Lake Windermere is one of the great beauties of the Lake District, and the main focus of many a journey, since the tourist trains started arriving in 1847. Two towns make up the centre ‘Windermere’, Bowness-on-Windermere, which runs right along the lake shore, and Windermere Town, which is slightly higher up the hill, and has the station, a charming high street and majestic rows of Victorian and Edwardian villas. Bowness has the marina and ferry piers, the restaurants, cafes, tea shops and ice cream stalls, and the souvenir shops. You’ll be walking between the two without realising, and our recommendations for the best places to stay in Windermere are found in both the town and by the lake. There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses we recommend, plus some very nice traditional hotels, high-end luxury properties, an excellent selection of country house conversions and country house hotels, plus a couple of more contemporary options for the design savvy.

Windermere and the Lake District can easily keep you very busy. There are some incredible walking routes around the Fells, and an inspiring number of National Trust properties to visit — several related to Beatrix Potter and her connection to the area. Windermere also has an excellent museum of boats and boating, and is the home of The World of Beatrix Potter attraction. And of course the lake itself offers masses of potential activity. The best places to stay in Windermere are very well suited to families, and if you head towards the outskirts of town you’ll find some really fantastic B&Bs, guesthouses and inns which are ideal for keen walkers.

Many of the best places to stay in Windermere also make perfect bases for exploring the whole of the Lake District. You’re right in the middle of the lake’s length, between Ambleside on the northern shore, beneath the Fells, and Lakeside in the south. Far Sawrey, which is where Beatrix Potter’s farm, Hill Top can be found, is just across the bridge from Windermere, and Wray Castle is a very pleasant ferry ride away.

The Best Places to Stay in Windermere

For a Special Occasion

• The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House was one of the Lake District’s first really luxurious country house hotels. The sort with a Michelin starred restaurant, and private hot tubs, rowing boats and a truly fantastic spa. The original building is Edwardian, and offers a feeling of traditional luxury, then in the 21 acres surrounding the house are contemporary, Scandi-style Garden Suites — which are ideal for families — and cool glass and wood Spa Lodges. Then there’s the six bedroom Lake House, which has its own pool, hot tubs and sauna, and a chauffeur. There are two restaurants, incredible gardens, and tame llamas and alpacas too.

For a Country House Escape

• Converted from an Edwardian country house positioned on a hilltop overlooking Lake Windermere and the Fells, Linthwaite House Hotel offers the whole Lake District luxury package. The restaurant is award winning, the art collection will constantly impress, and every comfort has been considered, for your kids and your dog too. Six Lake Suites sit just up the hill from the main house, offering stunning views, and a huge amount of space and log fires; but for something really special, book the lakeview suite with private hot tub or one of the two Fell suites which also have their own outdoor tub!
• The Ryebeck is a country house hotel converted from a substantial Edwardian manor house, overlooking Windermere — and only five miles from Bowness-on-Windermere — but sufficiently far from the crowds to make it feel like a proper country escape. The atmosphere is warm, with fuss-free decor in the 24 rooms and suites; the communal areas are the same, with simple, comfortable details and fantastic views. The restaurant occupies the dining rooms and conservatory, and its modern British fare is well practised.

For the Views

• Georgian built, the white, low-rise mansion of Storrs Hall has now been converted into an elegant, 30 room hotel. The panoramic views of Windermere are still one of the Hall’s best features, along with the lawns that run all the way down to the water’s edge. We like the bar, which is in a tower overlooking the water, and serves friendly pub-style food, but there’s also a fine-dining restaurant. They also do a fancy afternoon tea. Accommodation in the main house is country house style, but they also have a collection of separate chalet suites by the water.
• Hillthwaite is a chic, contemporary conversion in a quiet, hilltop spot between Windermere Town and Bowness-on-Windermere. The views from the terrace are the first reason to be impressed, it’s not only the lake you can see, but the Fells too, and miles and miles of Cumbrian countryside. You’re close to the lake and the town, but far enough away to feel like you’re escaping. Inside, Hillthwaite's 34 rooms and suites, plus a pool, sauna and steam room to help add to the feeling of relaxation and escape. Not all of the rooms and suites share these incredible views, but you can still take advantage of them in the restaurant, the gardens, and on the terrace. The hotel’s friendly staff are another of our favourite features.

