The Hotel Guru
21 Best Country House Hotels in the Lake District

21 Best Country House Hotels in the Lake District

The Lake District may very well be the birthplace of the country house hote. And this part of the country has certainly got a wonderful collection of elegant Georgian and Victorian manor houses, now turned hotels — complete with spas, pools, terraces, bars and restaurants serving afternoon tea. But our Gurus think the backdrop has something to do with it too, the great swathes of spectacular countryside just outside the window of your luxurious room certainly add to the feeling of being somewhere special. Our Gurus have scoured the region and come up with their pick of the best country house hotels in the Lake District including some options with a fabulous spa, some wonderfully warm retreats, and some family friendly picks too.

For Playing Lord of the Manor

For a country-house hotel in the Lake District with true history, consider Askham Hall, the former family home of the Earls of Lowther. With 13th-century origins, it has bags of atmosphere and is surrounded by stunning Grade ll-Listed gardens, and 40 acres of land just east of Ullswater. Inside are 17 rooms and suites, decorated with historic paintings and antiques. The Michelin starred restaurant makes great use of the expansive kitchen gardens.

For Grand Architecture

Overwater Hall is a symmetrical castle, with round towers on each side, pillars, and crenelated ‘battlements’ — of course they’re not real battlements, this stately home was built during the Georgian era, but they certainly look the part! Inside are 11 rooms and suites, comfortably decorated in a style that’s more comfortable hotel than medieval castle: think regal prints, grand windows with sweeping curtains, and plush soft furnishings. Supper is five delicious courses as standard, and you can retire to one of the cosy sitting rooms afterwards to recover. Its location, on 18 acres near the northern lakes, is quiet and relaxing.

For the Views

A beautifully converted hunting lodge, the Holbeck Ghyll Hotel is one of the Lake District’s original country house hotels, a wonderfully complementary blend of the building’s original Arts and Crafts features, and classic hotel comfort. Expect croquet on the lawns, tennis before afternoon tea on the terrace, log fires, and one of the most incredible views in the area. Rooms in the main house are traditional, with Morris wallpapers etc, while the larger suites in the out-buildings are more contemporary. Two of its suites, the Miss Potter and the Ghyll Side Cottage, have private hot tubs. The restaurant is superb, and there’s a small spa to complete with picture.
Hillthwaite occupies a stunning spot, on a hilltop position between Windermere and Bowness, overlooking Windermere, the Lakeland Fells, and great swathes of the Cumbrian countryside. Stay here and you’re close to the lake and town, but far enough away to feel as if you’re escaping — Hillthwaite has a pool, sauna and steam room to help add to the feeling of relaxation and escape. Not all of the rooms and suites have the views, but you can still take advantage of them in the restaurant, the gardens, and on the terrace.

For a Waterside Retreat

The Haweswater Hotel is an Art Deco style building put up in 1937, when the reservoir it sits right up against was created. It’s perfectly designed for its location, with lots of large windows overlooking the water. Many of the building’s original features survive today, and the current owners have sourced period pieces to match — including original travel posters and a 1930s soundtrack. It has just 17 rooms and suites, plus comfortable communal rooms, and a brasserie restaurant.
Storrs Hall was built in the 18th century, an elegant Georgian charmer, with wonderful panoramic views of Lake Windermere. Now a hotel, with accommodation in rooms, suites and separate woodland cabins, plus a bar and restaurant in the tower, it still feels very much the country house retreat.

For a Rural Retreat

The Eltermere Inn is a converted 18th century farmhouse on the very edge of the pretty village of Eltermere, with views over the lake. Its 12 rooms and suites are contemporary and unfussy, decorated with country plaids, botanical art and local watercolours. The restaurant is very thorough, they even make their bread from scratch, and offer a lovely afternoon tea too. Meals are served in the elegant dining room or the farmhouse kitchen.
Lancrigg is at the end of a no-through road, at the foot of a hillside overlooking the Fells, so it feels farm more remote than it really is — only about a mile from Grasmere. A Victorian era country house, surrounded by mature woodland gardens, its current incarnation as a ten room country house hotel has updated some of the fading features, and plumbing, but retained the peaceful atmosphere. Expect vintage and antique finds, and not too much fussiness. The restaurant is known for its championing of local produce.
If you want to come to the Lake District to escape the pressures of contemporary life then the Howtown Hotel is the perfect choice. Firstly, it’s historic and totally charming, with a great bar and restaurant, secondly, the lakeside setting with views over Ullswater is tranquil, and thirdly, there are no TVs, no wifi, and no phones.

