 01768 772071 Fax: 01768 774850 Email: skiddawhotel@lakedistricthotels.net Web: www.lakedistricthotels.net


Ullswater - The Inn On The Lake

The Inn on the Lake Hotel is a fully modern plush 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. Gusts are invited to use the pitch and putt golf course, croquet lawn, jacuzzi, sauna, gymnasium and sun shower.

The Lake View Restaurant offers first class food from substantial breakfasts to light luncheons and in the evening provides a gourmet international cuisine with an extensive wine list and a range of real ales.

The Inn On The Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PE
Phone: 01768 482444 Fax: 01768 482303 Email: innonthelake@lakedistricthotels.net Web: www.lakedistricthotels.net


Borrowdale, near Keswick - The Borrowdale Hotel

This is a peaceful spot, with a lot of charm and an undoubted feel of quality in the hotel facilities. The staff are helpful and practical. The six course silver service dinner is well worth a try. If you like the ambience of a family run hotel, being surrounded by friendly staff, an atmosphere which comes from long-term continued ownership and a happy environment, this is certainly a hotel worth trying.

The Borrowdale Hotel, Borrowdale Valley, Near Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UY
Phone: 01768 777224 Fax: 01768 777338 Email: borrowdale@lakedistricthotels.net Web: www.lakedistricthotels.net


Borrowdale - The Borrowdale Gates Hotel

The Borrowdale Gates Hotel is set in beautiful countryside just outside Grange-in-Borrowdale, deep in the rugged beauty of the breathtaking Valley of Borrowdale, perhaps the most scenic in Britain. Borrowdale's charms are increased by the presence of the magnificent lake Derwentwater, which is the widest in the Lake District. Stay here and you'll be surrounded by some of the most magnificent Lakeland Fells.

Most of the rooms in the main house are standard rooms complete with original features and delightful views. All the bedrooms are individually decorated and well-equipped; premier rooms enjoy the same comprehensive facilities with the addition of still and sparkling mineral water, power showers and satellite television. One thing which makes The Borrowdale Gates Hotel such a favourite with guests is the excellent food: the hotel has had a superb reputation for culinary expertise due to the efforts of a team of talented young chefs who work to ensure their food is superb.

Borrowdale Gates Hotel, Grange-in-Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UQ
Phone: 0845 833 2524 Email: hotel@borrowdale-gates.co.uk Web: www.borrowdale-gates.com


Carlisle - The County Hotel

Located in the centre of Carlisle, overlooking the twin towers of Henry VIII's Citadel, this grandiose Georgian building has been renovated to provide all modern amenities. With 84 modern spacious bedrooms, all with modern amenities including free wireless Internet access, The Country provides the perfect base to explore Gretna Green, the Borders and the Lake District. The Stable restaurant provides a la carte or table d’hôte menus, complemented by a fine selection of wines and liqueurs. The Gallerie Restaurant and JR's bar are less formal but with excellent menus and an opportunity to taste traditional Northern real ale.

The County Hotel, 9 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1QP
Phone: 01228 531316 Fax: 01228 401805 Email: info@countycarlisle.com Web: www.countycarlisle.com


Carlisle - The Crown & Mitre

The Crown and Mitre Hotel was built in 1905 on the site of the Crown and Mitre Inn which existed before the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. It is close to the historic Carlisle Cathedral, The Castle, The Old Town Hall, The Guildhall and Tullie House Museums. You will find The Crown and Mitre to be the ideal base for tours of Hadrian’s Wall, Gretna Green and the Lake District.
The Crown and Mitre has been recently renovated to provide en-suite bathroom, satellite television and direct dial telephone. Free wireless Internet is available. Guests can enjoy leisure facilities, including a swimming pool and Jacuzzi and also entrance to a local gym.
Guests find a choice of dining areas. The Peace and Plenty Restaurant has a varied international menu and The Tavern Bar offers traditional fare in an informal setting.

