The Hotel Guru
11 Best Luxury Hotels in the Lake District

11 Best Luxury Hotels in the Lake District

The Lake District is undoubtedly one of the most sublime landscapes in the United Kingdom, but it’s also become a hot spot for sublime hotels. It makes sense! if you’re spending all day exploring this beautiful region, why not top it off with a beautiful evening meal in a beautiful hotel? With maybe a spot of croquet on the lawn-with-a-view before supper, or a fancy afternoon tea, or a visit to the spa? All these things are possible, and more, in our Gurus recommendations for the best luxury hotels in the Lake District. We have properties with Michelin starred restaurant, elegant spas, private butlers, and all sorts of treats in store for you below. Use our guide and start to plan your indulgent getaway.

For the Scrapbook

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 were recently added, and these sit just up the hill from the main house, offering views over the house, 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 Samling Hotel is another hotel offering the whole luxury Lake District package, including views of headliner Lake Windermere, acres of gardens and fancy afternoon teas. There are just 11 light, airy rooms and suites in this converted Georgian Gothic Revival manor house, and they’re decorated with variations on the theme of contemporary luxury in pastels, the largest are in private cottages. The restaurant is memorable for all the right reasons — including the view — and the activities and facilities on the grounds are excellent.

For Spectacular Views

Holbeck Ghyll is one of the Lake District’s original country house hotels, a beautifully converted Arts and Crafts hunting lodge with stunning views over Lake Windermere. In addition to the essentials, Holbeck Ghyll has croquet lawns, tennis courts, proper afternoon teas and multi-course evening meals. The decor complements the original William Morris details, except in the converted cottages and more recently built lodges, where you can expect something more contemporary — and private hot tubs.

For a Countryside Retreat

Brimstone is an architecturally stylish, chalet-esque hotel, built largely out of local slate and glass, and tucked into a forest estate. Inside are 16 contemporary suites, featuring huge beds, roll-top baths, private balconies or terraces, and log fires. There’s no restaurant on site, but there is a 24hour drinks and snack lounge, an impressive spa, and hotel hosts who will drive you to local restaurants at no extra charge.
The Rothay Garden Hotel is in a picturesque spot on the banks of the River Rothay, just outside Grasmere. Our pick of the 30 rooms and suites have balconies wth river views, and all are bright, light and contemporary. The onsite spa is a proper affair, with a sauna too, and the restaurant is an award-winner, known for its four course extravaganzas.

For Foodies

The Forest Side is a spacious Gothic mansion conversion just outside Grasmere — with a Michelin starred restaurant. There are just 20 rooms and suites, all with huge windows, and the property is surround by 43 acres of superb gardens and grounds, so everyone has a gorgeous view. The decor is comfortable and contemporary in the rooms, and rustic chic in the restaurant. Guests do get priority restaurant bookings…

For Walkers

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 — which is why ‘B&B’.
The Hazel Bank Country House is a small, charming, owner managed country house hotel in a quiet corner of the Lake District. These seven bedrooms, plus elegant dining room and lounge, are traditionally decorated, with antiques, fireplaces, art and heavy drapes and fabrics, and you’ll feel very much a manor house guest.

For Families

The Swan Hotel & Spa is in a picturesque spot on the River Leven, on the south shore of Lake Windermere. It’s a traditional, Lake District coaching inn, and, with almost 60 rooms and suites, it’s one of the largest properties on this list, as well as being one of the most affordable. On the inside the decor is cheery, with bright colours and contemporary patterns, both in the rooms, and in the brasserie, lounge and bar. There’s a pool and spa too, and that, and the range of room sizes, make it a good pick for families and walkers too.
Storrs Hall is an elegant, traditionally styled, 30 room hotel converted from a Georgian mansion, and offering panoramic views of Lake Windermere from its rear lawns. There’s also a charming restaurant, and a bar in the tower. A recent refurbishment added six luxurious woodland cabins to the accommodation options.

