Top 50 Boutique Hotels

5 Must-visit boutique hotels in the Lake District

Not sure where to stay on your Lake District escape? We’ve got 5 must-visit boutique hotels that you simply cannot miss.

By Charli Tomney | 22/07/2024

dark blue hotel room with plush furnishings

The Lake District, England's largest National Park, covers a whopping 2,362 square kilometres of Cumbrian countryside. It is a region of incredible beauty famous for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and cultural heritage. The area is made up of beautiful towns and villages, ancient woodlands and forest, river valleys, lakes, mountains and simply stunning coastlines and some of the most unique boutique hotels on available.

Perfect for families, trips with friends or even a romantic getaway with your partner, the Lake District is a place of pure tranquillity, immense beauty and wonderful culinary delights and we’ve got the five best places to experience it all.

Another Place, Penrith 

For an active yet relaxed getaway, Another Place on the shores of Ullswater is a top choice in the Lake District. Offering open-water swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, fishing, sailing, archery, skiing, pony-trekking, and extensive walking and cycling trails, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature lovers can stay in cottages, shepherd huts, or even a treehouse perched among oaks, there’s also the Georgian country house with forty gorgeous bedrooms. Dining options include the Victorian Glasshouse, with panoramic lake views and garden-fresh pizzas; the formal Rampsbeck, offering dishes inspired by the local landscape; and the relaxed Living Space bar, perfect for casual chats over burgers and gin & tonics.

After a day of adventure, unwind at the Swim Club, which boasts an outdoor hot tub, sauna, treatment rooms, and a 20-meter glass-walled swimming pool. Enjoy a night swim under the stars or relax in the library with a book or board game. Another Place truly captures the essence of the Lake District, blending outdoor excitement with serene relaxation.

Book your stay here. 

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The Samling,
Windermere 

Perched above England’s biggest lake, Windermere, The Samling hotel offers stunning views and luxurious accommodation. Set in 67 acres of grounds, this Georgian-gothic house features beautifully designed rooms, suites, and cottages. The interiors of the hotel reflect the lakeside location, with soothing dove greys, blues and greens of nature.

Guests enjoy fine dining with lake views, crafted by Chef Robby Jenks using ingredients from the hotel’s gardens, greenhouse, and woods. A more relaxed approach is available at The Gathering, why not sit back with a cocktail after your meal under the stars.

The property features ornamental water gardens, beehives, and a listed summer house with lake views all available for you to explore. Ideal for exploring the Lake District, the Samling blends elegance with natural beauty.

Book your stay here.

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Gilpin Hotel & Lake House,
Windermere 

For a touch of luxury in the Lake District, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House may be the perfect spot for you. Set amidst 21 acres of grounds with streams and fish-stocked ponds, each of the 30 bedrooms features stunning Lakeland views.

Choose from Junior and Garden Suites with private hot tubs, or indulge in Spa Lodges with ensuite spa facilities, including hydrotherapy hot tubs and outdoor saunas. The decadent Spa Suites offer a serene escape with panoramic mountain views, spacious living areas, and state-of-the-art spa amenities.

At Gilpin Lake House, enjoy a private lake, boathouse, hot tubs, saunas, and a swimming pool. A chauffeur service connects guests to the main hotel for dining at its two award-winning restaurants: Michelin-starred Source, focusing on local, seasonal produce, and the 2 AA Rosette Gilpin Spice, serving pan-Asian dishes.

Book your stay here.

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Linthwaite House,
Windermere 

Perched on a hill above Windermere, Linthwaite House offers a perfect base for exploring the Lake District. Stay in the main house with garden, lake, and mountain views, opt for a loft suite, or choose a secluded chalet with a veranda and hot tub.

Stroll through 14 glorious acres of gardens and woodlands, admire sculptures, or enjoy a boat ride on the private tarn. Relax with afternoon tea on the terrace or drinks in the conservatory, where cocktails are crafted sustainably by bar manager Andreas Grammatikopoulos.

Dine at Henrock, Simon Rogan’s restaurant, which features imaginative farm-to-table dishes inspired by global culinary travels and sourced from local growers, including Rogan’s own smallholding in the Cartmel Valley. Linthwaite House blends luxurious accommodations, beautiful scenery, and exceptional dining for a memorable stay in the most gorgeous part of the UK.

Book your stay here

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Rothay Manor,
Ambleside 

Settle in the heart of the Lake District at the breathtaking Rothay Manor, a Grade II boutique hotel. This charming country house retreat offers individually designed rooms featuring modern bathrooms, fluffy dressing gowns, and luxury amenities.

Rothay Manor provides a range of accommodations to suit various budgets, from affordable options to luxurious suites, each with sumptuous design and character. Guests can enjoy dining at the 3 AA Rosette restaurant, offering afternoon teas, casual meals, and fine dining all within the comfort of the grounds.

During your stay, explore the beautiful Lake District landscape. The hotel staff can recommend scenic walks, and guests can participate in foraging masterclasses with local experts throughout the year. This hotel combines comfort, elegance, and access to the natural wonders of the Lake District for an unforgettable experience.

Book your stay here.