Best boutique hotels in the Lake District, UK

The UK has such a range of options when it comes to domestic holidays. From the beauty of bonnie Edinburgh to seaside retreats in Brighton and cool urban hotels in London, no matter what you fancy you’re bound to find somewhere fab to rest your head and enjoy some good old-fashioned hospitality. One of the most popular holiday destinations for all ages, Cumbria promises trendy eateries, wild nature, and some of the most beautiful accommodations around. Here are our picks for the best boutique hotels in the Lake District.

The best boutique hotels in the Lake District, UK

1. Another Place, The Lake | Ullswater

Another Place, The Lake steps up as the perfect destination for a fun-filled vacation thanks to its scenic surroundings and impressive array of recreational facilities. Here, travellers can play to their hearts’ content, with activities like open-water swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking.

In creating the look of Another Place, the design firm Household took inspiration from the lake’s natural features and the original building’s 19th-century roots. Expect locally crafted bespoke furniture, a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and plenty of glass to frame the picturesque Lake District landscape. Designed by Matt Hulme of award-winning Dynargh Design, the rooms blend original hotel features, modern furnishings, and nature-inspired wallpaper for a relaxed yet stylish aesthetic. And for the special Joules Suite, Hannah Coates of the clothing brand Joules opted for bold colours and vintage décor for extra oomph.

Don’t miss a visit to Swim Club where a 20-metre indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, a cardio room, and treatment rooms await.

Find out more about Another Place, The Lake

2. The Forest Side | Grasmere

Set in the magical Lake District landscape, The Forest Side looks like the setting of a classic gothic fairytale. This elegant Victorian manor dates back to 1853, and interiors by acclaimed designer James Mackie pay tribute to its heritage retaining original Victorian features such as the fireplaces and imposing high ceilings. Each of the 20 rooms are bright and luxuriously appointed, with plush Westmorland beds, deluxe Herdwick wool carpets, and bespoke wall coverings. Pet-friendly guestrooms are available too.

And of course, the Michelin-starred restaurant is reason enough to visit The Forest Side. Head Chef Paul Leonard serves modern and flavourful Cumbrian cuisine using fresh ingredients from the kitchen garden, creating one of the best dining experiences in the region. Outside, enchanting English gardens are the perfect place for a relaxing stroll.

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3. Brimstone Hotel | Ambleside

It’s all about laidback luxury at Brimstone Hotel, a 16-bedroom boutique spa hotel in the heart of the Lake District. The chalet-style building beautifully blends into the serene woodland surroundings, with Carlisle-based architectural practice Unwin Jones Partnership using natural materials like slate and wood to enhance its sense of place. Inside, the vibe is chic and modern with rooms individually designed and inclusive of plush furnishings, wood-burning stoves, and private balconies overlooking the natural surroundings.

As part of Langdale Estate, the hotel’s guests enjoy complimentary access to a host of premium facilities, including a luxury spa, swimming pool, fitness studio, and sauna. The Reading Room is a cozy nook in the hotel that’s the perfect spot to relax with a drink at any hour of the day. A few minutes from Brimstone, the Stove Restaurant offers a refined dining experience for guests.

Find out more about Brimstone Hotel

4. Randy Pike | Ambleside

Formerly a 19th-century shooting lodge for Wray Castle, Randy Pike is now an ultra-chic boutique hotel in the Lake District that’s a lovely place to settle in close to Windermere. It’s the home of Andy and Chrissy Hill, and the restauranteurs made sure that the four generously sized guestrooms have plenty of character. Unlike many of the traditionally styled hotels of the area, this beautiful villa is designed with a bohemian flair. Think loud patterns, plush designer fabrics, bespoke and vintage furnishings, gilded mirrors, and offbeat art pieces. Features inside the bedrooms are super-sized, from the shockingly large bathrooms to the gigantic beds. As an extra indulgence, breakfast is even served straight to the room.

Outside, there are sprawling gardens to wander as well as some of the best walking trails in the country nearby.

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5. The Cottage in the Wood | Braithwaite (near Keswick)

Often referred to as a “restaurant-with-rooms,” The Cottage in the Wood is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant serving top-notch dishes by renowned chef Ben Wilkinson. At night, the candlelit establishment is an especially alluring haunt for foodies. But while the spotlight is deservedly on food and drink, the rest of this retreat is just as worthy of acclaim.

