Cumbria’s hotels range from the painstakingly ecological to the unrestrainedly luxurious. Most take full advantage of the stunning Cumbrian landscape, whilst paying equal attention to their rooms, restaurants and, yes, hot tubs. Here’s our guide to the best.
Grasmere is the cultural heart of the Lake District, largely thanks to William Wordsworth wandering lonely as a cloud around here back in the early 19th century. These days the village revolves around tourism, full of open-top buses and camera-wielding day-trippers. And while there are plenty of pleasant little B&Bs and private cottages, it sorely lacked a top-quality hotel. Not anymore. Hotelier Andrew Wildsmith has spent over £4m renovating a fairytale Victorian Manor which opened to the public in early 2016. It’s something of an understatement to say it’s money well spent.
Famed for personalising your visit in advance, The Samling is at the higher end of Cumbria’s hotel offerings – it even boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant. Situated in 67 acres of land, with contemporary art works dotted about its gardens, this hotel commands lake views, a kitchen garden and a wide range of luxury rooms.
Lawson Park Farm Cottage near Coniston is stylish holiday accomodation indeed. Winner of a prestigious Royal Institution of British Architecture Award it combines eco-features with interior artworks to deliver a quirky yet luxurious self-catering get away. Originally part of John Ruskin’s estate at Brantwood, the setting is stunning – inside and out – in its own gardens and with views across the Crake Valley to the Coniston Fells.
The independent and award-winning Trout Hotel sits on the bank of the River Derwent in Cockermouth, which is pretty much as idyllic and relaxing a setting as you can get. Inside, you’ll find good, old fashioned service and a welcome attention to detail; it’s run by an enthusiastic team who go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.
Bisoi B&B commands a globally loyal clientele and staggeringly high satisfaction rates. Situated in the picturesque village of Braithwaite, outside Keswick, the B&B offers just two individually designed suites with stunning views over the Lakeland fells. Best of all, home baked biscuits or cake are available daily.
This historic inn serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Cumbrian countryside.
Dramatic landscapes and beautiful wilderness surround this Michelin awarded restaurant and hotel.
Gilpin Lake House is a stunning Lake District getaway, hosting just 16 guests on 100 acres of private grounds, with its own lake.
In a picturesque nook of Cumbria’s Eden Valley, Askham Hall offers luxury accommodation in a historic country house just outside of Penrith.
Close to the centre of Penrith, Bank House is a stylish family-run bed and breakfast, in a Victorian house with a traditional garden.
You’ll find cosy rooms and a welcoming bar and restaurant serving down-home cuisine. Located in the centre of Kendal near all major attractions.
A vast hotel housed partly in a fascinating former industrial building, the Riverside looks directly over the River Kent.
Set in the countryside five minutes outside of Kendal itself, but still within easy reach, the Castle Green promises a relaxing city break.
The Swan Hotel in Newby Bridge is a boutique hotel with quirky rooms and cottages, based at the tip of Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
Award-winning and wonderfully unique boutique hotel at the heart of the Lake District.
A luxurious four star hotel in Grasmere, in the heart of the Lake District.
Lake District accommodation that manages to be luxurious and environmentally friendly at the same time.
The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.
It was good enough for Wordsworth and Wainwright... From Kendal in the south to Carlisle in the north, we sniff out the best bookish shenanigans in Cumbria.
A selection of some of most rewarding and beautiful walks in Penrith, full of chances to catch open air and natural attraction.
A round-up of the best walks in Kendal, including the town centre, official tours and the surrounding area by Creative Tourist.
Cumbria is studded with fantastic museums - read our picks of the best here.
Ranging from impressive, nationally-significant collections in Grade listed buildings, to historic houses that now have a particular focus on local, contemporary artists, here's our guide to Cumbria's collection of art galleries.
Cumbria is far from short of good places to eat – here’s our guide to restaurants to put on your map of the area.
When the sun goes down and you've had your fair share of Cumbria's great outdoors, head to the area's music venues to catch folk and jazz sessions, as well as regular performances by touring musicians.
For striking performances in the truly beautiful setting of the Lake District - check out our pick of theatres in Cumbria.
Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.
Take me there
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
In this month's Tours and Activities guide we're looking to get our minds blown and our world views expanded by science.
Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.
Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.
From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.
Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.
Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.
