“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.”

Hotel review

For many people, this is a country-house hotel as it should be: a large Edwardian house, sitting in three acres of garden, with a home-from-home atmosphere, excellent food and a traditional but relaxed style. There’s no fuss or frills, instead large, light-filled rooms comfortably furnished, and splendid original features of high ceilings, bay windows and a striking tiled hall and wide staircase. Modern artwork adds splashes of colour but mostly you’ll be drawn to the views, stretching over sheep-dotted fields to Borrowdale’s lovely fells. Bedrooms are either classic country-house or, in the extension, crisp and contemporary; homely rather than stylish (apart from the top suite) though all have lovely views. You could spend all day bird-watching from the conservatory but it would be a shame not to explore Borrowdale, or take a trip on the lake, Derwentwater. Work up an appetite for dinner which is a skilful, creative affair where everything, including pasta and bread, is made in-house. And best enjoyed after drinks on the grassy terrace.

Helen Pickles
Helen Pickles Review published: 02/26/2024

Recommended for

  • Country Escape

    • Boasting a fabulous location in one of the Lake District's most beautiful valleys and surrounded by glorious walking country.
  • Great walks

    • Find miles of hiking trails running across the mountains, through the forests and round the lakes.
  • Cycling

    • Explore quiet cycle tracks with breathtaking views.
  • Sailing

    • Lake cruises on Derwentwater
  • Local markets

    • Weekly market in Keswick
  • Restrictions on children

    • Adult only
  • Remote

  • Boutique

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Country House

  • Quiet

  • Chic

  • Secluded setting

  • Views

  • Romantic

  • Intimate

  • Luxury

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • Active Holiday

  • Foodies

Facilities

  • Rooms

    11 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

  • Restrictions on children

    Adult only
  • Parking

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Garden

  • Bicycle hire

  • No pets

  • Bar

  • Views

  • Wifi

  • Sitting Room

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Find miles of hiking trails running across the mountains, through the forests and round the lakes.
  • Cycling

    • Explore quiet cycle tracks with breathtaking views.
  • Sailing

    • Lake cruises on Derwentwater
  • Local markets

    • Weekly market in Keswick
  • Theatre

    • Theatre by the Lake

Map & Location

Other reviews

The Leathes Head

A small country house hotel in a peaceful location with stunning views over the fells and Derwentwater. It's comfortable and traditional in style, but offers smart, contemporary cooking in the restaurant.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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