Six Great Stays in the Lakes
Escape to the Lakes this autumn
Another Place
In brief: This contemporary hotel sits in 18 acres of grounds on the shores of Ullswater.
Our highlight: The secluded two-bedroom treehouse in the grounds has endless lake and mountain views, and an outdoor bath tub and log burner so you can truly immerse yourself in nature.
Insider guide: Choose a room or suite in the original Georgian house here, or the more contemporary wing, and there are also six shepherds huts, the large treehouse and family cottages in the grounds. There are three restaurants to choose from too: enjoy casual dining and lake views in the Living Space bar, try Rampsbeck Restaurant for seasonal menus influenced by the local landscape, or head down to the bottom of the vegetable garden where you’ll find The Glasshouse serving pizzas on the lakeshore. Swim Club is the hotel’s take on a spa, with a 20-metre indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna and treatment rooms, but it’s all about the outdoors here: you can book stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking or archery sessions with expert instructors, or borrow a wetsuit and join a wild swim session.
Watermillock, Ullswater CA11 0LP
01768 486442
another.place
Eltermere Inn
In brief: A relaxed country house hotel on the edge of Elterwater with lake views.
Our highlight: The surprisingly cool and contemporary interiors and relaxed (dog friendly) atmosphere with stunning walks from the doorstep.
Insider guide: Tucked away down a quiet lane, yet within easy reach of both Ambleside and Grasmere, there are 13 bright and elegant rooms in this welcoming hotel, and all are individually designed and many enjoy views over the garden which is home to a menagerie of birds. The public rooms are bright with big sofas and wood-burning stoves, whilst the cosy bar and snug with its open fire and eclectic decor is where you’ll find confident cooking from the kitchen and a great selection of wines, gins and whiskies. If the weather allows, take your tipple out to the lawned terrace and soak up the lake views.
Elterwater, Ambleside LA22 9HY
01539 437207
eltermere.co.uk
L’Enclume
In brief: L’Enclume is officially the best restaurant in the world, and has a number of distinctive rooms.
Our highlight: The rooms are lovely, but the food is the real draw here (the restaurant holds three Michelin stars).
Insider guide: Simon Rogan’s flagship restaurant is the holder of countless accolades, but the food here really has to be eaten to be believed. It’s local, it’s seasonal, it’s innovative, and it’s based on a farm-to-table philosophy (with many ingredients coming from their farm just down the road). The restaurant (which also holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainability) sits in a stunning riverside location, and the various rooms and suites are scattered around the village of Cartmel (all within easy walking distance of the restaurant), and room reservations include breakfast at L’Enclume’s sister restaurant, Rogan & Co, which is also in the village.
Cavendish Street, Cartmel LA11 6QA
01539 536362
lenclume.co.uk
The Forest Side
In brief: A Michelin-star restaurant with rooms.
Our highlight: This fairytale Gothic mansion in Grasmere is best known for its award-winning restaurant.
Insider guide: Forest Side has beautiful bedrooms, which range from Cosy to Master, and six are dog-friendly (canine visitors receive a special welcome pack, and staff can recommend walks which start from the hotel). Surrounded by 43 acres of gardens and woodland there is plenty to explore, but the food is of course the main draw at The Forest Side. Provenance is all here, and the innovative dishes served in the Michelin-starred restaurant make use of only the freshest, locally-sourced seasonal produce, much of which is grown in the gardens here. The exclusive wine list features small, organic and bio-dynamic wine producers.
Keswick Road, Grasmere LA22 9RN
01539 435250
theforestside.com
The Coppermines Lakes Cottages
In brief: A hand-picked collection of 90 quality, characterful cottages in and around Coniston and the South Lakes area.
Our highlight: The cottages include the unique Coppermines Mountain Cottages, nestled on the slopes of Coniston Old Man and surrounded by cascading waterfalls, rugged crags and spectacular scenery at every turn.
Insider guide: These beautiful and award-winning Lake District cottages have been hand-picked by The Coppermines team, a trusted, local and independent agency which has been welcoming guests to the Lake District for 40 years. The collection includes hot tub cottages, waterside retreats, luxury village homes and unique mountain escapes. These cottages sleep from two up to 22, so whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a spacious holiday home, there’s a cottage to suit.
Estate Office, The Bridge, Coniston LA21 8HJ
01539 441765
coppermines.co.uk
Linthwaite House
In brief: A relaxed country house hotel set on a hilltop above Windermere.
Our highlight: The restaurant here is under the wing of Simon Rogan.
Insider guide: This welcoming, whitewashed hotel is set in extensive grounds, and there’s plenty to enjoy outdoors (from boules to giant chess or rowing on the private tarn) alongside the stunning views over Lake Windermere and the fells beyond. Inside, the rooms scream luxe country style. Book a lake view suite with a hot tub, or choose a self-contained Fell Suite in the grounds. Simon Rogan’s outstanding Henrock restaurant here has a constantly changing a la carte menu and uses local produce direct from Simon’s own nearby farm.
Crook Road, Bowness on Windermere LA23 3JA
01539 488600
linthwaitehouse.com
