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“A grand Victorian mansion on the shores of Lake Windermere cleverly refurbished with 21st-century luxuries yet still retaining its historic character. Most of the large bedrooms have lake views and there’s a choice of dining plus watersports, garden strolls and a private cinema. ”

Hotel review

In an enviable position on the shores of Windermere, this landmark Victorian country-house hotel has been given a striking refurbishment. Rich details of the original mansion – built in 1890 for the wealthy widow of a Manchester businessman – have been cleverly retained while blending with 21st-century comforts. Stained-glass windows, oak panelling, plasterwork ceilings and ornate fireplaces form the backdrop to polished-wood floors, geometrically patterned rugs, sharply upholstered armchairs and fresh Lakeland colours of grey, blue, tan and cream.

Bedrooms follow the same colour scheme, are universally large and light, and spoil with marbled bathrooms, complimentary mini-bars and welcoming mini-cakes. All but two have lake views; those in the separate Lake House have a balcony or terrace while some of the suites have quirky features such as a corner turret.

Dining is either a smart affair – amuse-bouches, flavoured butters and dishes such as guinea fowl with wild mushrooms, and sea bass with curried mussels, served in the glass-walled restaurant – or posh comfort food - fish and chips, wagyu burgers – in one of the fire-warmed lounges. Afternoon tea is a hefty spread but, as with all the food and drink, comes with a hefty price tag. Still, the service is good with numerous staff who always seem to be there when you need someone.

Work off the food with strolls around the Thomas Mawson-designed gardens, watersports from the private pier, or even a spot of wild swimming. The hotel can arrange numerous activities, including sailing lessons, and off-road driving. Or you could just hole up in the private cinema with popcorn and ice cream.

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

Recommended for

  • Country Escape

    • From long walks and watersports to garden tours and wine tasting, everything you need from a country getaway is here
  • Total relaxation

    • Fine dining, afternoon teas, wine tasting and the private cinema will help you wind down and recharge
  • Museums

    • Visit the Windermere Jetty Museum of historic watercraft or Wordsworth's museum and houses
  • Foodies

    • Enjoy innovative British cooking from the finest local produce with a panoramic view
  • Great walks

    • Head up as Wansfell Pike and Jenkins Crag to do some local exploring
  • Watersports

    • Try paddleboarding and wild swimming in the lake!
  • Kayaking

  • Restaurant

    • Indulge in fine dining from Chef Michael Cole inspired by the Lake District and it's coastline
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • Rooms in the Lake House have their own balcony
  • Organic food

  • Country House

  • Cinema

  • Quiet

  • Views

  • Luxury

  • Traditional

  • Disabled access

  • Pet friendly

  • Chic

  • Boutique

  • Lakeside

Facilities

  • Restaurant

    Indulge in fine dining from Chef Michael Cole inspired by the Lake District and it's coastline
  • Parking

    Accessible and valet parking, reservation needed
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    Rooms in the Lake House have their own balcony
  • Laundry

  • EV Charging Station

  • Bicycle hire

  • Internet

  • Cinema

  • Bar

  • Safe

  • Bath robes

  • Air conditioning

  • Views

  • Wifi

  • Hot Tub

  • Disabled access

  • Pet friendly

  • Garden

Activities

  • Museums

    • Visit the Windermere Jetty Museum of historic watercraft or Wordsworth's museum and houses
  • Great walks

    • Head up as Wansfell Pike and Jenkins Crag to do some local exploring
  • Watersports

    • Try paddleboarding and wild swimming in the lake!
  • Canoeing

  • Kayaking

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying at the hotel? Set on the banks of Lake Windermere, Langdale Chase is in close proximity to the many popular activities in the local area. Do as much as you wish, or, of course, kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing.

What is there to do in the area? Guests at Langdale Chase will find plenty of interesting and unexpected things to do, including visits to the Beatrix Potter Museum and the Windemere Jetty Museum (which displays the ‘Lily’ steamboat – built in 1896 by Langdale Chase’s original owners), a variety of Michelin-star dining options, and unforgettable experiences such as exploring hidden historical carvings in rocks along the shore. Windermere Lake Cruises will also be available for guests, with ‘48 Hour Freedom of the Lake’ tickets available for purchase at reception to make the most of their visit to this UNESCO Heritage site. The area also offers a variety of hiking trails of all lengths, and the hotel offers drop off and pick up service to facilitate hiking experiences for guests.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? À la carte Breakfast.

Do you offer other meals? Langdale Chase offers a seasonal menu as well as a wide range of signature comfort dishes including lobster roll, chicken pie and wagyu beef burger which can be enjoyed in the lounge. For a more formal dining experience guests are welcomed at the main restaurant which offers a five-course gastronomic journey inspired by the land and sea. In the warmer months Langdale Chase also offers alfresco dining on the terrace, surrounded by nature. The hotel’s wine cellar offers a carefully curated wine list compiled with the expertise of a master of wine.

Executive Chef Michael Cole heads up the two AA Rosette-awarded restaurant housed in the hotel’s main building with floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Windermere and the Coniston Fells. His menu is centred around classic British cuisine, inspired by the Lake District and the surrounding coastline. Executive Chef Michael Cole applies his 27 years of experience to bring each dish to life using quality local ingredients with gourmet twists on classic British staples.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Langdale Chase has 30 completely refurbished and spacious guest rooms and suites, all with air conditioning and beautiful bathrooms which are positioned to look across the lake. Thoughtful design and an eye for quality, meet comfort and spoiling details, wrapped up in authentic British country house living.

For a more private and intimate bolthole experience, guests can stay in the historic Boathouse. Set apart from the main house and with a private waterside position, the one-of-a-kind Boathouse suite offers a wraparound balcony and rooftop terrace with panoramic views across the lake.

We also boast a selection of dog-friendly rooms which havea  separate entrance to the gardens for muddy boots and dogs.

What facilities do you have for children, and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? There are family suites, and each of the individually designed suites offer stunning views of Lake Windermere and the private gardens. They have their own entrance that gives access to both rooms and a relaxing seating area. For a family of four: Fully Flex B&B is £1100 Avg. per night, Fully Flexible B&B + dinner is £1250 Avg. per night.

In the family room as well as in the other is possible to add a travel cot for small children.

Regarding fun family-friendly activities, guests can try the water sports from the hotel jetty, and they are organised by Graythwaite Adventure.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? Langdale Chase Hotel combines warm service with plenty to do, offering a charming and homely lakeside getaway. Guests can choose to do as much as they wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing at the hotel’s private waterside location.

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