“A charming property at the southern end of Lake Windermere, with sensational lake views. Spacious rooms and suites offer a charming blend of traditional and contemporary and all ground floor options come with private terrace or garden. The Aveda Spa and superb dining options ensure this is a winner!”

Hotel review

The Lake District is crammed with accommodation options, but at the Lakeside Hotel and Spa you can be ensured of a lakeside stay in understated luxury with both fine dining and an Aveda Spa on site. The property has been privately owned and run for some time and so you can expect the attention to detail and personal touch that is often missing in chain properties. There is a wide range of rooms and suites, many with lake views (others offer equally pleasing woodland vistas) and plenty of options for family groups including family suites with bunk bed rooms for the kids or interconnecting rooms. We particularly like the panoramic lodge suites. These two contemporary style rooms are right by the lakeshore and boast picture windows for maximum views and their own personal saunas and patios. The spa here is the other big ticket draw — it's the only Aveda Destination Spa in the area. As well as the full range of Aveda facial and body treatments there's a fab 17m indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and even a charming spa garden with fire pit. Foodies will also not be disappointed with the range at the Lakeside. For fine dining you should head to the Lakeside Grill and for a more casual vibe John Ruskin's Brasserie is perfect. But you can also enjoy all day dining on the lakeside terrace and afternoon tea is a treat that should not be missed. If you're looking for a family (and dog) friendly option right on the shores of Lake Windermere, we think that the Lakeside Hotel and Spa is an excellent choice. There's something here for all ages and the location is simply outstanding.

Sarah Empson
Sarah Empson Review published: 03/12/2024

Recommended for

  • Families

    • A wide range of accommodation including junior suites which can sleep up to 4 and loads of family-friendly activities close by
  • Spa breaks

    • Its Aveda Destination Spa offers pool, spa garden and wide range of treatments and therapies; ideal for a pampering getaway
  • Restaurant

    • The Lakeview Grill Restaurant offers fine dining with a view, or for a more casual vibe go to John Ruskin's Brasserie
  • Spa

    • The only Aveda Destination Spa in the region with spa garden leading directly to the lakeshore
  • Pet friendly

    • Well behaved dogs can stay in the garden rooms which have their own little private garden
  • Outstanding location

    • Fabulous location with stunning views at the southern end of Lake Windermere
  • Family Suites

    • Courtyard Family Suites come with an extra room with bunk beds for the kids
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • Several of the room categories have either a private garden or terrace
  • Great walks

    • This is fabulous walking country and there are plenty of nearby trails
  • Lakeside

    • The grounds stretch right down to the side of the lake
  • Sailing

    • Cruise on the lake straight from the door
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Romantic Break

  • Good wine list

  • Wedding license

  • Birdwatching

  • Luxury

  • Charming

  • Child friendly

  • Village

  • Gym

  • Cycling

Facilities

  • Rooms

    73 rooms in this hotel
  • Views

    Stunning views over Lake Windermere
  • Restaurant

    The Lakeview Grill Restaurant offers fine dining with a view, or for a more casual vibe go to John Ruskin's Brasserie
  • Spa

    The only Aveda Destination Spa in the region with spa garden leading directly to the lakeshore
  • Garden

    Well-kept mature gardens which border Lake Windermere and Spa Garden with outdoor fire pit
  • Pet friendly

    Well behaved dogs can stay in the garden rooms which have their own little private garden
  • Family Suites

    Courtyard Family Suites come with an extra room with bunk beds for the kids
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    Several of the room categories have either a private garden or terrace
  • Sauna/Steam

    Panoramic Lodge Suites come with personal sauna
  • Hot Tub

    Poolside hot tub in the spa
  • Swimming Pool

    17m Indoor heated pool
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Massage

  • Meeting Room

  • Good wine list

  • Wedding license

  • Bar

  • Parking

  • Wifi

  • Suites

  • Child friendly

  • Gym

Activities

  • Great walks

    • This is fabulous walking country and there are plenty of nearby trails
  • Sailing

    • Cruise on the lake straight from the door
  • Birdwatching

  • Cycling

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do your guests love staying with you? Because ‘we overlook nothing but the lake’

What is there to do in the area? As well as the vast selection of local activities and attractions the south lakes has to offer, from our door you can:

Cruise on a Windermere steamer – a great way to explore without the car;

Walk in Great Knott Wood and enjoy the wildlife and trails;

Step back in time on Lakeside steam train;

Visit the Lakes Aquarium.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? A highlight of the stay – an extensive breakfast menu is served through to a leisurely 11am midweek and 11.30am at weekends

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer evening dining in a choice or restaurants – our Lakeview Grill restaurant or more relaxed John Ruskin’s Brasserie, and all-day dining in our Conservatory and Terrace overlooking the lake.

A visit to Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume restaurant in Cartmel provides a special dining experience

Which are your most popular room types, and why? With a view looking directly onto the lake and fell beyond our Ultimate Lakeview Rooms and Suites are our most popular

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Our 17m pool is a firm favourite with our younger guests and our Courtyard Family Suites are an excellent room choice. All our rooms are big enough to accommodate a z-bed for a child.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Lakeside Hotel & Spa enjoys an unrivalled position by the water’s edge of Lake Windermere, offers guests a welcome like no other and takes pride in its attention to detail – come and enjoy an experience you won’t forget.

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