From a shepherd’s hut to a Georgian mansion, here are our top picks of places to stay in the Lake District
Inn on the Lake, Ullswater Recently awarded 4 AA stars and two rosettes, this hotel is perfect if you want to experience fine dining. Surrounded by 15 acres of grounds and the shores of Lake Ullswater, the hotel offers bedrooms with spectacular views, some with a private balcony. Enjoy a trip on the Ullswater Steamers to cruise the lake, or spend the afternoon on the hotel’s nine hole pitch & putt golf course. Inn on the Lake, Lake Ullswater, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0PE, 017684 82444, http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/innonthelake/index.php
Storrs Hall, Windermere This Grade ll Georgian mansion offers an idyllic setting to enjoy a luxury hotel experience. With unrivalled views of Lake Windermere from each window, you can choose to stay in one of 30 grand bedrooms or within a cosy log cabin. The grounds also include a boathouse and National Trust-owned monument, ‘Temple of the Heroes’. During the hall’s private ownership, Lakeland poets William Wordsworth and Robert Southey were among guests who enjoyed residing here. Storrs Hall, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3LG, 015394 47111, http://www.storrshall.com
Lindeth Howe, Bowness-on-Windermere Peaceful and breathtaking views surround this country house hotel. Once owned by children’s author Beatrix Potter, this four-star hotel is located just outside the village of Bowness-on-Windermere and overlooks Lake Windermere. The hotel enjoys a fine reputation for food with 2 AA rosettes and cosy lounges. For further relaxation, it has a pool and spa treatments. Lindeth Howe, Lindeth Drive, Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JF, 015394 45759, http://www.lindeth-howe.co.uk/
The Eltermere Inn, Elterwater Nestled in the Langdale Valley, this hotel is ideal for an active outdoors break. Relax in one of the 12 contemporary bedrooms before enjoying a walk with beautiful scenery through the pikes and fells. Locally sourced food is served in the dining room, and on a beautiful day you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea on the terrace. The Eltermere Inn, Elterwater, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9HY, 015394 37207, www.elterwaterparkguesthouse.co.uk
Drybeck Farm, Armathwaite A tailor-made outdoor holiday in the Eden Valley, this farm offers glamping accommodation without the compromise of luxury. Stay in a traditional Mongolian Yurt or a gypsy caravan. Set on the banks of the river Eden, yurts are handcrafted from locally grown timber and interiors decorated with vintage furniture, soft colours and a wood burning stove to keep you warm on chilly evenings. It’s the perfect rural retreat. Drybeck Farm, Armathwaite, Nr Carlisle, Cumbria, CA4 9ST, 0785 452 3012, http://www.drybeckfarm.co.uk/yurts2.html#thumb
The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Windermere If you’re after a break full of luxurious pampering in a serene setting, then this Georgian hotel fits the bill. Relax with some treatments in the Jetty (Lake House Spa) or chill out in one of the outdoor hot tubs before retiring to your beautiful bedroom or suite. If you’re feeling peckish, enjoy afternoon tea in the bright conservatory. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Crook Road, Windermere, Lake District, LA23 3NE, 015394 88818, http://thegilpin.co.uk/
Linnett Hill, Keswick, Cumbria This beautiful Regency B&B provides contemporary accommodation in the North Lakeland town of Keswick. Ideally situated in the centre of Keswick opposite Fitz Park, this is the perfect base for those who want to spend time in both a town and the Lake District National Park. Explore Keswick’s market square with its many shops, pubs and restaurants or stroll to the shores of Derwentwater within ten minutes. 4 Penrith Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4HF, 017687 44518, http://www.linnetthillhotel.com/
Grasmere Hotel, Grasmere Winner of the Trip Advisor ‘Travellers’ Choice 2014’ award, this picturesque Victorian country house provides guests with stylish and contemporary accommodation along with excellent food. Enjoy stunning views of Grasmere from your bedroom or tuck into breakfast and dinner in the conservatory restaurant which overlooks the secluded garden and the river Rothay. Local attractions include William Wordsworth’s home, Dove Cottage and the Grasmere Ginger Bread Shop. The Grasmere Hotel, Broadgate, Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 9TA, 015394 35277, http://www.grasmerehotel.co.uk/
Randy Pike, Ambleside A stylishly converted gentleman’s hunting lodge on the Wray Castle estate near Ambleside, this is owned and run by Cumbrian locals Andy and Chrissy Hills. Three sumptuous suites are luxuriously decorated, with GHD hair-straighteners and complimentary L’Occitane products for you to use during your stay. Each room also features a flat-screen TV and pre-loaded iPod with a Bose sound system. If you can draw yourself away from the room, you can stroll to nearby Blelham Tarn or mountain bike across Ambleside. Randy Pike, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JP, 015394 36088, http://www.randypike.co.uk/Welcome.html
Crake Trees Manor, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith Fancy a night under the stars but a tent just isn’t your cup of tea? This shepherd’s hut is the perfect option to enjoy the great outdoors but with the warmth and comfort of a hotel. The hut’s Scandinavian-style décor, with pale washed boarding, an oak floor and tiny wood stove compliments the oak bed and fluffy rug. The hut is adorned with candles and a lantern to softly light your evening. With a fridge, TV and kettle, you’ll have all the amenities of a hotel but with a unique experience. Crake Trees Manor, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 3JG, 01931 715205, http://www.craketreesmanor.co.uk/?q=shepherds-hut
