The Lake District, in Northwest England, is world-renowned for its staggering natural beauty. From its striking landscapes, including tree-lined hills and snow-capped mountains which overlook shimmering lakes, to the quaint villages dotted throughout the region, it is no surprise that some of the UK’s best hotels are found here.
Whether you are planning on a hiking trip, an adventure weekend away, or a spa break, here are the 7 best hotels in the Lake District.
Check in: The Lake District's most beautiful hotels
1. Rothay Manor Boutique Hotel – Ambleside
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this Grade II-listed country house offers the perfect combination of traditional charm and contemporary comfort.
The hotel has 23 individually designed rooms, with some suites having their own private hot tub jacuzzi. Thanks to its idyllic location in Ambleside, it offers the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding fells and hills, as well as nearby Lake Windermere – the largest lake in the Lake District.
The Rowan Restaurant is worth the stay alone – with a seasonal menu that prides itself on local produce and ingredients, guests can tuck into everything from freshly caught fish to locally grown vegetables for the ultimate evening meal or light lunch.
The hotel’s cosy lounges are the perfect place to while away a rainy afternoon with a dram of your favourite whisky, while the outdoor terrace provides an excellent location to soak up the last of the summer sunshine with a chilled glass of wine.
2. Another Place, The Lake – Ullswater
Located on the shores of Ullswater (the second-largest lake in England), this hotel is the perfect place for travellers who want to make the most of the outdoor lifestyle while not giving up the luxuries of a top-rated hotel stay in the Lake District.
With outdoor activities at the centre of the offerings, guests can enjoy water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding just a stone’s throw from their rooms. At the same time, there are excellent cycling, running and hiking routes close to the hotel, too.
The lakeside setting offers incredible views at any time of year, from snow-dusted hills in the winter to glassy waters in the summer, filling guests full of endorphins the minute they step out of bed.
With fitness facilities including an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub, a sauna and a cardio room, this is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a busy day of outdoor activities in the Lake District.
3. Gilpin Hotel – Windermere
For those seeking a luxurious stay in the Lake District, look no further than Gilpin Hotel.
One of the standout options in the Lake District, close to the Lake Windermere shoreline, Gilpin Hotel is a classic country retreat with added luxuries, strongly focused on privacy, indulgence and comfort.
Ideal for couples, the hotel feels secluded but is still within reach of some of the region’s top attractions such as Holehird Gardens and Orrest Head. With an onsite spa, it’s the perfect place to relax and make the most of each other’s company under the starlit skies.
With two onsite restaurants – the Michelin-starred SOURCE and the more casual pan-Asian Spice – a dedicated champagne bar, lounge, terraces and spa treatment area, this is a truly high-end hotel for those seeking the ultimate private getaway with a loved one.
4. Haweswater Hotel – Haweswater Reservoir
The perfect hotel for escaping the tourist-heavy areas of the Lake District, the Haweswater Hotel offers a peaceful base surrounded by dramatic scenery on the banks of Haweswater Reservoir.
Haweswater is a far cry from the bustling areas such as Windermere and Ambleside, and is ideal for both first-time visitors to the Lake District and seasoned visitors who know the region like the back of their hand.
Quiet and calm, the surrounding areas are perfect for countryside walks and taking life at a slower pace, while still offering the same levels of incredible scenery.
The hotel’s aura easily matches this, with cosy and comfortable surroundings throughout, making it a truly brilliant hidden gem in the Lake District.
5. The Daffodil Hotel – Grasmere
Grasmere is one of the most beautiful villages not just in the Lake District, but arguably in England, and set in the heart of the village is The Daffodil Hotel.
This is the perfect option for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxing spa break, and where better to retreat to after spending a day exploring the former hometown of the famous 19th-century English poet William Wordsworth?
With easy access to walking routes in and around the village, as well as nearby pubs, restaurants and more, basing yourself at The Daffodil Hotel is one of the best ways to explore Grasmere and nearby villages such as Rydal, Ambleside and Elterwater.
The hotel’s spa is one of the major selling points, because what better way is there to fully relax your body than with a full-body massage following a day of fell walking or village exploring?
Whether you want to see Grasmere in all its glory or simply take advantage of its beautiful spa, The Daffodil Hotel is without question one of the best hotels in the Lake District.
6. Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa – Keswick
Found on the outskirts of Keswick and close to Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa offers a traditional country house experience in a spectacular Lake District setting.
This award-winning hotel, set within 400 acres of deer park and woodland, gives guests the chance to both enjoy the peaceful surroundings and explore the nearby fells and hills of the northern Lake District.
The spa is one of the main selling points of the hotel – some guests opt to use it for a spa day or a quick treatment after a day of hiking through the Lake District, while for couples, it is an excellent choice of hotel due to their dedicated spa break packages, where relaxation is top of the agenda.
With two onsite restaurants – including the fine dining Dining Room, guests can enjoy seasonal produce and both English and French flavours, while The Grill offers a much more relaxed atmosphere, serving up hearty meals with a strong focus on local and seasonal produce.
This stunning hotel makes for the perfect relaxing escape in the Lake District.
7. Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa – Derwentwater
Overlooking Derwentwater, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is one of the most scenic and best hotels to stay in when visiting the Lake District.
A stay here is ideal for all types of travellers – whether you’re searching for relaxation in the hotel’s excellent spa or a base to explore the Lake District’s many walking or hiking trails near Keswick, you are in the right place.
The scenery surrounding the hotel is another pull factor: the striking Borrowdale landscape and the sparkling waters of Derwentwater just add to the breathtaking surroundings of the Lodore Falls Hotel – and naturally, the luxurious rooms simply exude comfort and cosiness.
With several dining options – including dishes with an East Asian influence cooked using the finest local ingredients – there is something for everyone to eat here. The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is also an intimate wedding venue – and with its stunning surroundings, there are few more beautiful places in the UK to tie the knot than here.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chester Ollivier
Chester is passionate about exploring new places through food, history and heritage. Whether he is uncovering hidden gems in North East England or travelling to exotic locations across the globe, his enthusiasm for food and history fuels his adventures. His love for writing, combined with his intrigue of different cultures and their histories has led him to pursue a career as a travel writer.
