Heading to the Lake District? The region boasts a whole host of beautiful boutique hotels, so whether you're looking for a stylish but down-to-earth pub with rooms or a blow-the-budget luxury stay, we've found five of the best boutique stays.
Another Place, The Lake
Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0LP
Right on the shore of lake Ullswater, this hotel is thoughtfully designed throughout, and full of surprises. Book one of the 40 bedrooms and take advantage of the two restaurants, library and so-called Swim Club, the hotel’s version of a spa, with treatment rooms and a 20-metre swimming pool with stunning lake views. Spend summer nights on the terrace or stroll the grounds, borrow a wetsuit and take a dip in the lake — there’s direct access from the hotel’s private jetty.
The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere
Crook Road, Windermere, LA23 3NE
For a special occasion, this is one of the Lake District’s winning properties. Each of the 28 bedrooms has beautiful views, with some leading directly onto the gardens. If you’re going all-out, book one of the spa lodges, which have their own en suite spa complete with rainmaker shower and steam room, as well as a hydrotherapy hot tub and sauna outside. There are two excellent restaurants on site, one of which even boasts a Michelin star.
The Queens Head
Town Head, Troutbeck LA23 1PW
Offering a warm Lakeland welcome, particularly if you’ve come straight from the hills or splashing about on the lake (this spot is just north east of Lake Windermere), The Queen’s Head is the perfect pub stay. Cosy and warm (and let’s face it, even in the summer months that’s important after a day in the outdoors), each of the contemporary rooms is characterful and comfortable. Eight of them are dog-friendly, too, and a hearty breakfast is included in the room rate.
The Samling Hotel
Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1LR
This luxury hotel boasts spectacular panoramic views over lake Windermere and the Coniston Old Man mountain range. Sitting on 67 acres, there’s plenty of room to roam even before you head out to the fells beyond. The emphasis here is on impeccable service, and there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of bespoke experiences that go above and beyond, from a personal wine tasting in their extensive cellar to their new glamping ‘Wilderness Adventure’, where a personal butler will serve you breakfast after a night under the stars…
The Drunken Duck Inn & Restaurant
Barnsgate, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0NG
Another excellent pub with rooms, the menu here is elegant but eclectic, mixing local specialities with international crowd pleasers — choose the chalk stream trout with almond and samphire or curried cod, roast cauliflower and onion bhaji. Rooms are smart and stylish; each is uniquely designed with contemporary prints that pay homage to the local area.
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