Best hotels for walking in North West

Featured hotels with Special Offers

Ees Wyke Country House - Two Night Stay Special Offer

Ambleside

Wherever you walk around here, you find yourself in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, who spent family holidays at this country house, now run as a hotel by Richard Lee. Her farmhouse, Hill Top, is nearby. A newly opened path runs by Esthwaite Water to Hawkshead.

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Cuckoo Brow Inn - Three Night 15% Discount Special Offer

Ambleside

This jolly country inn, between Lake Windermere and Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top home, welcomes walkers, dogs and children with smiles, robust food and toasty log-burners.

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The Black Swan - Two Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Special Offer

Kirkby Stephen

Holding court in the centre of Ravenstonedale, ‘twixt the Lakes and the Dales, The Black Swan has the hallmarks of a much-loved village inn: home-cooked food, cheery atmosphere and comforting bedrooms.

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More best hotels for walking in North West

Pentonbridge Inn, Penton

The humble setting of this former coaching inn, half a mile from the Scottish border, belies its chic bedrooms and creative cooking.

Westmorland Hotel, Penrith

Banish images of fast-food outlets and slot machines when you break your journey at Tebay on wild and woolly Shap Fell, 60 miles from the Scottish border.

Lyzzick Hall, Keswick

Against a backdrop of Lyzzick Wood, from its vantage on the lower slopes of Skiddaw, this Victorian gentleman’s residence, once home to naturalist and cartographer Joseph Flintoft, has simply glorious fell views.

The Punch Bowl Inn, Kendal

To find a gem in a quiet corner of the visitor-thronged Lake District is not easy, but this smart village inn in the lovely Lyth valley is, as one reader reports, ‘always a favourite’.

Clare House, Grange-over-Sands

There is a ‘special character’ about this timeless hotel, a Victorian villa in landscaped gardens overlooking Morecambe Bay.

New House Farm, Cockermouth

Away from the Lake District’s hot spots, in quiet Lorton Vale north of Buttermere, this whitewashed farmhouse B&B mixes rustic authenticity with modern comforts.

The Bay Horse, Ulverston

A 17th-century former coaching inn overlooking the Levens estuary is today a likeable, dog-friendly pub-with-rooms, offering homely bedrooms, some with balcony, casual bar meals, and dinner served by candlelight in the conservatory.

Aynsome Manor, Grange-over-Sands

Step back in time to an age of quiet elegance at this 400-year-old manor house, run as a 'wonderful, charming B&B', with views over farmland to pretty Cartmel village and its Norman priory church.

The Old Bell Inn, Oldham

In a picturesque Pennines village, this traditional coaching inn has 18 bedrooms, some with beams, some with roof window, an informal brasserie, and a restaurant serving pub classics and more inventive dishes.

Hare and Hounds, Kendal

In a Lyth valley village on the edge of the Lake District, Becky and Ash Dewar transformed a 16th-century hostelry into this family-friendly village pub.

The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge

‘In a beautiful setting at the tip of Lake Windermere, overlooking the River Leven,’ this family-friendly hotel unveiled an extension in 2022.

1863, Pooley Bridge

In a touristy village on the River Eamont, at the head Ullswater, this restaurant-with-rooms provided our inspector with ‘one of the finest dining experiences I’ve had’.

Warwick Hall, Carlisle

The River Eden loops past this red-sandstone mansion, topped with a cupola, on a wooded estate.

The Black Bull, Sedbergh

In ‘England’s book town’, under mighty Howgill Fells on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is just the place for a drover’s platter and a pint – or Korean beef, shiso and sesame with a shot of wasabi vodka.

Rothay Garden Hotel, GRASMERE

Just a short walk from the tourist honeypot of Grasmere, an extended Victorian country house in wooded gardens, on the River Rothay, set against a backdrop of fells, is now in the ownership of Bespoke Hotels.

The Yan at Broadrayne, Ambleside

Refreshingly different from some of the more traditional Lake District offerings, this contemporary hotel is in a beautiful setting overlooking Grasmere.

George and Dragon, Clifton

‘A friendly, proper local pub bar, as well as a restaurant’, this 18th-century coaching inn at the heart of the Lowther Estate is set back from the A6, with a view of fields and grazing horses

The Queen’s Head, Penrith

Cosy, low-ceilinged and wood fire-warmed, this smartly refurbished 17th-century pub in the centre of a Lake District village is ‘friendly, fun and very convivial’.

The Coach & Horses,

Away from the crowds but close to good walking in the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland, this traditional coaching inn offers richly decorated bedrooms and great food.

Storrs Hall, Windermere

With an enviable position on Windermere, this Georgian hall has a relaxed country house feel, with formal and casual dining options, and bedrooms ranging from family friendly to seriously swanky.

Mere Brook House, Thornton Hough

‘A charming and rather eccentric place’, this B&B and events venue is a spacious place for a stay, with bedrooms in a 19th-century house and coach house, three lounges, well-stocked kitchen and extensive grounds.