Trust us when we say that The Cottage in the Wood is as charming as it sounds. As the name suggests, this 17th-century boutique hotel is perched on a secluded spot high up in the Whinlatter Forest, and it’s easy to feel at home in this tranquil woodland setting. Guestrooms come in varying sizes; each one is ultra-cozy and designed with a contemporary eye. This may be a cottage in the heart of the woods but from the sophisticated cuisine to the gracefully appointed rooms, there’s no roughing it here.

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6. The Black Bull | Sedbergh

Head to the edge of Lake District where The Black Bull sits in the charming town of Sedbergh. Thoughtfully restored by Up North Architects, this 17th-century inn and dining room is impeccably fashioned with muted hues, textured wall features, and exposed beams. The 18 individually designed bedrooms do not disappoint, with clean lines, modern light fixtures, large beds, and photographs by award-winning Rob Whitrow. A peek into the Superior, Luxury, and Suite guestrooms will reveal Zen-like spaces inspired in part by Japanese design and culture. Some rooms offer beautiful views of the fell.

Food and drink at the in-house gastropub are exceptional, especially for gourmands who enjoy British cuisine with a hint of European and Asian inspiration. Found in the heart of the town, Black Bull is a must-visit for anyone passing by Sedbergh.

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7. Linthwaite House | Windermere

It’s hard to imagine a lovelier lakeside setting than Linthwaite House, perched as it is on a peaceful hilltop overlooking Windermere. The Edwardian country house hotel is surrounded by 14 acres of flawlessly manicured gardens and woodlands, creating a lush sanctuary that’s the perfect place for lazy days enjoying the finer things in life. Whether that means playing boules or giant outdoor chess or sipping on a glass of wine, it’s up to you.

Interiors are lush but never heavy-handed; from the sunlit conservatory to the cozy bedrooms, designer Beverley Boswell worked painstakingly to create rich spaces that balance design and comfort. Local British craftsmanship is highlighted throughout, with pieces by Soane Britain, Porta Romana, and other top-end artists. As a bonus for guests, Michelin-awarded chef Simon Rogan carves a space for himself in the Lake District’s thriving foodie scene with Linthwaite’s in-house restaurant Henrock.

Find out more about Linthwaite House

8. The Wild Boar | Windermere

One of the Lake District’s oldest and finest hotels, the17th-century Wild Boar is a traditional country inn with a friendly atmosphere. Look out for the fashionably rustic lounge fitted with roaring fireplaces, comfortably worn leather armchairs, oak beams, and vintage photographs. Bedrooms blend classic décor and modern amenities, while larger rooms feature extra luxuries like freestanding tubs, canopy beds, and velvet chairs.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience at the Grill & Smokehouse, which puts a twist on classic Cumbrian dishes with a bit of inspiration from the Middle East and Italy. Home-brewed beers are available. The historic hotel also boasts a private woodlands and walking trails, a plus for outdoorsy travellers eager to explore this scenic corner of Lakeland.

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9. The Samling Hotel | Windermere

Beckoning from the northeastern shores of Lake Windermere, this dream of a hotel promises breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding woodlands. Soak in the natural beauty of the 67-acre grounds, from the ornamental water gardens to the wildflower meadows. In the glass-walled dining room, guests can savour flavourful dishes by head chef Robby Jenks and vino from the award-winning wine cellar. An outdoor hot tub is tucked away in the gardens for total privacy, the perfect spot to spend sunset gazing over the verdant hills and Windermere.

Light-filled and breezy, the interiors of the Samling reflect the calm hues of nature in shades of grey, blue, and green. Abstract artworks adorn the walls, adding modern flavour to the relaxed style of luxury in this Georgian hotel. The twelve pristine rooms are as tranquil as the rest of the property, with Hypnos mattresses, fine-quality fabrics, and pretty lake or garden views.

Find out more about The Samling Hotel

10. Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa | Bassenthwaite

Deep in the Lake District near Bassenthwaite Lake sits the magnificent Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa. The stately country home is tucked away in a 400-acre expanse of deer park and woodland, a secluded and scenic retreat for a spell in the countryside.

Dating back to the 17th century, Armathwaite Hall features interiors worthy of the its heritage (if those walls could talk!) Every area is more ornate than the next, with details like wooden paneling, grand chandeliers, and marble fireplaces. Prepare for elegantly appointed guestrooms where visitors can wake up to exceptional views of the lake or the sprawling gardens. Hotel facilities are second to none, including tennis courts, swimming pools, and multiple dining establishments. Spa designer Douglas Wallace put together a world-class retreat for the property featuring an infinity pool, a hot tub, and treatment rooms too.

Find out more about Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa

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