As the largest national park in England, it’s no wonder the Lake District remains one of the most-visited parts of the country! With staycations being the norm this year, the Lake District makes the perfect destination for a relaxing break within the UK. Traditional villages, fascinating heritage and beautiful walks combine to create a fulfilling destination that you’ll never want to leave.
The sheer size of the Lake District means it’s packed with small villages – and even a few towns for those that prefer an urban setting. This can make it difficult to decide where to stay, especially since each destination has its own charms and drawbacks. For the best experience possible, you have to gather your bearings a little before you even get there.
Which is where we come in! We’ve taken a few trips to the Lake District, so we already know the best places to stay in the region. Whether you want awe-inspiring hikes, quaint cultural highlights, or adventurous lakeside activities, we’ve got you sorted. We’ve also had a chat with travel experts and locals to give you the best accommodation and activity recommendations in each place.
So, let’s dive right in!
Quick Tips: Where to Stay in Lake District?
- Overall Best Place to Stay in Lake District – Bowness-on-Windermere
- Best Place to Stay in Lake District for Families – Ambleside
- Where to Stay in Lake District on a Budget – Penrith
- Coolest Place to Stay in Lake District – Kendal
- Great Place to Stay in Lake District for Hikers – Keswick
Where to Stay in Lake District
Bringing the car? The Lake District has been a popular destination for decades, so the road network is quite well developed, and getting between each village is relatively straightforward. If you’re in a hurry to get going and don’t mind where you end up staying, these are the real crème de la crème of Lake District accommodation.
The Ambleside Inn perfectly combines cheap prices with great facilities and a fantastic location making it our top pick for the best budget hotel in the Lake District.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at this 4-star hotel with it being within close proximity to the stunning natural surroundings. It also has a range of luxurious room options at mid-range prices.
Featuring one of the most beautiful spas in the Lake District, along with lavishly decorated rooms you won’t find as many other better luxurious options in the Lake District.
Lake District 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
It’s the biggest national park in the country, so it comes as no surprise that the Lake District is a diverse destination. Each town has something a little different to offer, whether you want historic charm, beautiful panoramas or adventurous hikes. Keep reading to learn more about the five best places to stay in the Lake District – as well as the best accommodation and things to do in each.
Neighborhood#1 – Bowness-on-Windermere
Overall Best Place to Stay in Lake District
First time in the Lake District? Bowness-on-Windermere is the place for you! This charming little village is easily the most popular on the banks of Lake Windermere, meaning you won’t be stuck for things to do. Bowness, and neighbouring Windermere, ooze charm thanks to the local boutiques and quintessential tea houses lining their streets.
This is also the perfect destination for those that can’t bring the car! Windermere Railway Station is a short bus journey from Bowness and has direct connections to the West Coast Mainline. There is also a ferry connecting you to other townships across Lake Windermere, including Ambleside.
- Lake Windermere is the perfect spot for kayaking beginners.
- Learn tips and tricks on photographing the stunning scenery from a local expert!
- Famous author, Beatrix Potter, was famously from the Lake District. There’s a delightful little museum dedicated to her work in Bowness.
- Linthwaite House Hotel, our top hotel pick in Bowness, has a beautiful restaurant offering afternoon tea throughout the day – just make sure to book in advance.
- Looking for a more casual dining experience? Grab a bag of fish and chips and enjoy it by the side of the lake.
Best Budget Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere
The Royal Oak Inn
One of the original hotels in Bowness-on-Windermere, the Royal Oak Inn, offers a traditional Inn, which has been family run since 1995! This means you will be hosted by knowledgeable staff who can give you the best tips and tricks on visiting the Lake District. The atmosphere at the hotel is also super friendly and has a very cozy feel to it.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere
The Ro Hotel Windermere
The Ro Hotel Windermere is a modern 4-star hotel with a fantastic location in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, meaning you will have plenty of restaurants and cafes on your doorstep along with being close by to nature. The Ro Hotel Windermere is also a great place to stay for couples, with the hotel offering a luxurious mixture of standard double rooms and deluxe king rooms.
Best Luxury Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere
Linthwaite House Hotel
This lavish five-star hotel is nothing short of gorgeous! The vast grounds provide a calm backdrop from which to admire the stunning scenery surrounding the property. It comes with two restaurants offering light bites and traditional English cuisine – as well as a complimentary breakfast. The real pièce de résistance? Guests have access to the hotel’s very own sailboats and fishing equipment.