For a Spa Break

Sitting spectacularly, right on the edge of Derwentwater, the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is an impressive Victorian era country house, developed and extended into a spa hotel, with a collection of 71 rooms and suites. Rooms in the main hotel are traditionally dressed, with lake-views, while the newer, separate suites have a Scandinavian bent to their contemporary style, lots of space and decked balconies — if you stay in the suites you also get complimentary access to the spa. There are two restaurants onsite, and they also have a salon for afternoon tea. And it’s all set on 40 acres of picturesque Lake District countryside. Think long walks, open fires and serious pampering for weary limbs!

For the Luxury

The Daffodil Hotel sits right on Grasmere’s green shores, a large and imposing Victorian house turned contemporary country house hotel. Its 78 rooms and suites are as different from the traditional, austere exterior as you could imagine: inside it’s all sleek and metropolitan, in teal, dove grey, gold and bitter chocolate, with plenty of art on the walls. There’s a terrace for the view, and a spa with a massage pool and five treatment rooms, plus an excellent restaurant. Definitely try their afternoon tea.

For the Family

Linthwaite House Hotel is a beautiful Edwardian country house turned chic contemporary hotel with 30 comfortable rooms, decorated with plenty of art and colour, and several stand-alone suites, which are just up the hill from the main house, and have cathedral ceilings and windows all the way up to them, private terraces and log fires. Linthwaite also has an award-winning restaurant. Its location, on a hilltop overlooking Lake Windermere and the Fells, is idyllic. Perfect for families, romantics, walkers and fisher-folk alike.
Perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Windermere, The Samling Hotel is an 11 room country house hotel, converted from a Georgian Gothic Revival style property. The original building feels charmingly cottage-like, and the excellent restaurant sits right beside it, a contemporary box of glass with incredible views. The rooms and suites offer a similar blending of contemporary taste and period style, with plenty of white. The larger, family suites are in a separate building

For Romantics

Broadoaks is a Gothic style country house, turned smart hotel and restaurant. Its 20 rooms are all uniquely romantic, with decor that ranges from the traditional to contemporary, with some great themes, four poster-beds, and indulgent bathrooms thrown into the mix. Five of the rooms are pet-friendly too. The restaurant offers classic dishes with a French twist, and guests are able to access the spa at the Low Wood Bay Health Club, a short drive away.
Cedar Manor is a friendly, welcoming, home-from-home type of country house hotel/retreat, where the owners are there to carry your bags from the car, and greet you with hot drinks and handmade chocolates. You can also expect to find bespoke furnishings, bold decor, and sockets in all the right place. There are just ten rooms and suites, some with window seats, some spa baths. The dining room has been converted into a Modern British restaurant.

For Foodies

The Forest Side is a 20 room hotel and restaurant, converted from a romantic, Gothic mansion in lush woodland just outside Grasmere. The hotel’s estate runs to 43 acres, and the section around the house is beautifully kept, really adding to the charming views from the rooms, bar and restaurant. However, it's the restaurant you might be most interested in, awarded a Michelin star for its visually sensational food and imaginative use of local produce. The restaurant decor is simple, to balance out the spectacular food, and the rooms have a more luxe vibe.

For Walkers

For a Lake District country-house hotel with an away-from-it-all feel, try The Leathes Head in Borrowdale, one of the region's most beautiful valleys, with views over the Fells and Derwentwater. This is not a flashy hotel, it’s relatively simple and elegant, and most importantly very welcoming and comfortable. For many people this is what a country house hotel should be, though, converted from a large, Edwardian house in the country, with three acres of land, and fantastic rural views. There are 11 rooms and suites, and the restaurant is charming.
A little further up the valley is Hazel Bank Country House, a cosy little owner-managed hotel with just seven rooms, dressed with antiques, plush fabrics, heavy curtains, and cosy fireplaces. The restaurant is comfortable and welcoming, and the views are wonderful. Adults only
The Ryebeck is a substantial Edwardian manor house, overlooking Windermere, and only five miles from Bowness, but sufficiently far from the crowds to make it feel like a proper country escape. The atmosphere is warm, like a family home, with fuss-free decor, and the communal areas are the same, with simple, comfortable details and fantastic views. The restaurant fills the dining rooms and conservatory, and its Modern British fare is well practised.

