The Hotel Guru
The 15 Best Boutique Hotels in the Lake District

The 15 Best Boutique Hotels in the Lake District

The Lake District may be best known for country-house hotels and traditional pubs but it also has a growing choice of boutique hotels. Some are gastropubs in quiet locations, others are cool pads in the main towns. Many have private hot tubs – often with a stunning view – some have sexy bathrooms with twin baths and cutting-edge lighting systems, but all offer designer style. And none of best boutique hotels in the Lake District are large so they keep their intimate and personal touch. So why not browse through our hand selected collection to start planning your next getaway to the great outdoors?

For luxury

The Samling is a small luxury hotel boasting both chic interiors and fabulous views of Lake Windermere. Individually styled rooms are light and airy with bold colours, antiques and softly patterned fabrics. Offering exemplary cuisine and a choice selection of wines, this is a rural escape designed for indulging.

For a town setting

Close to each other in the town of Windermere, both the Windermere Suites and Windermere Boutique Hotel tick the boxes if you’re wanting a Lake District boutique hotel with stylishly romantic bedrooms. In the former you’ll find designer-style and sexy bathrooms while the latter offers hot tubs.
You’ll find more hot tubs but this time on private balconies at Applegarth Villa, also in Windermere, where bedrooms include lavish duplex affairs.

For a rural hideaway

The Yan is a chic boutique hideaway in a scenic rural spot outside Grasmere. Rooms feel fresh and contemporary with natural materials, grey hues, and plenty of light. Downstairs the bistro serves European cuisine with a modern flare. A family-run affair with well-thought-out details. A stylish rural getaway.
Lindeth Fell is a luxurious B&B located near Lake Windemere. Interiors perfectly mix traditional British design with contemporary style – think antique furniture, boldly coloured walls, open fireplaces and chic modern bathrooms. Indulgent breakfasts and high tea are served; an idyllic rural escape.
The Forest Side is a romantic gothic mansion located near Grasmere, in the heart of the Lake District. Offering chic and spacious accommodation with plenty of light, this dog-friendly spot boasts 43-acres of superb gardens plus there's stunning cuisine in the Michelin starred restaurant.

For walkers

Tweedies Bar and Lodge is a family-run boutique hotel in ever-popular Grasmere with a renowned real-ale bar. Rooms and suites are individually designed but the feel is rural-chic with muted tones, simple modern furniture, and wooden floors. With hearty cuisine, this is ideal for walkers and cyclists.

For foodies

The Punch Bowl Inn is a quaint 18th-century inn with sweeping valley views. Interiors have been well-renovated keeping the building's original features but feeling fresh and luxurious; the best have his and hers tubs for romantic evenings. With a popular restaurant and bar, this is the complete package.
Cottage in the Wood is a chic converted 17th-century coaching inn set in a mountain forest with magnificent views. Despite the cosy sounding name, rooms are in fact swish and modern. Owner-managed, the real draw (besides the setting) is the Michelin starred dining — making this a great choice for a spoiling rural escape.
For foodies who like things more casual, there's the Drunken Duck Inn. Set in the pretty village of Ambleside and surrounded by the Southern Lowland Fells the position is a real lure. Built-in the 18th-century, this is one of the Lake District’s best-known gastro pubs.

For families

Victorian House Hotel is a chic conversion of a Victorian house in ever-popular Grasmere. Rooms are compact but stylish with a mix of modern art, velvet headboards, and a blend of antique and vintage furniture. A laidback restaurant serves small plates and sharing boards. Pets and kids are made very welcome. An easy base.

For a country house hotel

Rothay Manor is a privately owned, elegant country-house-style hotel with a modern freshness and a highly regarded restaurant. Bedrooms are large and understated while there are lawned gardens for lazy afternoons. A picture-perfect rural escape.
Broadoaks is a smart country house and spa located near Lake Windermere. Romantic rooms mix traditional and contemporary styles with dark hues, four-poster beds and indulgent bathrooms. An award-winning restaurant seals the deal.

For great value

For a good-value boutique accommodation, check out Howe Keld in Keswick which offers bright, contemporary-style rooms. It is family-friendly and the relaxed and friendly young owners are keen to help guests enjoy the Lake District. A laidback choice.

Still not sure where to book?