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Neighborhood#2 – Ambleside
Best Place to Stay in Lake District for Families
Right at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is a calmer alternative to Bowness. For this reason, we reckon it is an excellent choice for families heading to the area. It also has access to the Windermere ferry, so day trips to the busier tourist centers are possible – as well as bus rides deep into the mountains.
The leafy streets, mesmerizing coast, and gaggle of swans make Ambleside a real time capsule into Old England. This is an excellent destination for those interested in Cumbrian history, as well as some more low-key heritage attractions.
- Ambleside is the perfect spot for more relaxing hikes.
- Always wanted to try horse riding? Take in the stunning scenery of the Lake District on horseback.
- Bridge House is a large manor on the outskirts of Ambleside that now serves as a local base for the National Trust – well worth a visit for history buffs.
- Interested in football? Learn about how the game is celebrated across the world at the Stuart Clark photo exhibition, Homes of Football.
- Enjoy hearty British cuisine with a twist (rare, locally-sourced meats) and laid-back vibes at the Old Stamp House Restaurant.
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Best Budget Hotel in Ambleside
The Ambleside Inn
The Ambleside Inn has a fantastic location just a picturesque 15-minute walk from the famous Lake Windermere along with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes being just a stone’s throw away from the property.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Ambleside
No 1, Midland Bank Chambers
This gorgeous apartment is housed within a beautifully restored former bank building, letting you experience a slice of Ambleside’s history. The Scandinavian inspired interiors create a bright and calming space, with modern furnishings adding to the comfort. The bathroom comes with a walk-in rainfall shower, and the kitchen will make even the most experienced chefs jealous. Bon appétit!
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Best Luxury Hotel in Ambleside
Rothay Manor Hotel
The Rothay Manor Hotel is a luxury country house hotel that has a traditional yet lavish feel to it. The Ambleside Hotel offers a countryside escape with a 3 AA rosette restaurant that serves an award-winning breakfast every morning, a 3-story afternoon tea along with fine dining in the evening.
Neighborhood#3 – Penrith
Where to Stay in Lake District on a Budget
There’s no denying it – the Lake District is expensive! While this isn’t without good reason, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore this region of outstanding natural beauty. For those on stricter budgets, we recommend staying in Penrith. It’s just outside the Lake District but has excellent public transport connections with the major tourism centres.
Penrith is a little more urbanised than the quintessential villages deep in the Lake District – but make no mistake, it still comes with historic charms! This historic market town has managed to retain local traditions while benefiting from bigger town facilities and shopping centres. You truly get the best of both worlds in Penrith.
- Penrith Castle lays in the centre of the town, harking back to the 1300s – grab your camera and capture some eerie ruin shots.
- Visiting with the kids? Take them to Crafty Monkeys, where they can try their hand at pottery, painting and other crafts.
- Penrith is known for its traditional pubs and is probably the best place in the Lake District to have a drink. We love the Cross Keys in particular.
- Want to learn more about the history and heritage of the town? Head to the Penrith and Eden Museum, which even has a few interactive exhibits.
- Like many town centres across England, Penrith is quite multicultural in its food offerings. We love Taste of Bengal and Indian Plaza especially.
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Best Budget Hotel in Penrith
The George Hotel by Best Western
The Lake District can get quite costly – but thankfully, there are still a few great budget-friendly hotels in the area! This Best Western Hotel has everything you need and more. The rooms are very well priced, but it doesn’t feel like it. There are traditional furnishings and spacious interiors throughout the building. A complimentary breakfast is also included in the rate.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Penrith
Foundry 34
Foundry 34 is a modern, mid-range budget hotel situated in the heart of the market town of Penrith. The recently renovated hotel offers guests a range of room options, all of which have a traditional feel with a modern spin. Foundry 34 also offers some fantastic communal facilities including a brasserie restaurant, a cute bar area, and a cozy common area.
Best Luxury Hotel in Penrith
North Lakes Hotel and Spa
There is no doubt that the best feature of this hotel is its incredible pool and spa area! Inside you will find an immaculate range of health & fitness facilities including a fully equipped gym, heated swimming pool, and luxurious hot tub along with sauna and steam room.
Neighborhood#4 – Kendal
Coolest Place to Stay in Lake District
Though officially just outside the Lake District, Kendal is considered a major gateway to the region, especially for those arriving from the South. Despite this status, it has lower tourist numbers than everywhere else mentioned in this guide. If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, Kendal is definitely worth considering.
