The Hotel Guru
The 14 Best Family Hotels in the Lake District

The 14 Best Family Hotels in the Lake District

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?

Expand your search to include our selection of all the best hotels in the Lake District
or all the best places to stay in Cumbria.
Alternatively contact a friendly guru for advice.
- Augill Castle Nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria 14 rooms from £160
  
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  Families  -  With fantastic facilities for kids, from cooking classes, to playgrounds, dressing up boxes and plenty of toys.
  Country Escape  -  Spectacular walking, wonderful views and whiskey in the drawing room old school weekend in the country vibes.
  Great walks  -  With national parks all around, this is the perfect spot to get on your walking boots.
  Cooking classes  -  The hotel has a wonderful cookery school for children.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Great Small Hotels
  
  Standing between the Lake District and the Dales rests this eccentric castle welcoming all the family into the countryside and the Eden Valley. Four poster beds and antique furnishings make up the comfortable rooms. Restaurant is open on weekends. Great hideaway and local exploring to be done. See More
  
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- Lancrigg Grasmere 10 rooms from £145
  
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  Country Escape  -  A quiet spot ideal for walking enthusiasts or those wanting to simply unwind.
  Great walks  -  Take scenic walks around Grasmere and Rydal Water.
  Whirlpool Bathtub  -  The Dickens room comes with whirlpool bathtub
  Sailing  -  Take a cruise on the iconic Lake Windermere.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Set in beautiful and peaceful grounds, with stunning fell views, yet only 15 minutes from Grasmere, this small country-house hotel has a relaxed and contemporary style plus excellent food. See More
  
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- Holbeck Ghyll Hotel Ambleside (Cumbria) 23 rooms from £150
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Unwind in Victorian English style with pampering suites overlooking Lake Windermere, spa services and impeccable service.
  Active Holiday  -  Walkers and ramblers bring your wellies and explore this stunning part of the country.
  Great walks  -  Ask at the front desk for an outline of the wonderful walks around the lake and beyond.
  Private Hot Tub  -  Lake View Suite and Ghyll Side cottage both feature a private outdoor hot tub.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Small Luxury Hotels
  
  One of the Lake District’s original country-house hotels, Holbeck Ghyll has stunning views over Lake Windermere and impressive Arts and Crafts architecture. Its creative food is another draw; definitely a place for indulgence. See More
  
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- Linthwaite House Hotel Windermere (Cumbria) 36 rooms from £200
  
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  Foodies  -  Henrock, overseen by Michelin Starred Simon Rogan offers relaxed fine dining with many ingredients sourced from his own farm
  Romantic Break  -  Take the stunning views, plush suites, two man tubs and candlelit dinners and you are guaranteed romance
  Views  -  From its elevated position Linthwaite enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Windermere and the Coniston Fells
  Private Hot Tub  -  The hot tub suite has a private enclosed verandah housing a large hot tub with a stunning lake view
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Sawdays
  
  Slick, stylish designs meet an intimate Edwardian country house offering all round comfort. Award winning dishes and fine wines at the restaurant. From its hilltop location over Lake Windermere and the Fells - explore The Lake District on foot, bike or horseback. Serenity at its finest! See More
  
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- Lindeth Howe Windermere (Lindeth Drive) 34 rooms from £111
  
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  Country Escape  -  A cosy rural property surrounded by some of the UK's finest walking country.
  Great walks  -  The hotel organises guided tours of the Lake District National Park.
  Restaurant  -  AA 2 rosette restaurant
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  
  Overlooking Lake Windermere, this handsome Victorian mansion, once owned by Beatrix Potter, has a bold contemporary style in its public rooms while bedrooms are calm and restful. With beautiful gardens, it makes a peaceful retreat yet is strolling distance from the lake. See More
  
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- The Swan Hotel & Spa Cumbria 58 rooms from £177
  
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  Country Escape  -  Surrounded by Cumbria's rolling hills with all the trimmings of a proper country stay
  Great walks  -  Several easy walks from the hotel, or nearby Gummer’s How is an easy climb with fantastic views
  Sights nearby  -  Holker Hall and Levens Hall both boast beautiful gardens
  Sailing  -  Sailing on Lake Windermere
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Sawdays
  
  Overlooking the River Leven on the South shore of Lake Windemere. Traditional, whitewashed Lakeland coaching inn with smart and colourful, contemporary interiors and a great, family-friendly ethos. Boasting views, walks and airy interiors plus indoor pool and spa, brasserie and bar. A great stay. See More
  
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- Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa Cumbria 87 rooms from £130
  
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  Country Escape  -  A country house set in an outstanding location. Take long walks, have a drink by the open fire and feast on regional cuisine.
  Spa breaks  -  The Falls Spa is an extensive, luxury adults on facility that will pamper even the pickiest of guests!
  Swimming Pool  -  16m outdoor pool with neck jets, underwater loungers and overflow hot tub.
  Great walks  -  The Lake District boasts stunning walking routes.
  
