Top hotels in Cumbria to visit in 2023
Submitted by The Good Hotel Guide 13th Feb 2023
The beauty of Cumbria is perhaps best enjoyed through the lens of good hospitality. The rolling countryside, the magnificent
Lake District National Park, the mountains, lakes and general beauty, as well as the superb food and drink - those of us who
know Cumbria know how special it is, and those who have yet to visit are in for a treat. Here, the Good Hotel Guide shares
10 of its top recommended hotels in Cumbria to visit in 2023.
https://www.goodhotelguide.com/hotels-in-cumbria/
The Black Swan, Kirkby Stephen
The Black Swan is located between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, and has a reputation for excellent value as well
as being a classy take on the traditional pub-with-rooms. The rooms at this inn are charming and characterful with a
sophisticated artistic vibe, with some on the ground floor and some in an annexe. In true pub style, local ales are the order of
the day while food offers a creative twist on local produce, and walkers love working up an appetite roaming the surrounding
countryside.
Cuckoo Brow Inn, Ambleside
In a pretty village between Lake Windermere and Hawkshead, the Cuckoo Brow Inn is fuss-free and full of warmth. Its
welcoming atmosphere is the perfect antidote after a long walk, enhanced by a wood burning stove and a readily available
pint. Peaceful bedrooms are located in an annexe to the main building. Walkers and their four-legged friends delight in
exploring the Beatrix Potter scenery during the day, roaming between Hawkshead, Ambleside, Windermere, and back to the
village of Far Sawrey.
Cedar Manor, Windermere
Close to Lake Windermere, Cedar Manor is an intimate hotel that has been praised for its eco-friendly credentials as well as
its friendly customer service. A former Victorian country retreat, the hotel is a five-minute walk from the shore as well as a
convenient stroll from town. The superbly appointed bedrooms are all individually decorated – you might choose one with a
canopy bed or a four-poster, or perhaps one with a view of the eponymous ancient cedar.
Askham Hall, Penrith
A Grade I listed building constructed around a mediaeval pele tower and brimming with the owners’ personality. The gardens
are a key feature and come the springtime, they overflow with blossoms, adding an extra touch of magic to the views. There’s
a shabby-chic feel in the public rooms - perfect for fireside relaxing with a drink from the honesty bar in the evening. Every
one of the bedrooms is different, but all offer country house style. Visitors can choose from a four-poster bed and an antique
bath in one, or something more modern if you prefer.
1692 Wasdale, Gosforth
1692 Wasdale is a sleek B&B offering an enchanting mix of heritage meets modern comforts. It’s situated in a secluded spot
in the Western Lake District. There’s a charming ruggedness to the stone-built house, which has a quiet, unassuming air and
benefits from superb views of the Wasdale Valley, stretching from Scafell Pike to the Isle of Man and over the Irish Sea.
Inside, the hotel is vibrant and refreshing. Design combines high beamed ceilings, as well as timber and flagstone floors
with splashes of colour and contemporary comforts. Adding to the sense of home comfort, there's an honesty bar in the
lounge, along with a piano and open fire. Breakfast is a particularly joyful feast, keen walkers can request a picnic to take
with them, picnics and home-cooked dinners can be pre-ordered.
https://www.1692wasdale.co.uk/
Farlam Hall, Brampton
Farlam Hall is an enchanting country house hotel that sits in the peaceful village of Brampton. It is surrounded by a walled
garden, which adds to the view when you wake in the morning. As a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection, the
creeper-covered Victorian house offers luxury and superb food and drink. Stylistically, it fuses tradition and heritage style
with contemporary hospitality, so you feel both comfortable and spoiled. Rooms are situated in the main house, but there are
also four cottages available within the six acre grounds. Guests dine amidst charming formality, starting with canapés and
followed by dishes like crab with spring pea custard or roe deer with black pudding.
Aynsome Manor, Grange-over-Sands
Aynsome Manor sits in the quiet of the countryside, and in many ways is an old fashioned hotel but in all the best ways.
It’s brimming with elegant details such as a grandfather clock and deep armchairs, which instantly provide a sense of warmth
and tradition befitting the 400-year-old manor house. The property offers a sense of grandeur thanks to its architecture and
heritage details. For example, there is a moulded ceiling in the panelled dining room, added in 1842 for a visit by the Duke
of Devonshire. Nonetheless, it’s well known for its excellent value for money.
https://www.aynsomemanorhotel.co.uk
Hazel Bank, Keswick
A relaxing country house and a former winner of one of the Good Hotel Guide’s illustrious Cesar Awards, Hazel Bank, is
located above Rosthwaite village in picturesque Borrowdale. A Victorian property, it prides itself on its warm welcome and
picture perfect views of the valley and fells. Rooms are immaculate, with charming touches such as sherry, home-made
biscuits and L’Occitane products provided. Once again, dinner is a fairly formal experience, beginning with canapés in the
lounge, followed by a sumptuous menu of traditional fare with a twist.
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Windermere
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is a luxurious and romantic spa hotel in the Lake District. A unique experience, it’s the height
of modern hospitality, combined with spectacular natural surroundings. It’s set in 100 acres of private grounds, and there are
actually two hotels on the site. The Gilpin Hotel itself has 28 bedrooms and two restaurants (the Michelin starred HRiSHi
and the casual pan Asian Gilpin Spice), as well as a Champagne Bar. You can stay in the smart country house rooms in the
main Edwardian building, or in Spa Lodges overlooking a pond or Scandi-style Garden Suites with a hot tub and sauna.
Alternatively, there’s the Lake House close by, which has six Lake House rooms in a lodge and exclusive access to an indoor
pool and woodland spa. Whichever you choose, the whole experience is indulgent, restful and restorative.
Augill Castle, Kirkby Stephen
With its towers and battlements, Augill Castle is a Victorian-folly castle in 20 acres of grounds. Grand and impressive, it’s
also warm and welcoming, making it a firm favourite amongst families who are enchanted by its fairytale style. Interiors
honour the history of the building with bold heritage colours, and ornate wallpapers and fabrics, but just the right amount of
modern hospitality as well. The property is part of a small working estate complete with grazing cattle, sheep and pigs, that
add to the charming views. This is a place that’s all about the atmosphere - warm welcomes, feeling right at home and a
‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude.
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