With all that water to play about on, plus woods to explore and hills to climb – not to mention Beatrix Potter characters to look out for – it’s not surprising that the Lake District is a top choice for family holidays. While plenty of the area’s hotels have family suites, extra-large bedrooms or children’s menus, several of the best family hotels in the Lake District are specifically geared to families’ needs. Some have indoor pools or play areas – useful for rainy days – others have adventure playgrounds or organise outdoor activities while others make sure there’s something special for grown-ups, too – often a spa.
Family-friendly hotels in the countryside
- The name alone makes Augill Castle irresistible to children. And it lives up to expectations with lots of rooms and grounds to explore, space to play games, toys and dressing-up boxes. In addition, it offers special children’s cookery courses.
- The gardens and woods at Lancrigg, just outside Grasmere, also cry out to be explored by adventurous children. This family-friendly hotel is also well-placed for easy walks from the doorstep.
- For somewhere with views down over Lake Windermere, Holbeck Ghyll might suit. It has several twin-bedroom cottages as well as interconnecting rooms that are ideal for families.
- Also with lake views, the smart Linthwaite House offers separate Junior suites and Lake suites away from the main hotel, which can be configured as interconnecting rooms.
- Another option is Lindeth Howe, once owned by Beatrix Potter, and not far from Bowness. Book one of its suites if you're travelling with the kids.
Family-friendly hotels with pools
- The Swan Hotel & Spa, at Newby Bridge – which also has a children’s playroom and outdoor activity trail – is another good choice with an indoor pool (and spa for the adults).
- Or book the Lodore Falls on Derwentwater which makes for a good luxury family-friendly choice.
- In the south, the Grange Hotel at Grange-over-Sands has a leisure centre with indoor pool, and a range of family rooms.
- Another option is Hillthwaite above Windermere, which mixes contemporary style in an elegantly traditional house. The family suites come with bunk beds and futons for the children
Family-friendly hotels with self-catering options
If you’re looking for more flexibility, but still within the comfort of a hotel, several places have the option of self-catering cottages or apartments.
- The Swan Hotel & Spa has some very swanky cottages within its grounds – far enough away from the main hotel to ensure privacy, but close enough to be within reach of its facilities.
- The cosy, traditional Masons Arms pub - a typical Lakeland inn - has a couple of former cottages at the rear of the pub that have been converted. Dog-friendly, and with their own terraces, too.
- For contemporary style, The Halston in the heart of Carlisle, has a range of apartments from studio to penthouse.
Family-friendly hotels in towns
- For somewhere with designer style, take a look at The Waterhead, in Ambleside, and overlooking the lake. It offers children’s welcome packs and has an outdoor pizza oven in warmer months,
Still not sure?