For Great Value

Broadoaks is a small but smart country house hotel, converted from a manor less grand than some, but offering bags of ivy-clad charm. Its 20 rooms and suites are decorated with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements — to romantic effect — and our favourites feature four-poster beds, as well as fancy bathrooms. The restaurant is an award-winning charmer with a French twist. And guests are able to use the spa facilities at the Low Wood Bay Health Club, just a short drive away.

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our picks for the best places to stay in the Lake District?
Or consider our recommendations for the Best Spa Hotels in the Lake District? or the Best Country House Hotels in the Lake District? or maybe the Most Romantic Hotels in the Lake District?
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- The Samling Hotel Ambleside 11 rooms from $282
  
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  Country Escape  -  A smart base offering access to arguably some of the UK's finest countryside.
  Foodies  -  Don't miss the tasting menu in the Samling's Michelin starred restaurant
  Active Holiday
  Sailing  -  Cruise across Lake Windermere and enjoy spectacular views.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Michelin Travel
  
  A small luxury hotel boasting both chic interiors and fabulous views of Lake Windermere. Individually styled rooms are light and airy with bold colours, antiques and softly patterned fabrics. Offering exemplary cuisine and a choice selection of wines, this is a rural escape designed for indulging. See More
  
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- Linthwaite House Hotel Windermere (Cumbria) 36 rooms from $256
  
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  Foodies  -  Henrock, overseen by Michelin Starred Simon Rogan offers relaxed fine dining with many ingredients sourced from his own farm
  Romantic Break  -  Take the stunning views, plush suites, two man tubs and candlelit dinners and you are guaranteed romance
  Views  -  From its elevated position Linthwaite enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Windermere and the Coniston Fells
  Private Hot Tub  -  The hot tub suite has a private enclosed verandah housing a large hot tub with a stunning lake view
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Sawdays
  
  Slick, stylish designs meet an intimate Edwardian country house offering all round comfort. Award winning dishes and fine wines at the restaurant. From its hilltop location over Lake Windermere and the Fells - explore The Lake District on foot, bike or horseback. Serenity at its finest! See More
  
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- Brimstone Cumbria 16 rooms from $628
  
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  Back to Nature  -  The Lake District provides the ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
  Spa breaks  -  Unwind in the state of the art spa.
  Great walks  -  Find plenty of nearby fells including Langdale Pikes, Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.
  Sailing  -  Take a relaxing cruise on Lake Windermere.
  
  Bold slate-and-glass chalet-style hotel with modern suites, and modern-style butlers, designed for indulgence. Brimstone is set amongst fine walking country in Cumbria and with a swish on-site spa, you can be as lazy or active as you like. See More
  
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- The Forest Side Grasmere (Keswick Road) 20 rooms from $255
  
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  Foodies  -  Enjoy some absolutely exquisite meals at their Michelin starred restaurant — an absolute must!
  Great walks  -  The Lake District is home to many breathtaking hiking trails
  Sailing  -  Hire a rowing boat on nearby Grasmere
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Recently renovated, The Forest Side is a romantic gothic mansion just outside Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District. Offering chic and spacious accommodation with plenty of light hues, this dog-friendly spot boasts 43 acres of superb gardens and stunning cuisine. A top-notch country retreat! See More
  
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- Storrs Hall Windermere (Bowness-on-Windermere) 35 rooms from $237
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The Boathouse is ideal for couples on a romantic getaway, isolated from the house, with panoramic views of the lake.
  Sights nearby  -  Hawkshead – take the car ferry across Windermere to this pretty Lakeland village with pubs, delis and Beatrix Potter Gallery
  Great walks  -  The Lake District is a place pulsating in the poetry of Wordworth and Coleridge, with great mountains and placid lakes.
  Sailing  -  Take a scenic cruises across the lake.
  
