11 best hotels in the Lake District 2023 for a wellness-boosting break
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
Googling the “best hotels in the Lake District” as soon as you leave your parents' house after the festive break? We get it. After the endless Christmas parties, boozy work drinks and chaotic family gatherings, there's no surprise you're after a wellness-boosting weekend break in the fresh air.
The Lake District is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in England, and there’s no better way to reset and recharge for the new year than with a low-key staycation. What better place is there to get cosy, goal set and realign with your inner self than with a wellness-focused getaway at the Lake District?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District boasts gorgeous scenery, picturesque villages and plenty of outdoor activities for you to reconnect with Mother Nature. The Lake District’s many fells and summits – including Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, The Old Man of Coniston and Catbells to name but a few – offer some of the most beautiful walks in the entirety of the country.
Elsewhere, the Lake District’s eponymous lakes – Windermere, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Wast Water, Derwentwater, Coniston Water, Thirlmere, Bassenthwaithe and Ullswater – are among the most beautiful in the world. And all that water means that there’s a plethora of water sports available to their visitors, from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to sailing.
Of course, the Lake District has more than just breath-taking natural sites – but plenty of culture and history to boot. Beatrix Potter’s House, the Lakeland Motor Museum, Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage in Grasmere (plus plenty of other family-friendly cultural attractions) mean there’s never a shortage of things to do and see. Not to mention, the whole area is very pet-friendly too (perfect for the PAWrents who treat their fur babies as real babies). Oh, and the best part? The UK is home to some of the best spas in the UK. The hunt for a spa hotel in the Lake District is on.
So — if you’re looking for a weekend getaway minus all the hassle of COVID tests, airport queues and the anxiety of a delayed or cancelled flight, then check out our short-list of the best hotels in the Lake District below. From luxury hotels to manor houses, country house hotels, cosy cottages and charming pubs with rooms, there's sure to be something you're desperate to check into for a quick getaway or week-long stay.
Ahead, the best hotels in the Lake District – including our pick of the best spa hotels in the Lake District.
Best hotels in the Lake District for couples
Spa: Yes
Pool: No
Price per night: Starting from £295Why we love it: This gorgeous Edwardian manor house is situated in the east of the National Park behind Lake Windermere and near the charming town of Penrith. The epitome of subdued elegance, the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is surrounded by perfectly manicured 21 acres of grounds, ideal for mindful walks with alpacas and llamas casually wandering about. There are also natural streams and ponds, with superb walking routes surrounding the property.
The hotel has 31 rooms, each one individually designed, with contemporary yet cosy interiors that make you feel at home. There are Garden Suites and Spa Lodges which are Scandi-chic and offer plenty of tranquillity for a wellness stay. The Spa Lodges in particular are elevated wood and glass lodges, equipped their own private spa facilities. The pièce de resistance however is the six bedroom Lake House, which occupies a former fishing lodge. This stunning luxury guest house is great if you’re doing a goal-setting girls retreat and it even has its own staff. There are two restaurants which celebrate the best of locally sourced Cumbrian ingredients, one British and the other Indian, these are Michelin-starred HRisSHi and Gilpin Spice. (both will take your breath away).
Best hotels in the Lake District with hot tub
Spa: No
Pool: No
Price per night: £490Why we love it: Known as one of the best luxury hotels in Lake Windermere, The Samling sits high above the eastern shore of Lake Windermere and is a cut above the rest in terms of views, hospitality, and pure indulgence. The Samling is a prime spot to discover the charming villages of Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere, which are all within 20 minutes driving distance. This gorgeous country house hotel has everything you need and more for a luxurious wellbeing stay, with the swish interiors (and incredible art collection) adding to the tranquillity of the ambiance.
While The Samling doesn’t have a spa or a pool, there are plenty of areas to relax and tuck in with a good book, from the cosy library to the highly-Instagrammable outdoor and woodland seating areas throughout its 67 acres of grounds. In the summer, The Samling offers a fabulous glamping experience called ‘The Wilderness’. Chic glamping tents are set up in a private terrace which boasts some of the most astounding views of Lake Windermere. The tents come with private chef and butler, with breakfast and dinner served either al fresco or under the stars.
