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.
The Cottage In The Wood sounds like something from a fairytale, and well, it is. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel in Keswick in the heart of the Lake District, near some of the region’s most picturesque lakes and mountains. If things couldn’t get even more fantastical, you’ll find it 1000ft above sea level on a place called Magic Hill. Beatrix Potter, eat your heart out.
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.
It’s safe to say The Cranleigh Boutique is not what you’d expect from a Lake District hotel. Far from the traditional cosy cottage feel you’d find in most of the places to stay in the Lakes, The Cranleigh Boutique plays host to a bunch of vibrant, almost out-there rooms with an entirely unique character.
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.
A beautiful boutique hotel in the Lake District, near some of the region’s most stunning lakes and mountains.
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.
Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.
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.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Take me there
Here’s our summertime guide to great food and drinks across the North.
July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.
Get stuck into some talking, baking and walking in this months top picks of Tours and Activities in the North.
Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.
Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.
From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.
The summer holidays are here and what a packed programme of events we have in store for you!
