Mountains, lakes, history and literary inspiration, the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the UK so it is little wonder that it attracts holidaymakers from far and wide. Within its captivating landscapes and picturesque towns, the region is also home to a variety of accommodation options, all of which offer hospitality and style, local food and a warm welcome. From bed and breakfasts to inns to country house hotels, luxury comes in all shapes and sizes. Here, the Good Hotel Guide shares seven of their top luxury hotels in the Lake District.
Lindeth Fell, Bowness-on-Windermere
While technically Lindeth Fell is a five-star bed and breakfast, the term really doesn’t do it justice. An Edwardian country house with views over Windermere, it sits in seven acres of gardens and is elegantly decorated.
Run by the same family for nearly 40 years, everything is done with care and attention. There is a warmth to Lindeth Fell that makes you feel like you’re being welcomed to the home of a friend. Everything is immaculate, and luxury comes in the form of carefully thought out details – sherry in your room along with robes and coffee machines, and the ready availability of picnics and afternoon tea on request.
Farlam Hall, Brampton
A creeper-covered manor house surrounded by pretty grounds, Farlam Hall is an award-winning country house hotel in a peaceful Cumbrian village. Steeped in history and tradition, it is classically decorated with sitting rooms filled with paintings, wide sofas and a careful selection of ornaments. Bedrooms are generously sized, and also include comfy seating and garden views. Outside, guests can enjoy the large lawns and a pretty ornamental lake.
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Windermere
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House has multiple experiences to offer its guests. There is a glamorous country house hotel as well as modern spa lodges in the grounds, each complete with an outdoor hot tub and views of the Lake District moors.
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House also has a Michelin-starred restaurant, where chef Hrishikesh Desai cooks contemporary British-with-a-twist dishes. The town of Bowness is a 10-minute drive away and definitely worth a visit, but you may simply prefer to occupy yourself at the hotel – after all, the grounds alone include plenty to do, from strolls through the Victorian flower gardens to a peek at the llama paddock.
Forest Side, Grasmere
This enchanting hotel is a gothic mansion immersed in the Lake District. The region of Grasmere is said to have been beloved by Wordsworth thanks to its natural beauty. Forest Side itself has been charming guests for more than 100 years. It has an award-winning restaurant, elegantly designed rooms and suites that combine modern luxury with the historic details of the building. Then there are the beautiful grounds to wander in, complete with rare purple dusted lilies and an array of Rhododendrons, all looking out across rugged fells and woodland.
The Yan at Broadrayne, Ambleside
In a remote location on a Cumbrian hillside, The Yan at Broadrayne is a treasure hidden in the landscape. Surrounded by grazing Herdwick sheep, the 17th-century barn and its various outbuildings have been transformed into a chic and contemporary hotel and bistro. The location is unequivocally peaceful, there’s no shortage of modern conveniences, and visitors delight in the adventurous, seasonal menus, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside and the total sense of escapism.
Rothay Manor, Ambleside
An award-winning country house hotel, Rothay Manor is a Grade II listed property that’s been beautifully decorated to welcome guests. Stylish prints and heritage colours cover the walls and furniture, with each room showcasing its own individual style. Some rooms have their own balconies with views to the fells. Dogs are welcome, enjoying the hilly hikes close by. Meanwhile, food is a celebrated part of the experience, with the choice of a fine-dining restaurant or a laid-back lounge.
Cedar Manor, Windermere
Close to Lake Windermere, Cedar Manor is an intimate hotel that has been praised for its eco-friendly credentials and its friendly customer service. A former Victorian country retreat, Cedar Manor is a five-minute walk from the lake shore, and a stroll from town. The superbly appointed bedrooms are all individually decorated – you might choose one with a canopy bed or a four-poster, or perhaps one with a view of the eponymous ancient cedar.