Home of the famous Kendal Mint Cake, this cute little market town is the perfect spot for grabbing food and crafts from local artisans. It has managed to hold on to its authentic charm thanks to some truly innovative renovation projects and is home to a few of our personal favourite accommodations.
- Get the heart pumping with this guided run through the Lake District with a local guide!
- Want something a bit more laid-back? You can opt for this guided walk instead, heading along some of the most scenic parts of the Lake District.
- You’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to photography tours in the Lake District – this five-hour experience is perfect for getting acquainted with your DSLR.
- Brewery Arts Centre is a modern and progressive organisation for creatives offering an arthouse cinema, regular art exhibits and annual events.
- George Romney is the home of the Kendal Mint Cake. Pop in to learn about its influence on the first expedition to Everest.
Best Budget Hotel in Kendal
Country Hotel
An authentic and traditional hotel situated inside a former coaching inn, the County Hotel is the perfect budget-friendly place to stay in Kendal. All the rooms are brightly lit and each has a cozy seating area and a private en-suite bathroom.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Kendal
Shakespeare Inn
The Shakespeare Inn is a traditional hotel situated in the heart of Kendal, meaning you will have plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes on your doorstep. The rooms at the Shakespeare Inn are all traditionally designed with some luxurious added touches, all of which come with en-suite bathrooms.
Best Luxury Hotel in Kendal
The Gateway Hotel
The Gateway Hotel is everything you could expect from a luxurious hotel in the Lake District. The hotel is situated in a grand Manor House which is surrounded by acres of professionally maintained grounds and boasts a range of traditional yet swanky rooms.
Neighborhood#5 – Keswick
Great Place to Stay in Lake District for Hikers
The Lake District is home to the largest mountain range in England, so it’s no wonder it is a paradise for hikers and ramblers. Keswick is by far the most popular destination for adventure travellers and is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. So lace up your boots and let’s get going!
The town itself sits beneath the fourth-highest mountain in England – and Scafell Pike (the highest) is only a short drive away. This beautiful scenery makes it a great pick for photographers and artists looking for some inspiration.
- The Lake District is a real treasure trove for budding photographers.
- Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in England. You’ll need a car, but it’s actually a surprisingly easy climb once you get there.
- For something even easier, Friar’s Crag is a great beginner walk with gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding valley.
- Keswick Museum & Art Gallery is a must-visit for creatives, housing a variety of works from across the world in a Victorian-era building.
- Recharge with some hearty pub grub at a local watering hole. We love the Cumberland Sausage offered at the Dog & Gun.
Best Budget Hotel near Keswick
Keswick Park Hotel
This 3-star guest house is the perfect budget place to stay near Keswick! The hotel is set in an elegant Victorian building with distinctive characters and offers stunning views of the nearby nature spots.
Best Mid-range Hotel near Keswick
Hazel Bank Country House
Last but not least, we have another stunning five-star hotel in the heart of the Lake District! The on-site restaurant has been awarded two AA-Rosettes thanks to its quality, locally sourced ingredients. Hazel Bank really excels when it comes to the details, with luxury toiletries in every room, well-groomed gardens, and award-winning chefs serving up breakfast every morning.
Best Luxury Hotel near Keswick
Skiddaw Hotel
Skiddaw Hotel has one of the best locations in Keswick with it being situated just outside the town and is surrounded by dramatic lakes and mountains of the Lake District. The hotel also has a swanky on-site restaurant that serves seasonal menus of local produce and even offers a Hiker’s Picnic Board – a savory twist on traditional afternoon tea.
Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Lake District?
The Lake District really is somewhere that everyone in the UK should visit at least once. If you haven’t already, make it your destination of choice for a staycation this year! While it’s the perfect summer destination thanks to all the hikes and adventure activities on offer, it also has a few charms that can be explored year-round. Historic villages and heritage attractions make this the perfect spot for a short cottage break in the winter – especially if it comes with a fireplace.
We shouldn’t play favorites, but if we had to pick one destination that really stands out for us it would be Keswick! The towns and villages surrounding Lake Windermere are fantastic but tend to draw the biggest tourist numbers. Keswick is much more laid back while enjoying the same traditional charm and gorgeous scenery.
That being said, wherever is best for you really depends on what you want to get out of your stay. We hope this guide has helped narrow down your options for your upcoming trip to the glorious Lake District.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
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