It’s not hard to see why so many people find the Lake District a romantic destination. The scenery is spectacular, and the chance to share windswept walks in the Fells, or around the lakes, with your partner, followed by a superb supper-with-a-view and maybe a soak in your private hot tub-with-a-view is for many of us the epitome of romance. There are some wonderful hotels in this area, but it is a bit of a challenge to separate out properties which really deserve to be on a list of the best romantic hotels in the Lake District from those which are a bit old and over-chintzed. But our Gurus have uncovered gracious waterside grand dames on glorious grounds, remote and charming inns perfect for walkers and some exceptional Lake District boltholes. Some offer Michelin starred dining, several boast rooms with private hot tubs, others an incredible whisky bar and some of the world’s most picturesque views, but all are seriously romantic!
For the Album
- The Lodore Falls Hotel is an impressive, Victorian county house on the water at picturesque Borrowdale, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop, and 71 charming 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 there's a salon for afternoon tea. It’s all set on 40 acres of picturesque Lake District countryside. Think long walks followed by open fires and serious pampering!
For the Views
- 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 six 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. The very best rooms come with a private hot tub with a view too!
- The Samling Hotel is a small, charming, peaceful hotel which overlooks sparkling Lake Windermere from its hillside spot. All but one of its 11 rooms and suites have lake views. The original house is Georgian Gothic Revival, and the exterior has a cottage-y look, aside from the contemporary glass box on one side, which houses the theatrical and extremely memorable restaurant. The decor follows a similar style, mixing original features with contemporary style, and lots of white. The larges suites are in their own, separate buildings.
For Country House Comfort
- 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 outbuildings 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.
- 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, it still feels very much the country house retreat.
On the Water
- The Lakeside Hotel & Spa is, as its name suggests, right on the lakeside, at the southern end of Lake Windermere, with a conservatory restaurant directly overlooking the water, and a hotel jetty jutting right out onto it. The lake-facing rooms are our favourites of the 73 rooms and suites, and there are plenty to choose from. Suites on the ground floor have their own private garden or terrace. The decor offers classic hotel comfort, plus there’s a huge indoor pool, an Aveda spa, a superb dining room, and plenty of public space to relax in.
For a Spa Break
- Brimstone is a boldly designed chalet-style hotel, dramatically realised in grey slate and lots of glass. Inside are just 16 rooms — all huge, and enormous beds, roll-top baths, private balconies, and soft furnishings you can sink deeply into. Most have fireplaces, and there’s a fleet of hosts or butlers on hand to light them for you, or to drive you to local restaurants, or sort out whatever you need. You don’t need to leave though, you can get complimentary food and drinks from the lounge, and hang out in the fantastic spa, with its hydrotherapy pool and thermal treatments.
- The Rothay Garden Hotel is a charming country house hotel, set in picturesque gardens on the Rothay River just outside Grasmere. In addition to the glorious gardens, which are ideal for relaxing in, there’s a chic little spa complete with a hydro-spa bath. The restaurant is another highlight, housed in a light-filled conservatory overlooking the gardens. You’re close to everything, but, at the same time, a pleasant distance away.
For a Mini Break
- Askham Hall Hotel is an elegant 13th century castle just east of Ullswater. Now a country house hotel, with 17 rooms and suites, this fantastic building still has all the trappings of a stately home, with historic paintings and antiques, large kitchen gardens, manicured grounds, and 40 acres of land on which you’ll find a host of animals. The rooms are comfortable and up to date, and the Michelin starred restaurant makes good use of everything grown on the estate.
- Broadoaks is a 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 has a French twist, and guests are able to access the spa at the Low Wood Bay Health Club, a short drive away.
- Windermere’s Applegarth Villa is an adults-only boutique bolthole, its contemporary style converted from a charming Victorian mansion. Applegarth has 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 whiskys.
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. But 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, but the rooms are plush but simple.
For Walkers
- The Howtown Hotel is a wonderfully old-fashioned, 13 room hotel, much loved by walkers and people who want to escape the presence of TVs, wifi, and a phone signal. The ivy-clad exterior sets the tone perfectly, and inside there’s a country cosiness that lets you know you’re really escaping modern life. The lakeside setting is tranquil; the views over Ullswater are incredible; and the food is hearty.
- The Punch Bowl Inn is a quaint, 18th century inn in a pretty village in the Lyth Valley. Each of its nine rooms has sweeping valley views, and plush, boutique-style decor complementing original features. Downstairs is a popular bar and dining room, with a great atmosphere and an innovative chef. This is a wonderful spot for walkers, with the added pleasure of being able to come back to his and hers roll-top bathtubs — in some rooms — and a candlelit supper.
- Hazel Bank Country House is a cosy little owner-managed hotel in a picturesque, but quiet part of Cumbria. There are just seven rooms, dressed with antiques, plush fabrics, heavy curtains, and cosy fireplaces. The restaurant is comfortable and welcoming. Adults only.
For Great Value
- Hillthwaite is a contemporary, 34 room hotel in a commanding, hilltop position with spectacular views of the Lakeland Fells, Windermere and the Cumbrian countryside. You’re close to the lake and the town, but far enough away to feel like you’re escaping — and 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. The hotel’s friendly staff are another of our favourite features.
- Lindeth Howe is a handsome, Victorian Mansion, overlooking Lake Windermere, and once owned by Beatrix Potter — she installed her mother here. Its 34 rooms and suites are simple and comfortable, with calm, classic hotel decor; its public rooms are bolder, with more colourful, playful design and plenty of art. The best rooms have views of the six acres of gardens surrounding the house, and of the lake beyond. Dressing for dinner is encouraged, and they offer canapés and amuse bouche.
B&Bs
- Broadgate House is a charming, Georgian building, recently converted into a three room country retreat. You’re surrounded by incredible views, in the beautiful gardens, in the rooms, and in the somewhat formal dining room where they serve an excellent breakfast.
- Bay Villa is a small and discreet B&B converted from an elegant Georgian terrace house in Grange-over-Sands, overlooking Morecambe Bay. With just three suites — all impeccably decorated with antiques and furnished with tables and chairs — you have very little chance of running to fellow guests, or anyone at all! A decadent breakfast is served to your room.
- The Windermere Suites is a chic, eight suite B&B in a Victorian villa 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.
Still not sure where to book?