Best spa hotels in the Lake District
Spa: Yes
Pool: Yes
Price per night: from £490Why we love it: Set on the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District is Another Place, a relaxed and contemporary hotel which is just perfect for an active yet romantic weekend break. From exploring the wilderness to swimming beneath a full moon and paddle-boarding across the lake – as well as tucking into Douglas Fir salted cod cheeks in the Rampsbeck Restaurant – there's plenty to occupy your time here. That is, of course, if you can tear yourself away from the Swim Club - the hotel's take on a spa which is comprised of a selection of secluded spaces where you can relax or be active. Think: a 20-meter indoor pool, sauna, treatment rooms, cardio rooms and a sauna. Our treatment of choice? The Land&Water body message. It's incredible.
Best luxury hotels in the Lake District
Spa: No
Pool: No
Price per night: £227Why we love it: You simply can’t do a ‘Best Hotels in the Lake District’ guide without including the cosy yet luxurious Linthwaite House. The epitome of a country house hotel, Linthwaite house, part of the Leeu Collection, is the quintessential Lake District Hotel. This fabulous property is just a short walk away from the majestic Lake Windermere and Bowness and a 30 minute drive away from Grizdale Forest, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and Beatrix Potter’s House. Set away from the usual tourist crowds, Linthwaite House is a classic Edwardian manor house with warm and elegant interiors that will invite you in and make you never want to leave. There are handsome tub armchairs, neutral-toned rugs and a spattering of coffee table books you’ll want to take home, with each corner of the hotel just hankering to be settled into. While there is no spa nor pool, the walking routes offer plenty of natural beauty for you to reset and recharge. The neutral-coloured rooms exude an air of calm, with six chalet-style suites offering a more private stay hidden in the hotel grounds. The hotel’s restaurant, Henrock, is worth mentioning as it is led by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan (from L’Enclume fame). The food is very impressive, but easy, effortless and not too extortionately priced.
Best hotels in the Lake District with lake views
Spa: Yes
Pool: Yes
Price per night: From £227Why we love it: A slightly elevated location means that the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa has some stunning views of Skiddaw, Catbells and the other lakes and fells of the Lake District. Housed in an extended Victorian building, Lodore Falls blends contemporary touches with traditional yet unfussy period features. The hotel has 87 rooms, but not all of them have views, so it’s worth upgrading to a suite for the privilege. We like the Spa Suites, which are the pinnacle of wellness luxe in the Lake District and housed in a new extension. In terms of dining, the Mizu restaurant, which serves some authentic Asian dishes, is a true gem as there are so very few of them around. A lot of guests check-in to the hotel for the spa, which has everything form a thermal suite to outdoor hydrotherapy. Outside the hotel, the Grange, Great Gable and Skiddaw walks are glorious and must be explored and of course, Lodore Falls is just a quick walk away. Cute lakeside town Keswick is also within driving distance, perfect for a day out.
Best romantic hotels in the Lake District
Spa: No
Pool: No
Price per night: From £159Why we love it: The Belsfield Hotel is situated right in the heart of the Lake District and has great lake views, stunning gardens and a wonderfully secluded location on the shores of Lake Windermere. This grand Victorian property, once owned by English designer Laura Ashley, features plenty of the brand’s distinctive light floral patterns, quality textiles and distinctive feminine style. There are 62 rooms either with lake or garden views, all dressed in the country house-chic colour palette of the hotel. The hotel does have a fitness centre, but no spa. However, there is plenty of cosy corners to fall in love with, especially in the two drawing rooms and library. Hawkshead and Coniston are just a quick drive away, while Bowness, which boasts some incredible walks, is literally outside of your doorstep.