For Great Value

Lindeth Howe is a handsome, Victorian Mansion, overlooking Lake Windermere. A fun fact is that it was once owned by Beatrix Potter, who bought it for her mother to live in. Arguably it was a bit smaller then, but still on six acres of gardens and woods. Its 34 rooms and suites are simple and comfortable, with calm, classic hotel decor, but its public rooms are bolder, with more colourful, playful design and plenty of art. Dressing for dinner is encouraged, and they offer canapés and an amuse bouche.
Rothay Manor is an elegant country house hotel tucked away in its own grounds on the edge of Ambleside. Edwardian on the outside, it’s decorated with a well balanced blend of country house comfort and contemporary style, from its 19 rooms and suites to its highly regarded restaurant.

Stll not sure where to book?

You could browse our list of the Best Hotels in the Lake District
Or consider the best pubs with rooms in the Lake District, the best romantic hotels in the Lake District, the best spa hotels, or luxury hotels in the Lake District
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
- Overwater Hall Ireby, Cumbria 11 rooms from AU$282
  
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  Sights nearby  -  The Lakes Distillery; Wordsworth’s Birthplace, Cockermouth; Keswick Pencil Museum
  Great walks  -  both lakeside strolling and major fells such as Skiddaw and Blencathra
  Local markets  -  Cockermouth and Keswick both hold weekly markets
  Restrictions on children  -  No children under 5 allowed in the restaurant
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Michelin Travel
  
  A classic country-house hotel with a personal touch, warm welcome, comfortably traditional rooms, and a deserved reputation for its fine-dining food. Quietly set away from the crowds, too. See More
  
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- Askham Hall Hotel Penrith, Cumbria 17 rooms from AU$282
  
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  Foodies  -  The fabulous restaurant has been awarded one Michelin Star
  Garden  -  Attractive outside space.
  Swimming Pool  -  Seasonal outdoor heated pool
  Full of character
  
  Country house hotel with a thoroughly modern twist. Large comfortable rooms with up to date bathrooms, enviable views, enticing food and homely feel. Great for stop over or a cosy weekend. See More
  
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- Holbeck Ghyll Hotel Ambleside (Cumbria) 23 rooms from AU$282
  
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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 AU$376
  
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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 AU$209
  
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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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- 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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- The Leathes Head KESWICK, Cumbria 11 rooms from AU$254
  
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  Country Escape  -  Boasting a fabulous location in one of the Lake District's most beautiful valleys and surrounded by glorious walking country.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Great walks  -  Find miles of hiking trails running across the mountains, through the forests and round the lakes.
  Sailing  -  Lake cruises on Derwentwater
  
  Friendly and relaxed country-house hotel with a traditional style but modern cooking and with mesmerising views over fells and Derwentwater. Unfussy and informal but with comfort in all the right places. See More
  
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- Hazel Bank Country House Cumbria 7 rooms from AU$319
  
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  Country Escape  -  A gem of a property set in some of Britain's prettiest countryside.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the oldest and most impressive stone circles in Britain.
  Sailing  -  Take a relaxing cruise around Derwentwater.
  Restrictions on children  -  No children under 15
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  A charming owner-managed Manor House in a quiet corner of picturesque Cumbria. Quintessentially dressed, the property has well selected antiques, heavy curtains and cosy fireplaces. A fantastic restaurant is a welcome spot to return to after a day of activities in the countryside. 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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- Storrs Hall Windermere (Bowness-on-Windermere) 35 rooms from AU$348
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The Boathouse is ideal for couples on a romantic getaway, isolated from the house, with panoramic views of the lake.
  Sights nearby  -  Hawkshead – take the car ferry across Windermere to this pretty Lakeland village with pubs, delis and Beatrix Potter Gallery
  Great walks  -  The Lake District is a place pulsating in the poetry of Wordworth and Coleridge, with great mountains and placid lakes.
  Sailing  -  Take a scenic cruises across the lake.
  
