The Lake District is the largest national park in the UK. A favourite spot for hikers and walkers, this idyllic corner of England is a vast collection of rolling hills, valleys and, you guessed it, lakes…
In addition to the beautiful natural scenery to explore, many people visit the Lake District for a weekend getaway. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a UK staycation! If you’re looking for the best luxury hotels in the Lake District, you’ve came to the right place. We’ve assembled some of the most captivating 4- and 5-star hotels, all with excellent Tripadvisor reviews.
Enjoy amazing food, excellent service and breath-taking locations as you explore what this quaint corner of Cumbria has to offer.
The Gilpin Hotel
View on Tripadvisor | TRIPADVISOR RATING 5/5
If you’re looking for the most luxurious hotel of them all in the Lake District, Gilpin Hotel is certainly a contender for that title. It’s made up of individual lake-view cottages, rooms and suites; some of which have their own private hot tubs.
Unlike many of the other traditional hotels on our list, a section of the Gilpin is made up of individual luxury lodges that are far more spacious than your standard room. They have an intimate, luxury feel and a nice outdoor area to relax in the sun.
Highlights:
- A special selection of accommodation. Individually designed rooms, lodges and suites, all in one hotel.
- A stunning lakeside location with a boat house.
- Home of the Michelin star restaurant, HRiSHi
Cedar Manor
View On BOOKING.COM | TRIPADVISOR RATING 5/5
Located in the heart of the Lake District in Windermere, Cedar Manor is a charming country-style hotel with perfectly manicured gardens and grandeur, Victorian-style windows. Whilst the exterior is that of the traditional British countryside, the interior rooms and common areas have been modernised and decorated to a luxury standard.
High ceilings, top quality furniture and standalone bathtubs give the Cedar Manor a homely atmosphere, where you’ll love to relax after spending an action packed day by the lake. We personally love its almost enchanting garden area. It’s a great place to sit outside in the warmer months.
Highlights:
- A central Windermere location with the Lake District’s top attractions on your doorstep.
- Be sure to book an Afternoon Tea – it’s excellent!
- A small, boutique vibe. It’s quiet, relaxing and comfortable.
Brimstone Hotel
View on Tripadvisor | TRIPADVISOR RATING 5/5
Brimstone is a challenger for the best luxury hotel in the Lake District, in our opinion. If you like small boutique accommodation with large suites and a nice spa area, Brimstone is superb. Located near the town of Elterwater, which is between Ambleside and Grasmere, you have a quiet location to base yourself in. You’re only a short drive from the main towns and walking routes.
Brimstone is home to a designer spa with an outdoor heated swimming pool, private spa and treatment options, and a line-up of rooms and suites that would impress the most travelled luxury hotel seekers. This hotel suits couples that want a high-end weekend getaway in a quiet, romantic location. Stay in the hotel for the full duration or explore the local village, hiking routes and wider area.
Highlights:
- A stunning outdoor pool and spa area.
- The hotel interior and exterior is a piece of art in itself.!
- Suites can include a mezzanine balcony, roll-top dual baths, log-burning stove and other cool features.
The Samling Hotel
View on BOOKING.COM | TRIPADVISOR RATING 4.5/5
There are three things that make The Sampling hotel one of the best luxury hotels in the Lake District; the amazing riverside view, the fine dining experience and its impressive collection of suites. They’re huge! Sip champagne in a hot tub with a panoramic view of the lake or dine in their conservatory restaurant for just as impressive scenery.
Its north-eastern location on the most popular lake in the national park will keep you entertained for your whole holiday. You have picturesque walks, boat tours and wilderness treks within walking distance. We recommend checking out the hotel’s wine tasting experience too!
Highlights:
- Large rooms and suites that are individually designed, all with plenty of luxury amenities.
- Top-rated cuisine and the option for a Chef’s Table dinner.
- The garden area of the hotel stretches for acres, made up of water gardens, trails and a nice harbourside area.
Cragwood Country House Hotel
View on BOOKING.COM | TRIPADVISOR RATING 5/5
Another country mansion-style hotel situated right on Windermere Lake is Cragwood Country House Hotel. What strikes us as a romantic place for a wedding, its gardens on the eastern shore of Windermere can be enjoyed by everyone! Indulge in afternoon tea out of the patio on a nice sunny day or watch the sun go down with a cocktail. The sunset views here are some of the best you’ll find in the Lake District!
