The Wild Boar

Away from the crowds, on a quiet road in the eastern Lake District – and only 20 minutes from the M6 – this 17th-century inn makes a good choice if you want to be close, but not too close, to Lake Windermere - the latter just three miles down the road. 

The big surprise is how large is the inn, considerably extended from its original cottage core with Victorian extensions and then with a, rather dull, 1970s bedroom wing at the rear.  Fortunately, the latter is skilfully hidden from the road. The second surprise is the extensive private woodland on the hillside behind; a lovely place for a quiet stroll, looking out for wildlife.

Inside, the main building is very much a country inn, with low-beamed rooms, slate and wood floors, timber posts and open fires. It’s comfortably furnished with well-worn oak tables, leather armchairs and mis-matched dining chairs, and with hunting prints and pewter tankards decorating the walls. By contrast, bedrooms are light and contemporary with shimmery wallpapers, pale-painted furniture, and modern bathrooms. Larger rooms in the old part might have a rolltop bath or balcony; those in the new wing are generally quieter.

Food is a highlight with robust dishes such as wild boar and black pudding Scotch egg, barbecued lamb loin, and poached halibut with potato terrine, all prepared from scratch. The kitchen has its own smokehouse, plus there’s an in-house micro-brewery. And don’t be late for breakfast; to describe it as a feast hardly does it justice with an exceptional cold buffet and cooked-to-order dishes including steak and eggs, and Lancashire cheese rarebit.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Restaurant
• Elevated pub classics are served in the restaurant
• Child friendly
• Extra beds can be added to rooms for a small fee
• Pet friendly
• Dogs are welcome at a rate of £25 a night
• Parking
• Sit-out Terrace

• Bar
• Family Suites
• Garden
• Wifi

• Other Activities
• Lake Windermere – cruise boats, water-sports, motor-boats and rowing boats to hire Golf – Windermere Golf Club
• Great walks
• Whether you want a gentle amble or something more challenging, there are miles of scenic hiking trails to explore
• Wildlife Area
• Spend some time spotting local wildlife including deer, sparrowhawks and woodpeckers using the hotel's binoculars

• Sights nearby
• Beatrix Potter’s house, Hawkshead, and Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage are all easily accessible
• Golf
• Mountain biking