“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.”

Hotel review

This classic country-house hotel not only has all the expected ingredients - grand pedigree, rolling lawns, tennis and croquet, afternoon tea on the terrace, log fires - but also one of the Lake District’s finest views. On the slopes above Lake Windermere, it gazes over both lake and fells beyond. Built as the Victorian hunting lodge of Lord Lonsdale, it retains the original Arts and Crafts details: oak floors and panelling, stained-glass panels and tiled fireplaces. Furnishings complement with William Morris-style wallpapers, brass-framed mirrors and rich-coloured sofas. Bedrooms in the main house are classically styled with pretty-patterned wallpapers, upholstered armchairs and good-size bathrooms. Rooms in the converted cottages and new-build lodge are lighter and more contemporary with large picture-windows. Although some feel less cosy, they offer more privacy, and some have hot-tubs. All rooms have lake or fell views. Views aside, the main event here is the food. Evening meals are four-, six- or eight-course tasting menus. Expect crafted, well-balanced small dishes that pack a taste punch; and do lay aside several hours to enjoy your meal.

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

Recommended for

  • 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.
  • Croquet

    • Hark back to the good old days with a glass of Pimms and a relaxing game of croquet on the lawn.
  • Great walks

    • Ask at the front desk for an outline of the wonderful walks around the lake and beyond.
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Take a helicopter tour of the picturesque Lake District, a totally unique experience.
  • Other Activities

    • Unwind in the steam and sauna rooms after a health spa treatment of your choosing.
  • Child friendly

    • Children of all ages welcome plus babysitting services are available on request.
  • Private Hot Tub

    • Lake View Suite and Ghyll Side cottage both feature a private outdoor hot tub.
  • Spa

    • Small spa with 2 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge
  • Tennis

    • Tennis courts avaliable for guests to use at their own leisure.
  • Restaurant

    • Superb fine dining restaurant offering a range of tasting menus
  • Self catering to rent

    • Cottage sleeping five and is located in the grounds.
  • Pet friendly

    • Pets welcomed at a fee and with advance warning.
  • Views

    • Great views of Lake Windermere.
  • Wedding license

  • Country House

  • Family Suites

  • Quiet

  • Owner managed

  • Gourmet

  • Organic food

  • Lakeside

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • House party feel

  • Historic

  • Gym

  • Antiques

  • Artworks

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Wellbeing

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Free wifi

  • Remote

  • Boutique

Facilities

  • Rooms

    23 rooms in this hotel
  • Child friendly

    Children of all ages welcome plus babysitting services are available on request.
  • Private Hot Tub

    Lake View Suite and Ghyll Side cottage both feature a private outdoor hot tub.
  • Spa

    Small spa with 2 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge
  • Restaurant

    Superb fine dining restaurant offering a range of tasting menus
  • Airport transfer

    Transfer service from train and airport by car or helicopter.
  • Self catering to rent

    Cottage sleeping five and is located in the grounds.
  • Pet friendly

    Pets welcomed at a fee and with advance warning.
  • Outdoor dining

    Canapés on the terrace in fine weather.
  • Garden

    Fine grounds sloping to the lake.
  • Views

    Great views of Lake Windermere.
  • Parking

    Free parking on site.
  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Wedding license

  • Fireplace

  • In room DVD

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Cots available

  • Massage

  • Safe

  • Library

  • Good wine list

  • Gym

  • Sitting Room

  • Room service

  • Suites

  • Hot Tub

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • In room music system

  • Four poster beds

  • Wifi

  • Free wifi

Activities

  • Croquet

    • Hark back to the good old days with a glass of Pimms and a relaxing game of croquet on the lawn.
  • Great walks

    • Ask at the front desk for an outline of the wonderful walks around the lake and beyond.
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Take a helicopter tour of the picturesque Lake District, a totally unique experience.
  • Other Activities

    • Unwind in the steam and sauna rooms after a health spa treatment of your choosing.
  • Tennis

    • Tennis courts avaliable for guests to use at their own leisure.

Map & Location

Other reviews

Holbeck Ghyll Hotel

"Inside, it's like a dream of posh, Country Living-mag rusticity, from the blazing log fire and the Parker Knoll chairs in the lobby to the woven Bergerac furniture and the biographies of Tory politicians in the sitting-room. "

Originally published by Independent

Is this the Lake District's most charming hotel?

"From the canapés served in the Edwardian sitting room to the series of artfully presented dishes in the panelled dining room, it was a seamless ride."

Originally published by The Telegraph

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