Where to Stay in the Lake District: Best Hotels & Areas
Where to Stay in the Lake District: Best Hotels & Areas
The Lake District is one of England’s most beautiful regions, and choosing the right place to stay can completely transform your trip. From luxury spa hotels to cosy dog-friendly inns and lakeside retreats with breathtaking views, there’s something for every type of traveller. If you’re still in the planning stage, my Ultimate Lake District Guide is the perfect starting point, while this post will help you discover the best hotels and areas to book.
In this guide, I include only hotels with strong reputations. Plus, many I’ve stayed in myself and share my own experiences.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.
Where to Stay in Keswick/Borrowdale
Keswick is a bustling market town surrounded by fells, sitting on the shores of Derwentwater. It’s known for its outdoor shops, lively market square, and easy access to walks such as Catbells and Latrigg. Just outside town, the Borrowdale valley is one of the most scenic areas of the Lakes.
PERSONAL FAVOURITE
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
I stayed here and it’s truly memorable. We had a waterfall-view room which was incredible, waking up to that view felt like a dream. The walks around Derwentwater are right on your doorstep. The spa is a highlight, with great views.
→ Check prices and availability at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Other good options:
Skiddaw Hotel (££)
central to Keswick, good for walkers.
→ Check prices and availability at Skiddaw Hotel
Borrowdale Hotel (££)
Atmospheric, with a strong reputation.
→ Check prices and availability at Borrowdale Hotel
Where to Stay in Windermere & Bowness
Windermere is the most famous of the lakes, and Bowness is its lively lakeside town. This area is perfect if you want to get out on the water, visit attractions like The World of Beatrix Potter, or enjoy lake cruises. There’s plenty of dining and shopping too, making it a great all-rounder base.
PERSONAL FAVOURITE
Gilpin Hotel &
Lake House
This is luxury at its best. We stayed in the Lake House and had a spa suite on another trip. Waking up to lake views from the suite was one of the best stays I’ve had.
→ Check prices and availability at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Other good options:
The Ro Hotel (££)
We stayed here. It’s walkable into Bowness, making it a great base. The views over Windermere add to its charm.
→ Check prices and availability at The Ro Hotel
The Samling (£££)
This hotel is perched near Windermere, and the views are spectacular. Guests love the serene setting, beautiful design, and fine dining.
→ Check prices and availability at The Samling
The Belsfield Hotel (£££)
Another stay of ours, it offers panoramic views over Windermere, is set in gardens, and is within walking distance of Bowness.
→ Check prices and availability at The Belsfield
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (£££)
Resort-style with prime location by the lake and many facilities in one place (spa, dining, views).
→ Check prices and availability at Low Wood Bay
Storrs Hall (£££)
Grand Georgian mansion right on Windermere’s shore,
with sweeping lawns and lake access.
→ Check prices and availability at Storrs Hall
Langdale Chase (£££)
Beautifully renovated lakeside hotel with historic charm and unrivalled views.
→ Check prices and availability at Langdale Chase
Where to Stay in Elterwater & Great Langdale
Elterwater is a tiny, picture-perfect village, and Great Langdale is one of the most dramatic valleys in the Lake District. It’s a paradise for walkers, with routes to Sticklebarn, Bowfell, and the Langdale Pikes.
PERSONAL FAVOURITE
Langdale Hotel & Spa
We stayed here; the waterside rooms overlooking the beck are peaceful and gorgeous, with main hotel rooms
and lodges are available too.
→ Check prices and availability at Langdale Hotel & Spa
Other good options:
Eltermere Inn (££)
Traditional inn, delightful setting.
→ Check prices and availability at Eltermere Inn
Britannia Inn (£)
Budget-friendly and welcoming.
→ Check prices and availability at Britannia Inn
Where to Stay in Grasmere
Grasmere is often described as one of the prettiest villages in England. It’s famous for its connection to William Wordsworth, who lived here, and for its Gingerbread Shop which has been baking since the 1800s. The village is surrounded by walks, from easy strolls around Grasmere Lake to more challenging hikes up Helm Crag.
Top pick:
The Daffodil Hotel & Spa (£££)
A stylish modern hotel on the shores of Grasmere, offering spa facilities, a hydrotherapy pool, and sweeping lake views. Perfect if you want luxury but still want to be close to the village.
→ Check prices and availability at The Daffodil
Other optionS:
The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa (££)
classic comfort, with spa amenities in the heart of the village
→ Check prices and availability at The Wordsworth Hotel
The Swan at Grasmere (££)
A traditional inn with charm and character.
→ Check prices and availability at The Swan
Where to Stay in Ambleside
Ambleside is one of the most popular towns in the Lakes. At the north end of Windermere, it’s known for its lively atmosphere, cosy pubs, and nearby walks. You can hike up to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall, explore Rydal Mount, or hop on a Windermere lake cruise.
