With its mountain peaks, lakes and pretty villages, the Lake District is truly picture-perfect. Windermere is the largest natural lake in England at 10.5 miles long and was frequented by Beatrix Potter, who spent much of her time in the area writing her now famous children’s books. With plenty of stunning walks and charming pubs to enjoy, you’ll probably want to book a long trip to one of our nine favourite hotels in Windermere, Lake District.
Windermere Manor Hotel
Independent Hotel
Windermere Manor Hotel, Windermere, Lake District, England | Courtesy of Windermere Manor Hotel / Hotels.com
The Manor was originally built in 1850, and was home to the artist Hubert Coutts and his wife Mary. The hotel retains much the 19th-century building’s original charm including the timbered ceiling, Victorian fireplace and stained glass windows. Add to that modern touches in each of the 35 bedrooms, a swimming pool and restaurant, and you have a hotel well worth considering for your visit. An added bonus? All the bedrooms have at least a partial view of Windermere.
Foodies won’t want to stay anywhere else; The Samling’s Michelin-star restaurant, headed up by chef Peter Howarth, serves inventive tasting menus. The wine list is equally impressive, with hundreds of options to pair with your chosen menu. The bedrooms are spacious and soothingly decorated in neutral colours, while original Matisse and Picasso paintings hang in public areas. Set in 67 acres of woodland, the view is not to be sniffed at, either.
Every room at Applegarth Villa and Hotel is unique – one even has a circular bed – and suites are stunning, with outdoor hot tubs and the latest technology for an extra comfortable stay. The hotel’s restaurant offers classic gastropub fare, and an extensive breakfast menu.
Storrs Hall is a novel-worthy 18th-century mansion set amid beautiful grounds and once frequented by literary heavyweights Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. With large windows to look out over the view, it’s guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing. The sumptuous bathtubs are a particular favourite and if you can tear yourself away from this luxurious bolthole, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a walk in the hotel’s private woodlands followed by evening drinks by the fireplace.
Owned by the Kennedy family since 1984, Lindeth Fell is a stunning Edwardian home with traditional touches such as parquet flooring, traditional sofas and pastoral artwork. Guests are welcomed with home-made scones and tea, and the friendly service from staff continues through your stay. The 14 bedrooms are all extremely spacious, with en-suite bathrooms and tasteful decor. There’s no restaurant, although cakes and sandwiches are on offer throughout the day. Guests are also welcome to use the spa at a nearby hotel.
Situated in front of the Lodore Falls near the grange end of Derwentwater Lake, this hotel is located in one of Britain’s most beautiful spots, making it the perfect choice for a walking weekend. Guests with dogs are very welcome here, and there’s even a library area specifically designed to cater for four-legged friends. Leave them in the comfortable, spacious rooms while you dine at the hotel’s AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, which serves up traditional dishes made using local ingredients.
If the panoramic views of the lake aren’t enough to entice you, the hotel’s elegant bedrooms certainly will. Featuring statement wallpaper, sumptuous sofas and stylish roll-top baths, the Miller Howe is everything you’d want from a country hotel. Local activities include fishing, sailing and horse riding, or you can take the more leisurely option by jumping on a cruise for more stunning views of the area’s landscape.
Approaching Cragwood via a private drive feels very lavish, and the luxury continues inside with the hotel’s original country-house features including wood panelling and ornate fireplaces. Staff are a highlight here, and their willingness to make sure you have a truly special stay is unrivalled. With more than 60 gins to choose from in the bar, and a vast whiskey menu, ask for a recommendation and relax in style.
The Lamplighter’s restaurant attracts a crowd from far and wide thanks to its outstanding Sunday lunch, especially the famed Yorkshire puddings. If you’re too stuffed to move after indulging, check into one of the 15 guestrooms; they’re simple, but comfortable, and the best part? You get to wake up to their delicious breakfast. More eggs, anyone?