  Elegant 4-star hotel set in an 18th century Georgian mansion, offering rooms, suites, lodges and a luxury boathouse with panoramic views of the lake. Decor is stylish and classic. Featuring a restaurant, tower bar, regular afternoon tea and, naturally, boat cruises across the lake. See More
  
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- Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa Cumbria 87 rooms from AU$244
  
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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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- Lancrigg Grasmere 10 rooms from AU$272
  
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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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- Hillthwaite Windermere (Windermere) 34 rooms from AU$269
  
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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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- Haweswater Hotel Penrith, Cumbria 17 rooms from AU$167
  
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  Back to Nature  -  In a remote location overlooking Haweswater, it's perfect for a retreat to nature.
  Sights nearby  -  The Lake District is full of beautiful houses such as Askham Hall and Rydal Mount & Gardens.
  Great walks  -  Go for lovely walks around Haweswater.
  Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
  
  With a stunning location and superb service, the Haweswater Hotel is a wonderful retreat for those who are looking to escape to a quiet corner of the Lake District. Excellent, comfortable rooms, stunning views and a brasserie restaurant, all combine to create a rural gem. See More
  
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- Cedar Manor Windermere (Cumbria) 10 rooms from AU$291
  
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  Fishing  -  From brown trout to salmon there is a huge variety to be caught in Cumbria's lakes and rivers for the DIY fish supper.
  Sights nearby  -  The Beatrix Potter House and Museum is a charming afternoon out.
  Restaurant  -  AA rosette fine dining
  Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
  
  Secluded Victorian villa with a smart country house feel, a relaxed atmosphere and a genuinely personal touch. Bedrooms are luxurious and there are supper platters and splendid afternoon teas, too. See More
  
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- Eltermere Inn Cumbria 12 rooms from AU$280
  
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  Great walks  -  The Langdales are great for walkers - book a day with Mike Wood, the hotel's recommended guide
  Sights nearby  -  The Wordsworth Museum, Beatrix Potter's house, Ruskin's house are all close by
  Hideaway  -  Get away from it all in this beautiful Lakelands inn
  Spa  -  Guests have complimentary access to Langdale Spa
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide
  
  Relaxed and luxurious, country-house-style hotel with an elegant, contemporary style. On the edge of pretty Elterwater village, with views over the lake, it’s ideally placed for both walking in Langdale or Ambleside’s shops and Windermere lakeshore. Complimentary entry to Lansdale Spa. See More
  
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- The Ryebeck Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria 24 rooms from AU$282
  
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  Great walks  -  Superb walking either low-level or higher fells such as Langdale Pikes.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Beatrix Potter’s house less than two miles from the hotel.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  
  A comfortable country-house hotel in a peaceful setting, with beautiful views of Lake Windermere, yet still close to popular attractions. Relaxed and informal, with comfortable, unfussy bedrooms, it has an excellent restaurant turning out well-crafted Modern British dishes. See More
  
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- The Daffodil Hotel Grasmere 78 rooms from AU$297
  
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  Families  -  With family-suites available and plenty of space for little-ones to run around in. Ideal for those travelling with children
  Country Escape  -  A grand country house complete with manicured grounds, a spa, and fine-dining restaurant; a relaxing rural escape
  Views  -  Most of the rooms have stunning views over Grasmere Lake and those that don't look over the Grasmere Valley to Helm Cragg
  Great walks  -  Take a hike up one of the famous local fells
  
  An imposing Victorian house set in expansive grounds right beside Grasmere lake. Interiors are chic and contemporary with not a whiff of the building's austere origins. Rooms are bright, with bold colours and lovely indulgent bathrooms. Complete with a spa and excellent restaurant. A luxury escape. See More
  
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- Howtown Hotel Howtown, Cumbria 13 rooms from AU$312
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Visit the historic Dalemain House, with tudor and medieval rooms, behind a Georgian façade.
  Restaurant  -  The gong sounds for dinner - short menu, traditional dishes
  Great walks  -  Fabulous base for walks around the Lake District.
  Lakeside  -  200 yards from Ullswater, with private foreshore
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  Wonderful old-fashioned, down-to-earth hotel in the Lake District. Popular with walkers and those seeking the peace and quiet provided by absense of TVs, wifi and phones. Good value with great views and hearty meals. Tranquil lakeside setting. 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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- 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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