Crown & Mitre Hotel, English Street, Carlisle, CA3 8HZ
Phone: 01228 525491 Web: www.peelhotels.co.uk


Keswick - The Keswick Hotel

The Keswick was built in the late Victorian period, the era of grandiose elegance. It is located close to Lake Derwentwater, set in 4 acres of mature gardens and walkways, overlooking the Lake District fells.

The 74 bedrooms are each stylishly decorated and furnished with all modern amenities. Four posters are available and each bedroom has ensuite facilities. Guests are invited to use the croquet lawn, putting green and full sized snooker table and to enjoy the outstanding views from the garden walkways.

The Lonsdale Restaurant, with views over the gardens and floodlit lawns, boasts an excellent gourmet menu complimented by an extensive wine list, personally supervised by head chef, Chris Lyon.

Keswick Country House Hotel, Station Road, Keswick, CA12 4NQ
Phone: 01768 772020 Web: www.thekeswickhotel.co.uk


Keswick - The Lodore Falls Hotel

The Lodore Falls dates back 200 years, 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 spectacular Tower Room with stunning panoramic views. The extensive gardens include a natural waterfall and have superb views of the spectacular Lodore Falls and surrounding mountains. A feature of Lodore Falls is the Leisure club with swimming pools, gym, sauna and Hot Tube, and also a Beauty salon that provides the ultimate in relaxation.

The Lake View Restaurant is renowned for its imaginative menu superbly cooked and elegantly presented with first-rate service. The ingredients are locally sourced and all food is made in the kitchen.

The Lodore Falls Hotel, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UX
Phone: 01768 777285 Fax: 01768 777343 Email: info@lodorefallshotel.co.uk Web: www.lakedistricthotels.net


Keswick - The Lyzzick Hall Hotel

Lyzzick Hall dates back to the Victorian era when it was built as a country residence for a prosperous mill owner. The original graceful structure has been renovated into a luxury hotel. It stands on the lower slopes of Skiddaw, in large private grounds in a Hamlet called Underskiddaw. All 31 bedrooms are individually furnished and decorated to the highest standard, with all modern amenities. The bars and lounges have a relaxed atmosphere with charming views of the fells. Guests are invited to use the heated indoor swimming pool with sauna and whirlpool bath.

The restaurant has a varied international menu, with dishes freshly prepared using quality local ingredients, and an ample selection of fine wines specially chosen by the proprietor.

Lyzzick Hall Country House Hotel, Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4PY
Phone: 01768 772277 Fax: 01768 772278 Email: info@lyzzickhall.co.uk Web: www.lyzzickhall.co.uk


Ullswater - The Leeming House Hotel

Set in a 22-acre estate of natural woodlands, Leeming House offers a unique opportunity to combine luxurious living with a natural environment. The gardens, abounding in natural beauty lead down gracefully to the shores of Ullswater.

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 private balconies with views across the gardens and lake. Also available to guests are fishing facilities under the hotel’s fishing licence.

The exceptional Regency Restaurant has a reputation for quality food and service, and an excellent wine list.

The Leeming House Hotel, Ullswater, Near Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JJ
Phone: 0844 879 9142 Fax 01786 486443 Web: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk


Western Lake District Luxury Hotels


Cockermouth - Broughton Craggs Hotel

Broughton Craggs was built as gentleman’s residence in the Victorian era, above the banks of the Derwent with panoramic views over the Lakeland fells to the slopes of Skiddaw. The secluded setting is just three miles from the picturesque village of Cockermouth.The accommodation comprises fourteen individually decorated spacious rooms. All rooms are ensuite and have television and all modern facilities.

The restaurant offers an extensive menu, with all dishes sourced from local ingredients and prepared by head chef Gareth Williams, with a large wine list of well-chosen vintages.

Broughton Craggs Hotel, Great Broughton, Cockermouth, CA13 0XW
Phone: 01900 824400 Fax: 01900 825350 Email: info@broughton-craggs.co.uk Web: www.broughton-craggs.co.uk


Hotel Owners!
To be included here, please refer to our
contact & information page.