Holiday! Celebrate at the best boutique hotels in the Lake District, Cumbria

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

Location: Another Place, The Lake, Watermillock, Penrith CA11 0LP, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Lakeside countryside on the eastern shore of Ullswater
Rooms: 47 rooms, including family suites, cottages and shepherd’s huts
Style: Contemporary country-house design with natural materials and lake-inspired interiors
Family-friendly: Yes; family suites, cottages, children’s activities and a supervised kids’ zone
Wellness: Swim Club, sauna, outdoor hot tub, fitness room and treatment rooms
Pool: 20-metre indoor swimming pool
Dining: Three restaurants, with options for relaxed and more formal dining
Best for: Families, outdoor activities, lake views and active countryside breaks
Prices starting from: £220 per night, depending on room and season.

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 paddleboarding, 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 or Book through Booking.com

2. The Forest Side | Grasmere

Location: Keswick Road, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9RN, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Woodland and countryside just outside Grasmere village
Rooms: 20 individually designed bedrooms
Style: Victorian Gothic manor with elegant country-house interiors
Family-friendly: Children are welcome; pet-friendly rooms are also available
Wellness: Gardens, woodland walks and nearby hiking trails
Pool: No
Dining: Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Cumbrian cuisine
Best for: Food lovers, romantic escapes and walking holidays
Prices starting from: £339 per night, depending on room and season.

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 is 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.

Find out more about The Forest Side or Book through Booking.com

3. Brimstone Hotel | Ambleside

Location: Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9JD, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Langdale Estate, surrounded by woodland and fells
Rooms: 16 individually designed rooms
Style: Contemporary chalet-style luxury with natural slate, timber, wood-burning stoves and private balconies
Family-friendly: Adults-only hotel
Wellness: Brimstone Spa, sauna, fitness studio and treatment facilities
Pool: Indoor swimming pool at the Langdale Estate
Dining: The Stove Restaurant, a short walk from the hotel
Best for: Couples, luxury spa breaks and peaceful countryside escapes
Prices starting from: Approximately £500 per night, depending on room and season.

It’s all about laid-back 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

Location: Randy Pike, Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0JZ, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Rural countryside near Lake Windermere
Rooms: Four generously sized guest rooms
Style: Bohemian country-house interiors with vintage furniture, bold patterns and eclectic artwork
Family-friendly: Best suited to couples and adult travellers; check room suitability for children
Wellness: Gardens and access to nearby walking trails
Pool: No
Dining: Breakfast served in the room
Best for: Couples, design-conscious travellers and intimate countryside stays
Prices starting from: Approximately £300 per night, depending on room and season.

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 restaurateurs 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.

Find out more about Randy Pike

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

Location: Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick CA12 5TW, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Secluded woodland setting in Whinlatter Forest
Rooms: Nine contemporary guest rooms
Style: Cosy, contemporary country retreat with woodland-inspired interiors
Family-friendly: Children aged 10 and above are welcome
Wellness: Woodland walks and a peaceful natural setting
Pool: No
Dining: Michelin-starred restaurant serving seasonal cuisine
Best for: Food-focused escapes, couples and peaceful woodland retreats
Prices starting from: £400 per night, depending on room and season.

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-cosy 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.

Find out more about The Cottage in the Wood

6. The Black Bull | Sedbergh

Location: 44 Main Street, Sedbergh LA10 5BL, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Historic town centre, on the eastern edge of the Lake District
Rooms: 18 individually designed bedrooms
Style: Restored 17th-century coaching inn with contemporary furnishings and Japanese-inspired details
Family-friendly: Children are welcome; confirm room suitability when booking
Wellness: Nearby countryside walks and outdoor activities
Pool: No
Dining: In-house gastropub serving British cuisine with European and Asian influences
Best for: Foodies, walkers and travellers exploring the eastern Lake District
Prices starting from: £169 per night, including breakfast, depending on room and season.

Head to the edge of the 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.

Find out more about The Black Bull or Book through Booking.com

7. Linthwaite House | Windermere

Location: Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JA, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Hilltop estate overlooking Lake Windermere
Rooms: 36 rooms and suites
Style: Elegant Edwardian country house with contemporary furnishings and British craftsmanship
Family-friendly: Children are welcome; cots and high chairs are available
Wellness: Gardens, woodland grounds and outdoor activities
Pool: No
Dining: Henrock, serving modern cuisine by Simon Rogan’s team
Best for: Romantic stays, fine dining and scenic lake views
Prices starting from: £270 per night, depending on room and season.

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 cosy 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 or Book through Booking.com

8. Wild Boar Estate | Windermere

Location: Crook Road, Crook, Windermere LA23 3NF, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Gilpin Valley, surrounded by private woodland
Rooms: 31 bedrooms
Style: Traditional 17th-century country inn with rustic interiors, exposed oak beams and fireplaces
Family-friendly: Yes; suitable for families and dog owners
Wellness: Private woodland, walking trails and outdoor activities
Pool: No
Dining: Grill & Smokehouse, serving Cumbrian-inspired dishes, alongside an on-site brewery
Best for: Countryside escapes, dog-friendly stays and traditional pub dining
Prices starting from: £135 per night, depending on room and season.

One of the Lake District’s oldest and finest hotels, the17th-century Wild Boar Estate 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 private woodlands and walking trails, a plus for outdoorsy travellers eager to explore this scenic corner of Lakeland.

Find out more about Wild Boar Estate or Book through Booking.com

9. The Samling Hotel | Windermere

Location: Ambleside Road, Windermere LA23 1LR, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Hillside estate overlooking the northeastern shore of Lake Windermere
Rooms: 12 individually designed rooms
Style: Georgian country-house luxury with contemporary artwork and nature-inspired interiors
Family-friendly: Best suited to couples and adults seeking a quiet luxury stay
Wellness: Outdoor hot tub, gardens and landscaped grounds
Pool: No
Dining: Fine dining restaurant with seasonal menus and an award-winning wine cellar
Best for: Romantic escapes, fine dining and panoramic lake views
Prices starting from: Approximately £450 per night, depending on room and season.

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 or Book through Booking.com

10. Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa | Bassenthwaite

Location: Bassenthwaite Lake, Keswick CA12 4RE, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: Secluded country estate beside Bassenthwaite Lake
Rooms: 46 rooms and suites
Style: Historic 17th-century country house with traditional interiors and ornate period details
Family-friendly: Yes; family rooms, children’s facilities and designated swimming times
Wellness: Full-service spa, treatment rooms, hot tub and outdoor hydrotherapy facilities
Pool: Indoor swimming pool and outdoor infinity hydrotherapy pool
Dining: Multiple restaurants, including The Dining Room and The Grill
Best for: Spa breaks, families and traditional country-house luxury
Prices starting from: Approximately £249 per night, depending on available offers, depending on room and season.

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 its heritage (if those walls could talk!) Every area is more ornate than the next, with details like wooden panelling, 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 or Book through Booking.com

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