  Landmark hotel with lake and fell views, spa and hydrotherapy pool, plus choice of dining options, and a smart and friendly service. Set within 40 acres of picturesque countryside it's the perfect spot for a rural escape. See More
  
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- Grange Hotel Grange-over-Sands 50 rooms from £160
  
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  Local exploring  -  Set on four acres of landscaped parklands boardering the Lake District, yet within the town and convenient for exploring.
  Great walks  -  Endless walks in the fells, tarns and lakes of the National Park, plus the hotel will pack you a lunch.
  Sights nearby  -  Entertain children at the Beatrix Potter Experience, a wonderful family outing.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Spa Swimming Pool
  
  One of a kind and full of character: old fashioned, genteel Victorian hotel. Ornate rooms with heavily draped beds and antique style furniture. Beautifully manicured gardens. Blissful indoor pool, hot tub and extensive spa. Fabulous restaurant. Wonderfully romantic. See More
  
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- Hillthwaite Windermere (Windermere) 34 rooms from £143
  
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  Country Escape  -  Located in the stunning Lake District close to Lake Windermere. Ideal for spending days in the great outdoors.
  Great walks  -  Make the most of the miles of hiking trails through some of the UKs finest countryside.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Blackwell house and admire the Arts and Crafts architecture.
  Sailing  -  Take a romantic cruise on Lake Windermere.
  
  In a quiet residential area, midway between Windermere Town and Bowness, Hillthwaite, unexpectedly, has one of the best views in the Lake District. With its contemporary country-house style, several lounges and wide terrace, it’s a peaceful retreat yet close to the Lakes’ main attractions. See More
  
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- The Masons Arms Bowland Bridge, Cumbria 7 rooms from £85
  
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  Families  -  With lovely cottages that sleep up to six people, it's a great option for a family holiday.
  Great walks  -  The surrounding countryside is full of beautiful walking routes.
  Sights nearby  -  Take a trip to the wonderful nearby Holker Hall & Gardens.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Awash with traditional charm, The Masons Arms is a delightful hotel in the Lake District. Featuring excellent food in the restaurant, a wide range of ales and comfortable rooms. The pub's cottages, that sleep up to six, make it a great option for families or groups. See More
  
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- The Halston Carlisle (Cumbria) 22 rooms from £140
  
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  Foodies  -  Foodies will love the range of restaurants, cafés and bars at this hotel. The tapas at Penny Blue is paticularly good
  City Style  -  Located in a celebrated Edwardian property in the centre of Carlisle, this hotel has lots of chic city style
  Weddings  -  The Halston makes a picturesque setting for a wedding; enquire with the hotel for wedding packages
  Kayaking  -  For an adrenaline-filled day out, go kayaking on the River Eden; enquire at reception for local providers
  
  Housed in a landmark Edwardian property, this period hotel offers luxury apartments in the heart of Carlisle. Interiors are dressed in a pastel palette and feature boutique wallpaper, cosy rugs and rich linens, plus self-catering facilities. Dine at the gourmet restaurant. A chic heritage stay. See More
  
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- The Waterhead Inn Coniston, Cumbria 41 rooms from £119
  
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  Country Escape  -  Lakeside property with ringside view of Windemere and the beauty of Cumbria
  Sights nearby  -  Both Wordsworth's and Beatrix Potter's former houses are under 10kms
  Sailing  -  Take a boat out on the famous Lake Windemere
  Great walks  -  Up 'The Old Man of Coniston'
  
  A stylish bolthole amongst the rugged scenery of the Lake District, with views of Windermere lake. With sleek and airy rooms, a lively bistro-style restaurant and free access to a nearby leisure centre, it’s a place to relax and recharge. There is a jazzy bistro restaurant and good wine selection. See More
  
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