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16 Best Luxury Hotels In The Lake District
From Michelin-starred restaurants to plush country cottages
With a landscape as varied and dramatic as the emotions we’ve experienced over the past year, there’s a reason the UK’s Lake District has a reputation for helping poets to identify and transcribe the sentiments in their souls. William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and yes, even Taylor Swift, have drawn inspiration from its riotous wildflower meadows, brooding storms and triumphant peaks.
At this point we know the benefits of being in nature extend beyond inspiring romantics. After the year we’ve had, an escape to some secluded enclave of this verdant, UNESCO World Heritage Site can bring a sense of emotional clarity and much-needed peace of mind. And with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to plush country cottages, the Lake District has no shortage of luxury locales to help pamper our pandemic-weary souls.
That's why we've rounded up the best luxury hotels in the Lake District to book now for a staycation that with soothe both body and mind:
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a stylish yet tranquil Lake District getaway near Windermere. The hotel offers an Edwardian vibe, while Garden Suites and Spa Lodges are found within the grounds, with individual Spa Suites offering in-room spa rooms complete with a massage chair, private garden space and cedar wood hot tubs - perfect for romantic couples seeking a retreat. Alternatively, you can stay in the six-bedroom Lake House a mile away and enjoy cosy fires, a pool and floor-to-ceiling windows from the treetop spa.
What we love: As well as Gilpin Spice, guests can dine at the other on-site restaurant, Michelin-starred SOURCE, where the ethos is all about sourcing local produce.
Another Place, The Lake
Situated on the shores of Ullswater, Another Place’s easy-going vibe belies the style and sophistication of its sumptuous suites, almost all of which offer views of the lake. For dinner, enjoy the three-course, locally-inspired menu at Rampsbeck Restaurant. Since opening in 2017, Another Place has emphasised eco-conscious hospitality and helping guests connect to the natural world via its running trails, water sports and memorable vistas.
What we love: The exquisite, 20-metre glass-fronted infinity pool at the Swim Club.
Black Bull Inn, Cumbria
In-the-know gourmands flock to this well-appointed, 17th-century Cumbrian coaching inn for chef Nina Ratcliffe’s locally-sourced and animal-welfare-conscious dishes with a signature Asian flair. The stately suites boast views from the back window of Winder Fell, dotted with dandelions and frolicking lambs. At breakfast, sip your coffee over a good book as you listen to local farmers amble along the slate-stone streets of this historic market town.
What we love: The home-made made jam doughnuts and scones offered for take-away, grab one at breakfast to nibble with your afternoon tea.
Linthwaite House, Windermere
This elegant English country manor house is ensconced in beautifully manicured gardens from which to take in views of Windermere - England’s largest lake - and the sweeping fells beyond. Luxe interiors are embellished with jewel-toned accents and the occasional animal print, including at the stylish Bar & Conservatory, where the team behind Simon Rogan’s Henrock (also on-site) serve up a lighter, all-day dining menu of seasonal fare paired with stunning views.
What we love: An impressive wine list featuring Leeu Family Wines from South Africa – take a bottle to watch the sunset from their outdoor swing overlooking the lakes.
Brimstone Hotel, Great Langdale
Evoking both the elegance of a luxury ski chalet and the youthful revelry of après ski, this resort and spa is favoured for its prime location in Great Langdale. When not exploring the surrounding Lakeland valley trails, guests can find everything they need to relax in their suites, including giant, plush beds, private balconies, log-burning stoves and oversized bathtubs.
What we love: An on-site boot room equips guests for any kind of hiking adventure.
Storrs Hall, Windermere
Storrs Hall is a magnificent Georgian mansion house set on the shores of Windermere. Guests can choose between staying in the main house or booking the self-contained boathouse or Lakeside Suites - all of which have been recently refurbished. Expect the intimacy and personalised attention of a family-run hotel with the historic splendour of a weekend spent living like the landed gentry.
What we love: Enjoy a classic English Afternoon Tea against the backdrop of their beautiful lawns and lake views.
Forest Side
Located near the village of Grasmere in a transformed, 1850s mansion, Forest Side is a classic example of Lake District luxury. Each of its 20 rooms has been carefully outfitted in sumptuous materials sourced from local suppliers. The kitchen maintains a sustainable and organic food chain for its award-winning, farm-to-plate restaurant.