  Elegant 4-star hotel set in an 18th century Georgian mansion, offering rooms, suites, lodges and a luxury boathouse with panoramic views of the lake. Decor is stylish and classic. Featuring a restaurant, tower bar, regular afternoon tea and, naturally, boat cruises across the lake. See More
  
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- Rothay Garden Hotel Grasmere 30 rooms from $231
  
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  Country Escape  -  A country house set in pretty gardens just outside Grasmere. Close enough to the sights but away from the crowds.
  Sailing  -  Hire a boat and take a relaxing sail across Grasmere Lake or enjoy a cruise around Lake Windermere.
  Sights nearby  -  William Wordsworth’s homes at Dove Cottage, Grasmere, & Rydal Mount, Rydal
  Great walks  -  Find lovely walks through the fells starting straight from the property
  
  A charming riverside country house hotel set in picturesque gardens just outside Grasmere. Luxurious rooms are bright and contemporary, the best-featuring balconies with river views. The purpose-built spa is an indulgent extra and dinners are an extravagant four-course affair. See More
  
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- The Swan Hotel & Spa Cumbria 58 rooms from $227
  
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  Country Escape  -  Surrounded by Cumbria's rolling hills with all the trimmings of a proper country stay
  Great walks  -  Several easy walks from the hotel, or nearby Gummer’s How is an easy climb with fantastic views
  Sights nearby  -  Holker Hall and Levens Hall both boast beautiful gardens
  Sailing  -  Sailing on Lake Windermere
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Sawdays
  
  Overlooking the River Leven on the South shore of Lake Windemere. Traditional, whitewashed Lakeland coaching inn with smart and colourful, contemporary interiors and a great, family-friendly ethos. Boasting views, walks and airy interiors plus indoor pool and spa, brasserie and bar. A great stay. See More
  
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- Hazel Bank Country House Cumbria 7 rooms from $218
  
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  Country Escape  -  A gem of a property set in some of Britain's prettiest countryside.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the oldest and most impressive stone circles in Britain.
  Sailing  -  Take a relaxing cruise around Derwentwater.
  Restrictions on children  -  No children under 15
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  A charming owner-managed Manor House in a quiet corner of picturesque Cumbria. Quintessentially dressed, the property has well selected antiques, heavy curtains and cosy fireplaces. A fantastic restaurant is a welcome spot to return to after a day of activities in the countryside. See More
  
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- Broadoaks Cumbria 20 rooms from $199
  
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  Weddings  -  Offering an experienced team, beautiful backdrop and excellent catering service.
  Country Escape  -  A chic country house located in the beautiful Lake District.
  Spa  -  Guests are welcome to use the facilities at Low Wood Bay Health Club, including pool & hot tubs, a short drive away.
  Restaurant  -  Oaks restaurant serves delicious AA rosette food where local ingredients are served with a French twist.
  
  A smart country house and spa located near the famed Lake Windermere. Romantic rooms mix traditional and contemporary styles with dark hues, four poster beds and indulgent bathrooms. An award winning restaurant makes a welcome respite after a day spent in the countryside. See More
  
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- Holbeck Ghyll Hotel Ambleside (Cumbria) 23 rooms from $192
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Unwind in Victorian English style with pampering suites overlooking Lake Windermere, spa services and impeccable service.
  Active Holiday  -  Walkers and ramblers bring your wellies and explore this stunning part of the country.
  Great walks  -  Ask at the front desk for an outline of the wonderful walks around the lake and beyond.
  Private Hot Tub  -  Lake View Suite and Ghyll Side cottage both feature a private outdoor hot tub.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Small Luxury Hotels
  
  One of the Lake District’s original country-house hotels, Holbeck Ghyll has stunning views over Lake Windermere and impressive Arts and Crafts architecture. Its creative food is another draw; definitely a place for indulgence. See More
  
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- Lindeth Fell Windermere (The Lake District) 14 rooms from $205
  
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  Country Escape  -  A pretty rural house positioned in some of the UK's most picturesque countryside.
  Sights nearby  -  William Wordsworth’s homes at Dove Cottage, Grasmere, & Rydal Mount, Rydal
  Great walks  -  Find miles of scenic hiking trails to be explored.
  Sailing  -  Take a relaxing cruise across Windermere Lake.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  A luxurious B&B located near scenic Lake Windemere. Interiors perfectly mix traditional British design with contemporary style - think antique furniture, boldly coloured walls, open fireplaces and chic modern bathrooms. Indulgent breakfasts and high tea are served. The perfect rural escape. See More
  
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