For Outdoors Folk

• Lindeth Fell is a luxurious, Edwardian B&B set above Lake Windermere. Everything about this property says country house hotel, from the plush, traditional decor, the welcoming sitting room, the sweeping grounds, to the stylish rooms with their fancy bathrooms, robes, sherry decanters, and coffee machines. There’s an elegant dining room where grand breakfasts and afternoon teas are served, and you can also order a handsome supper plate, but there’s not a formal restaurant — hence ‘B&B’.
• The Wild Boar is a traditional coaching inn on the eastern edge of the Lake District National Park, just above Bowness-on-Windermere. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, with low, beamed ceilings, open fireplaces and comfortably worn-in leather furniture. The pub serves excellent pub fare, and they specialise in smoking things (they have their own smokehouse), and brewing things (they have their own micro-brewery too). Some of the 34 rooms and suites are suitable for families.

For Families

• Lindeth Howe is a charming, Victorian mansion once owned by Beatrix Potter. Today the house has been polished up to contemporary standards, with simple decor in the 34 rooms and suites — which come in a range of sizes, from doubles and triples to family rooms and suites — and a busier, cosier, and more colourful contemporary take in the bar, dining room and lounge. We like the cosier attic rooms, and the fantastic views in the garden and lake-view rooms. Outside are beautiful gardens which lead down to the lake, which is just a pleasant stroll away. Dinner is a smart, two-AA rosette affair where dressing up is encouraged.

For a Mini-Break

• Converted from a rather elegant Victorian villa, The Windermere Suites is now a chic, eight suite B&B positioned between Windermere and Bowness. There’s a monochrome design aesthetic, which runs to charcoal walls and black sofas in some rooms, and shimmery wallpaper in others. Guests can also expect glass tables and white or silver-painted furniture. The overall effect is definitely seductive, especially when you add the in-room breakfasts.
• The Applegarth Villa is an adults-only boutique bolthole, its contemporary style converted from a charming Victorian mansion. There are 15 rooms and seven suites, all confidently, and uniquely, decorated, with design pieces, contemporary art and comfort in mind — the suites all have their own outdoor hot tub, plus extra living space. The restaurant is relaxed, and there’s a cool cocktail bar with a huge collection of whiskies.

For Couples

• The Windermere Boutique Hotel is an Edwardian house, turned 13 room hotel. Each of the rooms has been individually designed and decorated, in a colourful country house style. Some of the rooms have private hot tubs, or four-poster beds if you’re looking for a romantic pick. The dining room is just the right size for the room number, and there’s a cosy lounge too.
• Victorian on the outside, but colourfully contemporary on the inside, Cedar Manor is the sort of small country house hotel where you get a feeling of being the guest at a house party. The owners will help you with your luggage, and offer personal touches and local advice — if you need any. There are ten rooms and suites, all spacious, with decent sized bathrooms and bespoke furnishings. Some of the rooms, including the entirely separate Coach House, have a private hot tub. There’s a cosy lounge and a fine-dining restaurant.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Manchester Airport is the most convenient airport for most of the Lake District, about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours away by train. Liverpool Airport may also be worth considering, it’s about about an hour and a half away by road, or about four hours by public transport. Windermere isjust under four hours away from London by train, and about three hours by rail from Edinburgh.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Windermere is warmest and driest in the spring and summer, from about March through until September, but it’s very easy to argue that it's beautiful in all seasons, and Wordsworth definitely did... There’s enough indoor activity to hold off boredom on wetter days — take a cruise on the lake, visit the local National Trust properties, or one of the lake’s museums, have afternoon tea overlooking the lake, or just walk in the rain.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best hotels in the Lake District
• Refine by the kind of hotels you’re looking for and consider just the best country house hotels in the Lake District, the best spa hotels or the best family hotels in the Lake District
• Consider some of Windermere’s neighbouring towns; check out the best places to stay in Grasmere or Ambleside
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.