What we love: The resort is pet friendly, for those who can’t bare the thought of leaving their pooch behind.
Armathwaite Hotel & Spa, Bassenthwaite
Located in a quieter region of the Lake District and just five minutes from Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite has everything you want from a luxury getaway to the country - quiet seclusion, an award-winning spa, high-end seasonal dining and plenty of activities to occupy your time, from clay pigeon shooting to kayaking.
What we love: The Forest Bathing Experience is a sensory journey to help unwind and destress in an enchanting woodland setting.
The Samling Hotel, Windermere
Take in views of Windermere glittering in the sunshine as you enjoy beautifully plated dishes from Michelin starred chefs. The Samling Hotel is as charming as it is serene, and guests can either enjoy the peaceful surroundings from the comfort of their suite - almost all of which afford beautiful lake and mountain views - or by roaming the grounds alongside the property’s resident sheep.
What we love: You won’t go wrong when choosing a bottle for the table, their award-winning wine list is among the best in the world.
The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Grasmere
Despite its decidedly twee name, The Daffodil boasts boldly modern decor behind its Victorian, slate-stone exterior. Bedrooms are accented with one colourful wall, velvet sofas and drapes that frame the floor-to-ceiling of the lake or Vale of Grasmere. The spa is a major draw and features a massage pool, sauna and steam room and five treatment rooms.
What we love: Interiors feature a stellar collection of artwork throughout, including iconic book covers and digital prints of photos from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Borrowdale Valley
While the views of Borrowdale Valley surrounding the hotel are dazzling in the bright sunshine, guests who come during wetter weather are also in for a treat - the nearby, 100-foot waterfalls are particularly breathtaking after periods of heavy rain. No matter the season, the hotel offers cosy and comfortable hospitality, a delicious pan-Asian restaurant, Mizu, and a brand-new 18-room spa.
What we love: Guests can easily snag a brag-worthy Instagram shot at the namesake Lodore Falls waterfall, accessible via a short walk from the hotel.
Moss Grove Organic, Grasmere
You can rest easy at this eco-conscious, luxury bed and breakfast thanks to its use of lead-free paints, natural and plant-based cleaning products and sheep fleece insulation. Moss Grove has perfected the art of high-end, ethical and environmentally-friendly hospitality made even better by its majestic backdrop of Grasmere’s iconic fells, lakes and tarns.
What we love: Surprise your loved one by working with the hotel to add a special, organic wine or box of fair trade chocolates to your room.
Wordsworth Hotel & Spa
Named for the Lake District’s most poetic patron, the postcard-perfect landscape is enough to inspire the laureate in all of us. The Wordsworth is one of the oldest hotels in Grasmere, and was a favourite destination for Woodrow Wilson prior to his US presidency thanks to the beautiful trails through the surrounding fells, an ideal place to take in the crisp Cumbrian air.
What we love: The pretty village of Grasmere is only a short walk from the hotel, where visitors can shop from plethora of small local businesses.
L'Enclume, Grange-over-Sands
Another bucket-list destination for the food-obsessed traveller, L’Enclume is actually a restaurant first with a smattering of surrounding cottages available to book. Just be sure to plan ahead, the rooms are known to book up months in advance due to the high-demand for Chef Simon Rogan’s two-Michelin starred tasting menu sourced from its 12-acre kitchen garden.
What we love: For truly discerning gastronomes, there’s a chef’s table and development kitchen where diners can witness the Michelin magic as it happens.
The Lodge, Edenhall
For those in search of a more rustic brand of luxury, head to The Lodge at Edenhall. The timber cottage was constructed from trees grown right on the estate, and offers guests a cosy and comfortable seclusion amidst a magical landscape. Picture snuggling with loved ones in front of the wood burner or spotting wildlife from the private, river-front porch.
What we love: Great for families seeking space away from other travellers.
Askham Hall
The still family-owned Askham Hall is a stunning, Grade I-listed manor house steeped in history - the late Prince Philip used to enjoy his summers there, staying in the Admiral’s room. Stone griffins at the entry, a medieval pele tower and romantic English gardens are among the exterior flourishes that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
What we love: Yet another memorable, Michelin-starred meal at on-site Allium restaurant.
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