Expand your search to include our selection of all the best hotels in the Lake District
Browse through our collection of all the best places to stay in Cumbria.
Refine your search and look at the best pubs with rooms in the Lake District.
Alternatively contact a friendly guru for advice.
- The Windermere Suites Windermere, Cumbria 8 rooms from AU$338
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Large suites with private hot tubs are made for romance
  Sights nearby  -  William Wordsworth’s homes at Dove Cottage and Beatrix Potter's House are close by
  Sailing  -  Lake cruises on Windermere
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  
  Designer B&B with eight lavish and sexy monochrome suites including sultry accents and highlights of silver and uber-modern lights. Bathrooms have TVs and mood lighting - plus it’s always breakfast. Located in the heart of the Lake District it is a chic little retreat amidst traditional surrounds. See More
  
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- Windermere Boutique Hotel Windermere, Cumbria 13 rooms from AU$413
  
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  Active Holiday  -  Lake Windermere is perfect for watersports, and the surrounding parklands provide top notch walking and cycling options.
  Local exploring  -  Explore the rolling beauty of the Lake District, surrounding National Parkland and Beatrix Potter country.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Beatrix Potter's Home- Hill Top, less than three miles from the hotel.
  Great walks  -  Beautiful walking routes around the shores of Lake Windermere.
  
  A beautiful Edwardian house hotel, near the shores of Lake Windermere. The individually decorated rooms are comfortable and spacious. Downstairs one can enjoy delicious food in the intimate dining room. In the heart for Beatrix Potter country, this is definitely one for the Peter Rabbit lovers. See More
  
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- Applegarth Villa Windermere (Cumbria) 22 rooms from AU$263
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Adults only hotel with a cocktail bar, huge rooms and private hot tubs
  Sights nearby  -  Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth's houses are a short drive away
  Private Hot Tub  -  All the seven suites have their own private outdoor hot tub.
  Sailing  -  A sailing trip along the iconic Lake Windemere
  
  Adults-only, boutique bolthole with high-quality, designer bedrooms, including sumptuous suites with private hot-tubs. Family-run with a relaxed atmosphere and bistro-style restaurant and bar with an expansive collection of whiskeys. A real, spoiling treat in a great location. See More
  
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- Drunken Duck Inn Cumbria 13 rooms from AU$329
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, former homes of poet William Wordsworth
  Great walks  -  Traverse the Southern Lowland Fells
  Full of character
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  In the little village of Ambleside, nestled amongst the Southern Lowland Fells lies this 18th century inn. A landmark Lake District pub as famous for its smart food as its own-brew beer and with an attractive contemporary-country style. Comfortably inviting rooms are stylish yet uncluttered. See More
  
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- Punch Bowl Inn, Cumbria Crosthwaite (Cumbria) 9 rooms from AU$244
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Ideal for a romantic weekend away, with his and hers tubs, candlelit dinners and sweeping views of the countryside
  Active Holiday  -  Some of the best walking in the British Isles is right on your doorstep, be sure to bring your hiking boots!
  Foodies  -  Chef Scott Fairweather never fails to impress, with local ingredients and inventive combinations
  Great walks  -  With something for every level of commitment, from full day hikes to an afternoon stroll
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  A smart country pub tucked away in the Lake District's Lyth Valley. There's a boutique vibe throughout — rooms exude comfort with fresh country styling and boast roll-top baths as standard. Popular lunch food for locals and great dinner menu. Good base for local exploring but a car is needed. See More
  
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- Howe Keld Keswick 12 rooms from AU$225
  
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  Active Holiday  -  The Lake District is perfect for walking, cycling or sailing.
  Sights nearby  -  Nearby Wordsworth House makes for a great day out.
  Great walks  -  There are many low level walks to explore.
  Sailing  -  Boat trips on Derwentwater
  
  Situated close to Keswick town centre and just a short walk from Derwent Water, and with wonderful views of the hills. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Relaxed and friendly young owners who are keen to help guests enjoy the Lake District. Breakfasts will set you up for a day out exploring. See More
  
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- The Yan Grasmere 7 rooms from AU$244
  
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  Active Holiday  -  Whether you want to hike, sail, or cycle — the Lake District offers the perfect setting for an outdoorsy holiday
  Families  -  With all of the rooms featuring a sofa-bed this is a good option for families with young children
  Restaurant  -  A modern spin on European classics are served in the Bistro which uses local produce
  Great walks  -  Beautiful walks start right from the property
  
  A chic boutique hideaway in a scenic rural spot outside Grasmere. Rooms feel fresh and contemporary with natural materials, grey hues, and plenty of light. Downstairs the bistro serves European cuisine with a modern flare. A family-run affair with well-thought-out details. A stylish rural getaway. See More
  
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- Rothay Manor Ambleside 19 rooms from AU$263
  
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  Country Escape  -  Set in pretty woodlands and boasting easy access to Cumbria's fabulous walking country.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit 'Hill Top', Beatrix Potter’s former home, situated near Hawkshead.
  Sailing  -  Learn to sail on Lake Windermere, just a short stroll from the property.
  Boutique
  
  Privately owned, elegant country-house-style hotel with a modern freshness and a highly regarded restaurant. Bedrooms are large and understated while there are lawned gardens for lazy afternoons. See More
  
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- Tweedies Bar and Lodge Grasmere 16 rooms from AU$272
  
