Overwater Hall

The striking Georgian mansion, set in acres of gardens and woodland, has a confident traditional style, and offers a gloriously peaceful setting together with genuinely welcoming hosts. Adrian, Angela and Stephen have owned the hotel since 1992 and have created a quietly luxurious retreat imbued with their personal warmth and quiet professionalism.

Set in the northern Lakes, away from the honeypots, it feels remote yet is only 20 minutes from Keswick, and even closer to Bassenthwaite Lake. You could happily potter in the grounds or while away the time in one of the inviting sitting-rooms. Expect deep sofas and armchairs, handsomely patterned wallpapers, generously swagged curtains and a sprinkling of antiques. Bedrooms are similarly styled, generous in size and all differ in shape and furnishings; the two turret rooms are delightfully semi-circular in shape. It perhaps won’t suit people looking for a sleek decorative style, but this place is more about the personal touch – fresh flowers and homemade liquor, for example.

The cooking is a big draw. Dinner is a five-course, fine-dining affair with well-judged and intriguing dishes, and good local sourcing. This, together with the warm welcome, is why it has so many returning guests.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Restrictions on children
• No children under 5 allowed in the restaurant
• Pet friendly
• Dogs welcome
• Wifi
• Good wine list
• Wedding license
• Bar
• Parking

• Views
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Disabled access
• Sitting Room
• Garden
• Restaurant

• Sights nearby
• The Lakes Distillery; Wordsworth’s Birthplace, Cockermouth; Keswick Pencil Museum
• Great walks
• both lakeside strolling and major fells such as Skiddaw and Blencathra

• Local markets
• Cockermouth and Keswick both hold weekly markets
• Theatre
• Keswick's well-regarded Theatre-by-The-Lake

Why do people love staying in your hotel? People love staying with us for the food, the peaceful location and the genuinely friendly hospitality.  We are also very dog friendly!

What is there to do in the area? We are remotely situated in the unspoilt Northern Lake District, surrounded by great walks and stunning views.  The towns of Keswick and Cockermouth are just 10 miles away.  Nearer to us is the Lakes Distillery, Mirehouse and Gardens, Dodd Wood with its Osprey viewpoint, and Whinlatter Visitors’ Centre.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? A full Cumbrian breakfast is included in our room rate.  Alternatively, kipper, smoked haddock and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon are also available.  Starters include Cereals, fruit or porridge.  All items are served to the table, no buffet service.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer Afternoon Tea (bookable in advance) and a three course dinner menu.  We are happy to recommend local places to eat out.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our Superior Rooms are all spacious and have lovely views.  Turret Rooms are the largest and the Garden Room (our only ground floor bedroom) boasts a whirlpool spa bath and balcony with access onto our lovely gardens.  All rooms have big bathrooms with separate shower units and double-ended baths.  Our standard, or Junior, rooms are smaller and look out onto our gardens, but all have king size beds, two easy chairs and the same lovely bathrooms as our larger rooms.  These rooms are great for anyone on a budget!

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? High tea is available for the under fives.  A cot, highchair and baby listening device are all available if required.  Several of our Superior Rooms are large enough to accommodate up to two extra beds for children.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? Overwater Hall is far from the ‘madding crowd’ : an ideal escape from your hectic lives, and a safe haven in these strange times.  We look forward to your visit.