Inside the hotel, you’ll find high ceilings, floral designs, deep sofas and grand fireplaces, all feeling new and fresh whilst fitting with the traditional Edwardian design. Its 23 unique rooms are similarly decorated, and they feel very homely. Food and drink-wise, you can’t go wrong with a fine dining restaurant that offers a 5-course tasting menu!
Highlights:
- Stunning hotel gardens by the lake. Chill out in the sun or enjoy a drink with a view.
- Well-located for exploring the heart of the Lake District.
- A charming Edwardian hotel with a grand interior design.
Applegarth Villa Hotel (Adults only)
View on BOOKING.COM | TRIPADVISOR RATING 4.5/5
Right in the centre of Windermere town, Applegarth Villa is a small boutique hotel that does everything on a small, intimate scale. A big plus for us is its luxurious hot tub suites, where you can relax in your own private outdoor area after a long day of sightseeing.
Inside the hotel, you’ll find a cosy gourmet restaurant and a moody cocktail bar with outdoor seating. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in the Windermere area, which is considered the most central place to stay in the Lake District.
Highlights:
- Unbeatable location in the heart of Windermere town. The shops, restaurants, pubs and main lake are all a short walk away.
- Luxury suites with huge TV’s and outdoor hot tubs.
- In-room massage treatments.
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa
View on BOOKING.COM | TRIPADVISOR RATING 4.5/5
For those that want to explore the less touristic north of the Lake District, the beautiful Armathwaite Hotel is the best place to stay. Located a short stroll from Bassenthwaite Lake, the hotel has an impressive façade, appearing much like a grand English castle. The highlights for us are the two gorgeous swimming pools and a luxury spa.
Swim indoors during the colder months and outdoors when the sun is shining. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in the Lake District if you value a swimming pool! You also have a number of cool activities on your doorstep. Tennis, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery and boat experiences on the lake make Armathwaite a place where you could never get bored.
Highlights:
- Large indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
- Great for families! There’s plenty of activities and family friendly rooms.
- A peaceful location away from the tourist centre of the Lake District.
Storrs Hall
View on Booking.com | Tripadvisor rating 4.5/5
Location is everything in the Lake District… There are many amazing hotels, but nothing quite beats a hotel located right by a lake, with plenty of activities and walking routes on your doorstep. Stoors Hall is exactly that! It’s situated on the shore of Lake Windermere, a short drive south of Bowness.
You’re only a 2-minute walk from the calm water of the lake, providing a tranquil setting to spend your weekend. There’s a pier where you can rent a boat to head straight out on an adventure, or you can simply grab a chair and relax in the hotel gardens all afternoon. Browse the hotel photos for yourself to find out why Stoors Hall is so highly rated.
Highlights:
- An idyllic lake-side hotel with boat hire options.
- A selection of high-end luxury suites with a panoramic view of the gardens.
- For the ultimate luxury experience, rent the hotel ‘boathouse’ – a huge standalone villa.
Broadoaks Country House
View on Tripadvisor | TRIPADVISOR RATING 4.5/5
Broadoaks Country House is nestled inland from Windermere Lake, surrounded by rich countryside and forest terrain. Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, it’s an enchanting place to visit or stay when visiting the Lake District. It’s also 5-stars of luxury, suiting guests that like small, country-style hotels with a warm personality.
Ivy-covered walls cover the hotel and rooms have a wide variety of different décor. Go for a homely and ‘woody’ bijou room or a light and bright garden suite. If you want to really splash out, upgrade to a large ‘Prize Collection’ room, which are packed full of special features. We love the warming vibe of Broadoaks Country House. It’s small but welcoming and is incredibly romantic. It’s a very popular wedding venue!
Highlights:
- The unique collection of rooms and décor. There’s something for every taste.
- Its boutique spa and swimming pool – something you wouldn’t expect in a country house hotel.
- The afternoon tea selection is excellent.
We hope you enjoyed reading our list of the best luxury hotels in the Lake District. Whatever hotel you choose, location is key. The Lakes District covers a huge area and you want to stay close to your favourite attractions, hikes and walking points. Whatever option you go for, we’re sure you’ll be a big fan of the UK’s largest national park.
Inspired and ready to book? Check out our hotel booking guide here for tips on getting the best prices for your dates.
By Ricky
Author bio:An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.
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