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  Active Holiday  -  The Lake District offers the perfect landscape for a host of outdoor pursuits including hiking, cycling, and horse riding
  Groups  -  Book the two Mews Suites as a small group of friends and enjoy the shared courtyard and hot tub
  Great walks  -  Head out the front door and find miles of scenic walking trails whether you want an amble or a full-day hike
  Restaurant  -  Hearty modern British cuisine is served in the laidback restaurant
  
  With a cracking position in the centre of Grasmere, this long-established, family-run hotel has country-fresh bedrooms (some with a hot tub), large gardens and a well-regarded real ale bar. Food is robust and there are plenty of spaces to relax and enjoy the scenery. See More
  
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- The Samling Hotel Ambleside 11 rooms from AU$413
  
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  Country Escape  -  A smart base offering access to arguably some of the UK's finest countryside.
  Foodies  -  Don't miss the tasting menu in the Samling's Michelin starred restaurant
  Active Holiday
  Sailing  -  Cruise across Lake Windermere and enjoy spectacular views.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Michelin Travel
  
  A small luxury hotel boasting both chic interiors and fabulous views of Lake Windermere. Individually styled rooms are light and airy with bold colours, antiques and softly patterned fabrics. Offering exemplary cuisine and a choice selection of wines, this is a rural escape designed for indulging. See More
  
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- The Cottage in the Wood nr Keswick, Cumbria 10 rooms from AU$225
  
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  Foodies  -  Chef Ben Wilkinson has raised the bar on Cumbrian fine dining whipping up creative dishes which have earned him a Michelin star
  Active Holiday  -  Surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands, this property is primed for days outdoors
  Sailing  -  Head to nearby Keswick or Derwentwater for gentle lake cruises
  Great walks  -  Ideally suited for overnighting and fell walking
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  A chic converted 17th-century coaching inn set in a mountain forest with magnificent views. Despite the cosy sounding name, rooms are in fact swish and modern. Owner-managed, the real draw (besides the setting) is the Michelin star dining — making this a great choice for a spoiling rural escape. See More
  
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- Broadoaks Cumbria 20 rooms from AU$291
  
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  Weddings  -  Offering an experienced team, beautiful backdrop and excellent catering service.
  Country Escape  -  A chic country house located in the beautiful Lake District.
  Spa  -  Guests are welcome to use the facilities at Low Wood Bay Health Club, including pool & hot tubs, a short drive away.
  Restaurant  -  Oaks restaurant serves delicious AA rosette food where local ingredients are served with a French twist.
  
  A smart country house and spa located near the famed Lake Windermere. Romantic rooms mix traditional and contemporary styles with dark hues, four poster beds and indulgent bathrooms. An award winning restaurant makes a welcome respite after a day spent in the countryside. See More
  
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- Victorian House Hotel Grasmere 20 rooms from AU$259
  
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  Active Holiday  -  Grasmere is a place to come and be outdoors in the Lake District whether you want to do that by foot, cycle, or on the lakes
  Families  -  With family suites, a large garden, a laid back feel, and plenty of local activities — this is ideal for a family break
  Great walks  -  A good network of walking trails starting from near the property whether you want an amble or something longer
  Restaurant  -  A small menu of small plates and sharing boards are offered all day
  
  A chic conversion of a Victorian house in ever-popular Grasmere. Rooms are compact but stylish with a mix of modern art, velvet headboards, and a blend of antique and vintage furniture. Small plates and sharing boards are on offer, more substantial food in town. Pets and kids are made very welcome. See More
  
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- Lindeth Fell Windermere (The Lake District) 14 rooms from AU$301
  
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  Country Escape  -  A pretty rural house positioned in some of the UK's most picturesque countryside.
  Sights nearby  -  William Wordsworth’s homes at Dove Cottage, Grasmere, & Rydal Mount, Rydal
  Great walks  -  Find miles of scenic hiking trails to be explored.
  Sailing  -  Take a relaxing cruise across Windermere Lake.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  A luxurious B&B located near scenic Lake Windemere. Interiors perfectly mix traditional British design with contemporary style - think antique furniture, boldly coloured walls, open fireplaces and chic modern bathrooms. Indulgent breakfasts and high tea are served. The perfect rural escape. See More
  
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- The Forest Side Grasmere (Keswick Road) 20 rooms from AU$374
  
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  Foodies  -  Enjoy some absolutely exquisite meals at their Michelin starred restaurant — an absolute must!
  Great walks  -  The Lake District is home to many breathtaking hiking trails
  Sailing  -  Hire a rowing boat on nearby Grasmere
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Recently renovated, The Forest Side is a romantic gothic mansion just outside Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District. Offering chic and spacious accommodation with plenty of light hues, this dog-friendly spot boasts 43 acres of superb gardens and stunning cuisine. A top-notch country retreat! See More
  
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