Best four star hotels in the Lake District
Spa: Yes
Pool: Yes
Price per night: From £130Why we love it: With a postcard perfect location on the shores of Lake Windermere, the aptly named Lakeside Hotel & Spa certainly can’t be beat in terms of lakeside views and natural landscapes. Once a 17th century coaching inn, the hotel is the perfect place to take a post festive period breather. It’s near all the family-friendly activities of Hawkshead and Grizedale Forest and is a convenient spot to hop on a lake cruise to Bowness or Ambleside. Georgian furnishings meet contemporary design touches, with rooms looking exactly like what you’re imagining a quintessential lakeside retreat would look like. We like the Lake View rooms, which are generously sized and have some dazzling marble bathrooms. The hotel’s impressive leisure centre has everything from a steam room/hammam and sauna to a heated spa garden and 17-metre swimming pool. Dining is a tad formal in the wood-panelled Lakeview dining room, but there is also the more relaxed John Ruskin brasserie for a casual bite to eat.
Best country house hotels in the Lake District
Spa: Yes
Pool: Yes
Price per night: £147Why we love it: From the outside looking in, you’d easily assume that the Daffodil Hotel & Spa was a traditional manor house hotel. However, once you step inside, you’ll instantly be greeted by vibrant contemporary interiors and an air of casual and effortless luxury that’s quite a rarity in this neck of the woods. The hotel is the only one in the area with a prime location on the shores of Grasmere, which means it has got better lakeside views than anywhere else. Most rooms overlook the lakes, while Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, a beloved Lake District attraction, is just next door.
The Daffodil Hotel & Spa’s spacious lake terrace is the best spot for journaling, meditating, taking in the beautiful natural scenery or simply enjoying some afternoon tea. The hotel spa is the real star of the show at The Daffodil. The spa is complete with sauna, steam room, a relaxation lounge and swimming pool, with five treatment rooms available for you to indulge in a relaxing massage and forget about the stress of the day to day.
Best hotels Lake Windermere
Spa: No
Pool: No
Price per night: From £268Why we love it: Located in the southern part of Lake Windermere, Storrs Hall is a luxury 18th century Victorian country house hotel with the most stunning lake views. Just a quick drive from the cultural attractions of Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, Storrs Hall offers much more than just views. This historical hall has welcomed some impressive guests over the years including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Inside, this quintessentially English hotel is elegant and contemporary with period features still honouring the hall’s storied past. Picture neutral toned wallpapers, free-standing baths and luxury textiles, all coming together to create an effect that is luxurious without being too stiff.
The Lakeside Suites, set literally on the shore, are certainly worth the upgrade with each suite boasting its own terrace and private hot tub. The restaurant is casual and highlighting the best of seasonal produce on offer. For the ultimate wellness retreat, check-in to the converted boathouse which has its own steam room, private hot tub and fire pit. Perfect for a mindful weekend away with your favourite gal pals.
Best B&Bs in the Lake District
Spa: No
Pool: No
Price per night: From £139Why we love it: Conscious travellers will love Moss Grove Organic, a sustainable bed and breakfast in the charming village of Grasmere. Moss Grove Organic has been a village guest house for over 90 years and has plenty of history with the town. The B&B is conveniently located near all the village’s top attractions which include Wordsworth’s Museum and Dove Cottage, Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread shop and all the charming antique shops, cafés and tearooms in town. Ambleside and Lake Windermere are just a ten minute drive away too. Everything about Moss Organic is centred around sustainability and it uses plenty of organic produce and natural, responsibly sourced materials. There isn’t much in terms of facilities, but with all the wonders of Grasmere just outside your doorstep, you will be spoilt for choice in terms of dining, shopping and outdoor fun.
Best dog friendly hotels in the Lake District
Spa: Yes
Pool: Yes
Price per night: from £150Why we love it: Once the home of the Earls of Londsale, you’ll certainly feel like Cumbrian royalty during your stay at Askham Hall. Located in the medieval Askham Village in Penrith, Askham Hall is just a quick drive away from Ullswater, Derwentwater and Lowther Castle. Parapets, stone griffins and an imposing façade certainly exude medieval fortress vibes, but inside comfort and coyness reign supreme. There’s a vaulted library which is a wonderful place to enjoy a cuppa in the winter. There’s also a small spa, sauna and outdoor heated pool. Askham Hall’s real jewel is the hotel’s perfectly manicured gardens, which feature a colourful array of foliage that would impress even the most avid gardeners. Another jewel is the two AA Rosette award-winning restaurant, led by Chef Richard Swale, which offers time and tested English classic dishes with a twist. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to stay the night in a stately home, now is your chance!
