Best places to stay:
For many years a classic Lakeland country house hotel, these days The Gilpin feels decidedly more adventurous.
There are still cosy, comfy rooms in the lovely old Edwardian house if that’s what you’re after, but it’s the modern additions that are most exciting: a selection of Scandi-style suites are dotted round the grounds, all with hot tubs (a few even have their own private spa, sauna and cocktail bar).
The Michelin-starred restaurant, HRiSHi, is run by renowned chef Hrishikesh Desai, who’s known for combining local Lakeland produce with zingy Asian flavours.
It feels very secluded, but all the main sights of the central Lakes lie within a short drive.
Squirrelled away in wooded gardens just a short drive from Lake Windermere, the Gilpin manages to maintain an air of tranquillity whilst being within walking distance (two miles) from the lakefront.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...
Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[5.8 miles]
Beatrix Potter’s cottage is every bit as pretty (and popular) as you’d expect – and, for fans of her books, offers the chance to see some of the places that inspired her illustrations.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15
Rydal, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[12.3 miles]
Wordsworth’s grand family home between Ambleside and Grasmere is an essential stop: it’s full of memorabilia, and offers an intriguing glimpse of the Wordsworth family’s daily life in the Lakes.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[14.1 miles]
Take a guided tour around Wordsworth’s charming cottage near Grasmere to get a fascinatingly personal insight into the poet’s life and times – and don’t miss the brilliant museum next door.
Best for ages: 180+ | £12
Wasdale, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[24.1 miles]
Climb up to the highest point in England for a memorable view of the Wasdale fells – and a special sense of achievement. But don’t expect to be on your own if the weather’s fine
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Full day
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Kendal, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[4.9 miles]
The best-known of some fantastic craft breweries in the region. It has a brilliant beer hall at its main site in Staveley, where you can also take a guided tour to learn more about the brewing process
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 3 hours
Troutbeck, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[6.7 miles]
This traditional stone and slate farmhouse was home to local famers the Browne family for over 400 years. The house and family’s possessions have been preserved, showcasing rural life in the Lakes over the past centuries.
Best for ages: 18+ | £9 | 3 hours
Hawkshead, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[8 miles]
This small gallery in Hawkshead is located in the old office of Beatrix Potter’s husband, solicitor William Heelis. It holds regular exhibitions of her work, including her beautiful botanical paintings.
Best for ages: 10+ | £7 | 3 hours
Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[8.9 miles]
Head for this lovely forest for wooded walks, excellent mountain bike trails, fascinating outdoor sculptures and a GoApe treetop assault course.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)
Imposing mountains, wild landscapes, tranquil lakes and picturesque towns combine to make the Lake District uniquely beautiful, and one of the best places in Britain for walking, climbing, boating and biking.