The Cottage in the Wood, Braithwaite

A whitewashed cottage on a steep woodland pass may seem an unlikely setting for Michelin-starred dining, but this restaurant-with-rooms charms both the eye and the palate.

Hipping Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale

Hipping Hall will be closing permanently on the 24th July 2023. Between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District – and just ten minutes from the M6 – Hipping Hall is a surprising foodie find with understated yet luxurious bedrooms, spacious gardens and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Inn at Whitewell, Clitheroe

Overlooking the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, this sprawling 18th-century manor house is joyously traditional, with stone-flagged floors, open fires and bags of atmosphere.

Augill Castle, Kirkby Stephen

With its towers and battlements this Victorian-folly castle, in 15 acres of grounds, looks imposing yet 'you actually feel like it is your castle'.

Hazel Bank, Keswick

For many guests, Hazel Bank is the epitome of a small country-house hotel, offering 'fantastic food, a great wine selection, charming hosts' along with the a picturesque valley setting, captivating views and walks from the doorstep.

The Sun Inn, Kirkby Lonsdale

This ‘splendid old inn’ in a market town between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales deftly mixes historic charm – beams, crackling fires and exposed stonework – with an updated, modern touch.

The Grasmere Hotel, Grasmere

Beyond a tree-lined drive, this Victorian villa, home to a small country house hotel, is in the safe hands of new owners Simon and Kate Hustler.

The Hill on the Wall, Gilsland

Elaine Packer’s charming farmhouse B&B overlooks Hadrian’s Wall near Birdoswald, one of the Roman monument’s best-preserved forts.

Borrowdale Gates, Keswick

In three wooded acres, this former private country house combines spacious accommodation, contemporary comforts, spectacular valley views and a restaurant showcasing Cumbrian produce.

Leathes Head Hotel, Keswick

Many regard Borrowdale as the Lake District’s most picturesque valley, and this comfortable Edwardian country house has one of its finest locations.

The Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston

Despite its rustic-sounding name, the occasional brick or timber feature and 1960s bamboo hanging chair, themed riverside suites at this gastropub-with-rooms, art gallery and deli, are bold and contemporary, while menus are modern and eclectic.

Howtown Hotel, Penrith

If you want a hotel with hi-tech wizardry and hot tubs, this place is not for you, but ‘if you are happy with traditional hospitality’ and ‘like to be cosseted, Howtown Hotel will do nicely’.

The House at Temple Sowerby, Penrith

Welcoming owners ensure guests’ dogs feel at home at their country house B&B, an elegant retreat in the Eden valley, with well-appointed bedrooms in the main house and coach house, and first-class breakfasts.

Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Windermere

With its indulgent bedrooms, Michelin-starred dining, attentive staff and guaranteed privacy, many look to Gilpin as the ultimate in Lakeland luxury.

Lindeth Fell, Bowness-on-Windermere

A new era begins for this Edwardian country house above Lake Windermere, in gardens that melt into the glorious landscape.

Rothay Manor, Ambleside

They're serious about their food at this idyllic manor house hotel on the outskirts of Ambleside, with walks from the door and superb facilities for both humans and their four-legged friends.

Farlam Hall, Brampton

There is a relaxed, timeless ambience at this grown-up 19th-century country house (Relais & Château), but things have moved on apace, with fine dining now at the very heart of the operation.

Victorian House, Grasmere

A second venture for the team behind London’s Georgian House Hotel (see entry), the former Oak Bank Hotel has had a boutique makeover.

Hotels not in the Guide that you may want to consider

Fern Lee Guest House

Carlisle

Close to the Hadrian’s Wall Path, this B&B in a Victorian house is a useful stopover for weary walkers. Comfortable bedrooms are equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities and a cooling fan for warm weather. Guests start the day with a fine breakfast; the welcoming hosts suggest where to eat in the evening. Near a busy road, rooms at the back are quieter. The city centre, train and bus stations are a 10-minute walk away.

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The Crown Inn

Pooley Bridge

Beside the River Eamont, a 17th-century coaching inn (Thwaites) has been revamped to make the most of its idyllic surroundings. It has a large modern rooftop sun terrace with splendid views, and garden seating by the water’s edge. On cold days, the cosy interior, furnished with plaids and reclaimed timber, is warmed by blazing fires. Food is served throughout the day. Some of the rustic and plainly styled bedrooms (a few are in a separate building) have views of Lake Ullswater.

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Featured hotels with Special Offers

Best hotels for walking in North West

Ees Wyke Country House - Two Night Stay Special Offer

Ambleside

Cuckoo Brow Inn - Three Night 15% Discount Special Offer

Ambleside

The Black Swan - Two Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Special Offer

Kirkby Stephen

More best hotels for walking in North West

Best hotels for walking in North West

Hotels not in the Guide that you may want to consider

Best hotels for walking in North West

Fern Lee Guest House

Carlisle

The Crown Inn

Pooley Bridge

Other hotels in this group

Similar hotels

JOIN THE GHG

BUY THE 46th EDITION OF THE GUIDE

Best Review Wins A Free Night for Two!

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