Amidst the rugged, natural beauty of Northwest England, Cumbria offers some of the most atmospheric and characterful stays in the country. From lakefront retreats by the shores of Windermere, the crown jewel of the Lake District, to the grand historic houses nestled amid fells and moors that have burst back into life after their second act as boutique hotels, this county is loved by those seeking both comfort and adventure.
Whether trekking or mountain biking through the peaks, exploring the market town charm of Keswick, or the quiet slopes of the Eden Valley, each property picked for this list carries its own unique character. The story of each hotel is re-lived through period architecture, uplifted interiors and warm, traditional hospitality that’s firmly rooted in Cumbria's heritage.
The Samling
Housed in a former Georgian villa that commands spellbinding views across the waters of Lake Windermere, The Samling Hotel’s crisp white facade contrasts beautifully with the deep greens of its manicured grounds and the dark green and muddy brown hues of the surrounding fells. The decor blends oak panelling and slate floors, paired with subtle lighting and bespoke furnishings, with rooms that offer generous window views framing both lake and woodland.
The Samling’s Michelin-starred restaurant is the centrepiece for its wonderful hospitality, where tasting menus change with the seasons and use Cumbria’s finest produce, from Herdwick lamb to fresh-caught scallops. Breakfast includes house-baked pastries and rich Cumbrian bacon, whilst guests can stroll directly onto the surrounding fell paths, and unwind after in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the water, making it especially popular with couples seeking a secluded break.
Another Place
Set on the quieter shores of Ullswater, Another Place brings a contemporary edge to the rugged and period accommodations of Cumbria. The original Georgian manor has been extended with a glassy modern wing and interiors that lean towards Scandinavian-inspired minimalism. Pale woods complement the open shelving, soft greys and navy blues, with log burners, deep sofas and picture windows that flood the rooms with light.
The property’s Rampsbeck restaurant offers hearty yet elegant Cumbrian cuisine, such as venison haunch with juniper and wild garlic. More casual fare can be found in The Living Space, where sharing plates and stone-baked pizzas satisfy walkers fresh from the fells. The Swim Club spa includes a glass-walled pool that looks out over the lake, alongside treatment rooms and an outdoor hot tub. Paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing are offered directly from the private shoreline, making this an ideal choice for families and active visitors eager to make the most of the setting during the warmer months of the year.
L’Enclume
In the medieval village of Cartmel, famous for its sticky toffee pudding and its two Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume, visitors may have the opportunity to stay in one of the 16 beautifully converted cottage rooms at this stunning property. Spread across several historic buildings, these lodgings boast flagstone floors, exposed beams and natural wool and slate textures, with no two rooms alike. Some may have roll-top baths tucked beneath sloping ceilings, others boast private garden terraces, but the charm of this property cannot be overstated.
A stay includes breakfast in the charming Rogan & Co eatery and priority bookings for dinner at L’Enclume itself, where the tasting menu is a celebration of hyper-local produce from proprietor Simon Rogan’s nearby farm. Cartmel’s cobbled square and ancient priory lie just steps away, while the surrounding low fells offer gentle walking routes for those seeking an atmospheric and unforgettable getaway in the wilds of Cumbria.
Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa
One of Cumbria’s grandest historic hotels, Armathwaite Hall stands in 400 acres of private parkland on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. The original 11th-century manor has grown into a stone-clad mansion with turreted roofs and mullioned windows, giving the feel of an aristocratic country estate. Inside, the decor is opulent: velvet armchairs, oil paintings, marble fireplaces and sweeping staircases. Bedrooms range from classic suites with lake views to four-poster rooms dressed in rich damasks.
The multi-award-winning spa is a highlight, with an infinity pool overlooking the Skiddaw mountain range, an aromatherapy room, and extensive treatment menus. Dining is equally grand; The Lake View Restaurant serves traditional British fare elevated with fine ingredients, while the Courtyard Bar offers lighter lunches and cocktails. The estate also offers falconry, clay pigeon shooting and access to forest walks, making it ideal for those wanting an immersive countryside escape.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Privately owned and deeply personal in its approach to service, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House offers two distinct experiences for guests fortunate enough to stay at either of its beautiful properties. The main hotel features stylish suites with outdoor hot tubs, private decking and garden views, whilst a short drive away, the Lake House estate offers six exclusive suites set by a private tarn, complete with its spa, pool, and boathouse facilities for guests to enjoy during their stay.
The food is exceptional at both the Michelin-starred SOURCE restaurant, where tasting menus showcase Cumbrian lamb and sea bass with foraged herbs, and at Gilpin Spice, offering enthusiastic pan-Asian sharing plates. The Lake House also provides private spa therapies by the water and guided walks into the surrounding woods. Gilpin is a haven for couples seeking tailored, discreet luxury amid natural beauty.
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Located near Derwentwater in the peaceful Borrowdale Valley, Lodore Falls Hotel enjoys one of the most scenic positions in the Lake District, named after the majestic waterfall nearby. The hotel faces both the lake and the falls beyond, with its interiors echoing Cumbria’s heritage with tartan throws, polished brass lamps and large bay windows framing the aforementioned views.
The Falls Spa is the property’s standout attraction, offering a thermal suite, infinity-edge vitality pool, and open-air hot tubs with sweeping views of the valley. Dining options include the two-AA Rosette Lake View Restaurant for fine British cuisine and Mizu’s Pan-Asian cuisine. The hotel’s grounds interconnect with wooded trails and lake shore paths, and are the perfect way to explore Borrowdale’s untouched wilderness.
Augill Castle
In the lesser-visited Eden Valley, cushioned by the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, stands Augill Castle, a gothic pile complete with battlements, turrets and stained glass windows that could have been pulled straight from a fairytale. Built in the 19th century, this playful castle hotel offers individually decorated rooms ranging from grand four-posters to quirky suites filled with vintage curiosities. As a guest, lounging in the fireside armchairs, pouring yourself a drink at an honesty bar, and exploring the many shelves crammed with books, is all part of the package.
Dining at the castle is an intimate affair, with menus focused on Cumbrian produce such as rare-breed pork and orchard-grown fruits. The surrounding Eden countryside is ideal for peaceful walking and cycling, while the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District are both within easy reach, appealing to guests wanting a romantic base from which to explore the quieter corners of Cumbria.
