The Best Hotels in Windermere

Windermere Hotels

Windermere is a small, old-world town set on the banks of a vast ribbon-shaped lake of sparkling crystal clear waters. Situated in the heart of the Lake District’s gentle green hills and deep luscious forests, Windermere’s narrow winding streets are lined with thatched cottages, timbered yellow-washed townhouses and cosy fire-lit pubs. This family-friendly town proffers from gold-flecked lakeside beaches and numerous hiking trails that meander through the rejuvenating countryside.

Things to see

Spend the mornings strolling through the town centre, where family-run cafés hum with homely chatter and a collection of independent boutiques showcase captivating crafts, sweet-smelling artisan fudge and sugar-studded shortbread. Afterward, enjoy a short 20 minute stroll through swaying green grass to Windermere Lake itself, a magnificent 10 mile stretch of pure, inviting waters. Along the banks of the lake you’ll find dozens of attractions, including Brockhole, a stately white-walled Edwardian house with sprawling, well-maintained landscape gardens - and there’s even a small adventure park for the children. A quick climb up a rocky hill footpath will find you at Orrest Head, a splendid picnic spot that offers panoramic views across Windermere - once a favourite location of the poet William Wordsworth. Several boat services - including luxury ferry cruises and affordable kayak rentals - provide ample resources to explore the lake’s smooth, pristine waters.

Hotels in Windermere

Windermere’s location, set in the unblemished rural countryside, means that its hotels reflect the surrounding landscape, with many providing idyllic green grounds and picturesque lake views. A handful of luxury 5-star hotels and spas are scattered on the edges of the town, providing professional service and indulgent dining, set among the peaceful fields and quiet winding lanes. Cheap hotels in Windermere and guesthouses are centrally located, independently run and located in magical ivy-clad Edwardian townhouses. To really immerse yourself in the refreshing, invigorating outdoors, you can set up a tent at one of several lakeside camping grounds.

Where to stay

The hotels in Windermere’s town centre are an ideal place to stay if you want to experience charming small-town life, with its jovial timbered taverns, hearty home-cooking restaurants and family-run cafés at your doorstep, and the lake only a short walk away. However, staying lakeside - while being slightly more costly - offers panoramic views over to the tree-stippled hills and mountains beyond. Waking up with to the sun pouring across the calm waters makes for a perfectly romantic setting. The lodges and guesthouses scattered throughout the northern parts of Grizedale Forest Park make for a secluded getaway immersed in nature.

How to get to Windermere

Windermere’s small and quaint railway station provides frequent and reliable direct services to Manchester, and convenient connecting services to London and north to Glasgow - meaning that, while Windermere is a rural haven, it can be easily accessed. Arriving by car is equally agreeable, with the M6 motorway running to the east of the Lake District, after which, harmonious A roads will wind you through the verdurous scenery and take you to Windermere's centre. Once in Windermere, the quiet streets are bicycle-friendly, and welcoming bus services provide year-round links to the surrounding towns.