The Best Hotels To Book In Britain's Lake District
- Shreyas Kulkanri
- Updated:
The Lake District is by far the UK’s most popular national park. The Lake District National Park has been protected since 1951, and its picturesque patchwork of lakes, valleys, woodlands and fells makes it one of the best places on Britain to experience the great outdoors. The weather can at times prove unpredictable, but the brooding rainclouds only emphasize the striking features of this magnificent scenery. The Lake District also has a long-standing artistic and literary history, as William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, Arthur Ransome and John Ruskin all found inspiration here. Check out our guide for the best hotels to visit while basking in the tranquil beauty of the Lake District.
Broadgate House
Broadgate House is a fantastic bed and breakfast in a traditional Georgian home built in 1819. This five bedroom mansion is sure to take you back in time with its richly decorated rooms and regal settings. The landlady Diana is a gracious host who will welcome you in with tea and sandwiches, and charm you with lots of fascinating stories about the Lake District to make you feel at home. The other big attraction here is the garden, a massive 300-year-old affair overlooking an estuary. There are many outdoor activities available nearby, including mountain climbing, boating, golf, and tennis. This is a wonderful place to stay, where you’ll be treated less like a customer and more like visiting family.
Broadgate House, Broadgate, Thwaites, Millom, Cumbria, United Kingdom +44 1229 716295
Broadoaks Country House
Just one look at Broadoaks Country House makes it clear why literary legend Beatrix Potter fell in love with this place. On one side, there’s the Troutbeck Fells practically begging for an idyllic stroll; on the other, the overwhelming beauty of Lake Windermere. The lofty Claife Heights presides over the entire sprawl, completing the gorgeous landscape. Set on 7-acre grounds with a helipad (yes, helipad) and fountain, this luxury country house hotel and its garden cottages are all built from local stone. Though you can ‘copter in if you wish, it’s also just half a mile north of the A591. Their rooms feature opulent furnishings, high-end mattresses and spa baths. A fine dining restaurant serves evening meals and afternoon tea, plus free cooked breakfast and even meals for dogs. This is a dream destination for honeymoons, intimate holidays, and weddings.
Broadoaks Country House, Bridge Ln, Windermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom +44 15394 45566
Lakes Lodge
Lakes Lodge in Ambleside is the perfect headquarters for active explorers of the Lake District’s local culture. Located in the heart of the District, Lake Lodge is mere footsteps away from over 50 cafés, restaurants and inns. Their rooms are stylishly decorated with a fresh, light sensibility. They offer en suite rooms and a full English breakfast buffet in the mornings, as well as Wi-Fi, car parking and a lock-up area for motorcycles and bicycles. Lakes Lodge is an ideal base of operations for the adventurous guest, and they offer impressive deals all year round.
Lakes Lodge, Lake Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom +44 15394 33240
The Cottage in the Wood
On the way into Whinlatter Forest you’ll find The Cottage in the Wood, a 17th-century restaurant with rooms. A former 17th-century coaching inn, the nine refurbished bedrooms have been lovingly restored for guests, yet retain their rural charm with an earthy, neutral palette. There are four types of room to choose from here: Treetops, Mountain View, Garden Room, and Cottage Rooms. The hotel is quite close to the market town of Keswick, and the area is ideal for walking, cycling, sailing, golf and a host of adventure activities. Closer to home, the on-site restaurant uses fresh seasonal and local ingredients to serve creative dishes to the hotel’s guests.
The Cottage in the Wood, Braithwaite, Cumbria, United Kingdom +44 17687 78409
The Apple Pie Café Rooms and Holiday Cottages
Located in the heart of the Lake District, Apple Pie is a sweet boutique B&B offering luxurious experiences at affordable rates. This bakery and café provides 4-star guest accommodations, with free parking and free Wi-Fi included in the amenities. The rooms are cosy with elegant furnishings and soft linens, and each room features an en-suite bathroom and hairdryer. Depending on your taste, you can enjoy either a full English or American breakfast here; we’d also recommend sampling their homemade pastries, pies and cakes. The hotel is close to many popular hiking and walking routes, and it’s only a short journey to visit some of the Lake District’s most iconic places, such as Dove Cottage, the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere, or the stunning views of Lake Windermere.
Rooms at the Apple Pie, Plane Tree House, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, United Kingdom +44 15394 33679
Applegarth Villa & Restaurant
Applegarth is a five-star family-run hotel in Windermere, offering guests a premium luxury experience in each of its 15 exquisite rooms. Their chef prepares delicious dishes in the hotel restaurant, and their carefully-selected wine list is sure to provide the perfect pairing for your meal. Their location offers spellbinding views of the Lakeland fells, so if you’re looking for an indulgent break from the office or the city, Applegarth will give you the best of everything.
Applegarth Villa, College Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom +44 15394 43206
Hazel Bank Country House
Immortalised in Hugh Walpole’s “Herries Chronicles” as the protagonist’s idyllic Lake District home, Hazel Bank Country House is like a dream come true. Just a 15 minutes’ drive from Keswick, this hotel offers its guests a highly-awarded restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. You’ll find an excellent English breakfast here, as the dishes are prepared using locally sourced produce. The rooms are finely decorated and boast lovely views of the grounds and the countryside beyond.
Hazel Bank Country House, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom +44 17687 77248