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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.
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1. Forest Side Hotel
Ian Jones Forest Side Hotel, Keswick Road, Grasmere,, Ambleside, LA22 9RN - Visit now
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.
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2. The Samling Luxury Country Hotel
The Samling Luxury Country Hotel, Ambleside Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LR - Visit now
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.
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3. Lawson Park Farm Cottage
Lawson Park Farm Cottage, Lawson Park Farm, East of Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD - Visit now
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.
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4. The Trout Hotel
The Trout Hotel, Crown Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0EJ - Visit now
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.
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5. Bisoi B&B Suites, Braithwaite
Bisoi B&B Suites, Braithwaite, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5RY - Visit now
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.