Top pick:
Rothay Manor (£££)
Elegant country house hotel with refined dining and beautiful interiors.
→ Check prices and availability at Rothay Manor
Other optionS:
Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa (££)
modern, central, with a pool and spa.
→ Check prices and availability at Ambleside Salutation
Waterhead Inn (££)
right by the lake with cosy rooms and hearty food.
→ Check prices and availability at Waterhead Inn
Other lovely places to stay
Coniston
A quieter base, famous for Coniston Water and the Old Man of Coniston hike.
The Coniston Inn (££)
lakeside, relaxed.
→ Check prices and availability at The Coniston Inn
Ullswater
Home to the Ullswater Steamers and Aira Force waterfall. A less busy lake but with luxury touches.
Inn on the Lake (£££)
Elegant and right on the water.
→ Check prices and availability at Inn on the Lake
Buttermere
Known for dramatic scenery and incredible walking. Buttermere Lake is one of the most photogenic spots in the Lakes.
Bridge Hotel Buttermere (££)
cosy inn with mountain views.
→ Check prices and availability at Bridge Hotel Buttermere
Where to Stay Without a Car
If you’re travelling without a car, base yourself in Windermere, Ambleside, or Keswick. Windermere has the main train station, with buses and boats linking to other towns. Keswick is accessible by bus from Penrith station.
Best picks:
Fellpack House (Keswick, ££)
→ Check prices and availability at Fellpack House
The Ro Hotel (Windermere, ££)
→ Check prices and availability at The Ro Hotel
Rothay Manor (Ambleside, ££)
→ Check prices and availability at Rothay Manor
Where to Stay with Dogs
The Lake District is heaven for dog owners, with endless trails and pet-friendly pubs.
Top dog-friendly hotels:
Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick (££)
Very popular with walkers and their dogs.
→ Check prices and availability at Skiddaw Hotel
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere (£££)
some Spa Lodges are dog-friendly.
→ Check prices and availability at Gilpin Hotel
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa (£££)
Dog-friendly rooms and Derwentwater walks.
→ Check prices and availability at Lodore Falls
Where to Stay with a Spa
If you’re craving relaxation, these hotels have standout spa facilities:
The Daffodil Hotel & Spa (Grasmere, £££)
→ Check prices and availability at The Daffodil
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa (£££)
→ Check prices and availability at Lodore Falls
Langdale Hotel & Spa (££)
→ Check prices and availability at Langdale Hotel
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (£££)
→ Check prices and availability at Low Wood Bay
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere (£££)
→ Check prices and availability at Gilpin Hotel
Where to Stay with Great Views
Wake up to a picture-perfect Lake District panorama at these hotels:
The Daffodil Hotel & Spa (Grasmere, £££)
→ Check prices and availability at The Daffodil
The Samling (Windermere, £££)
→ Check prices and availability at The Samling
Gilpin Lake House (Windermere, £££)
→ Check prices and availability at Gilpin Hotel
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa (Keswick, £££)
→ Check prices and availability at Lodore Falls
The Belsfield Hotel (Windermere, £££)
→ Check prices and availability at The Belsfield
Beech Hill Hotel & Spa (Windermere, ££)
→ Check prices and availability at Beech Hill
Storrs Hall (Windermere, £££)
→ Check prices and availability at Storrs Hall
Langdale Chase (Windermere, £££)
→ Check prices and availability at Langdale Chase
Map of the Lake District
More things to do in the Lake District
Final Tips and Booking Advice
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and the best advice I can give is to book your accommodation early, especially if you’re travelling in summer or over a weekend. The most sought-after hotels, particularly those with spas or lake views, can fill up months in advance.
If you’re still choosing which area to base yourself in, think carefully about the kind of trip you want. Windermere and Bowness are ideal if you’d like a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, while Keswick is a dream for walkers who want direct access to Derwentwater and the northern fells. For something quieter, villages like Grasmere or Elterwater offer a slower pace with plenty of charm.
If you’d like even more inspiration before booking, I’ve also written about 8 unmissable things to do in the Lake District, which is perfect for planning activities alongside your stay. And if you’re looking for a complete overview, my Ultimate Lake District Guide brings together the best walks, attractions, and tips to help you plan your trip from start to finish. Together with this hotel guide, you’ll have everything you need to design a Lake District getaway that feels tailored to you.
Ultimate guide to the Lake District
The Ultimate Guide to the Lake District reveals the Lake District, Cumbria UK to you in all of its glory, providing insight into the history, geography and activities that the area offers. Covering 8 areas of the Lake District, including where to dine, places to stay and things to do. It’s your go-to for planning a trip to one of the UK’s most beautiful locations. This is a 63-page PDF digital download.
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