The cosiest B&Bs in the Lake District
If the thought of staying in a bed and breakfast conjures up images of old-fashioned, un-loved guest houses that offer little to no personality, then it's time to revisit the idea as we've rounded up the best B&Bs in the Lake District for you to check into.
England is now home to some wonderful B&Bs, dotted all over the countryside and coastline, often offering a unique insight into the area, personalised service and a guaranteed warm welcome. They might not be flashy but they'll certainly win you round with their bespoke brand of charm, thoughtful touches and affordable price tag.
One area which boasts a plethora of examples of this new breed of B&B, the Lake District has many charms of its own. Continually voted as one of the best places to visit in the UK, the Lake District is popular among walkers, families and anyone looking to be wowed by nature.
The region is known for its glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains and historic literary associations, making it a wonderful place to check into the Lake District's best B&Bs.
Staying at a bed and breakfast in the Lake District is a brilliant way to engulf yourself in the culture and the charm that keeps people visiting year after year.
If it's location that tops your list of criteria then the likes of Lake District B&B Raise View in Grasmere, and Lindeth Fell Country House in Bowness-on-Windermere will certainly pique your interest.
Otherwise, for those seeking the thoughtful, personalised touches that are perhaps harder (or more expensive) to find at a large hotel, look no further than Lonsdale House (piled high with board games and a free fiction library).
From adults only bed and breakfasts to a guest house with incredible views, check out the best B&Bs in the Lake District for a staycation.
Raise View
Grasmere
This discerning, adults-only B&B, offers the best of both worlds, with classy hotel-grade standards but a relaxed, family welcome. The five bedrooms at Raise View each reflect the owners passion (and astute eye) for design and unwavering attention to detail, with high-end furnishings, including striking feature wallpapers, smart armchairs and modern bathrooms.
Outside of your room there's lots of space to relax after a day of exploring the green hues outside, with a dining room and a cosy sitting room, complete with honesty bar, local books and walking guides.
The Lake District B&B is just a 10- to 15-minute walk from the pubs and restaurants in the village of Grasmere (once home to the poet Wordsworth), which offer ample choice for dinner, while breakfast is taken care of by owner Jacky, who can also help plan a day out with her great knowledge of local tried-and-tested walks and hikes.
Lindeth Fell Country House
Bowness-on-Windermere
You can't get much closer to Lake Windermere than the Lindeth Fell Country House, unless you're planning to set up a tent beside the waters. This elegant Lake District B&B, which towers above the iconic lake, is more luxury hotel than guest house.
Run with great charm and warmth by the Kennedy family, it merges nostalgic, old-fashioned touches with contemporary comforts and a pre-emptive understanding of what guests here might want.
If you fancy staying closer to home, the spacious gardens and woodland here are perfect for wildlife spotting and offer a sense of peace and privacy. And, after a day of adventure, afternoon tea can be enjoyed in one of the sitting rooms, with views over the glistening waters and greenery below.
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Ambleside Lake House
Ambleside
Continually pulling in five-star reviews from those who stay, the family-run Ambleside Lake House perches above Waterhead Bay within sprawling green surroundings. The bedrooms at the four-star guest house are individually decorated to a high standard, with tea and coffee facilities, a desk and modern bathrooms.
A hearty full English can be expected, featuring fresh produce, before you head off on one of the scenic walking routes surrounding the Lake District B&B.
The Royal Oak
Keswick
This traditional country inn is set in the heart of Braithwaite, a spot it has occupied far longer than its current owner, who took over the pub-cum-B&B in December 2016.
With 10 en-suite bedrooms, roaring log fires in winter, a large outdoor seating area for the summer months, oak beams and very friendly staff, the Royal Oak the ideal place to put your feet up after a day of exploration, with spectacular scenery right on your doorstep.
Food at the Lake District B&B is, as with everything else here, in generous supply. Expect hearty portions of traditional pub food served in either the bar area or the restaurant.
The Ullswater View Guest House
Ullswater
It's not hard to see how this Lake District B&B got its name. This stylish bed and breakfast enjoys a spectacular perch above Ullswater, one of the Lake District's most breathtaking lakes.
Located in the hamlet of Watermillock, between the traditional village of Pooley Bridge and Glenridding (popular with mountain walkers), the Ullswater View Guest House is an ideal location from which to explore the Cumbrian fells, valleys and lakes.
Sit down to a hearty breakfast of locally and meticulously sourced produce or, weather permitting, enjoy a morning cuppa out on the terrace and soak up the unparalleled vistas. Most of the contemporary rooms here offer hillside lake views and they all come fitted with an LCD TV and iPod docking station.
Brathay Hall
Ambleside
When it comes to Lake District bed and breakfasts, you don't get much grander than Brathay Hall.
The residential training centre of Brathay Trust sits within 360 acres at the head of Windermere and is but a mile away from Ambleside; though many guests find they can't drag themselves away from the natural surroundings of the estate and choose to foray into the fells around the hall.
Ambleside Townhouse
Ambleside
It's easy to see why the family-run Ambleside Townhouse is such a hit with those looking to soak up all the Lake District has to offer. Just 900 yards from Lake Windermere, it offers spacious, en-suite rooms — each with fresh, light décor — with attentive staff and a good choice of breakfast options to keep you satiated until lunch.
Rydal Water is less than two miles away, while the town centre is just a nine-minute drive away, providing access to the World of Beatrix Potter, the Steamboat Museum and boat trips.
Lakeland House
Coniston
Lakeland House is one of those bed and breakfast gems that have you double-checking the price in case you've read it wrong. But you haven't - this Lake District B&B is that heady mix of affordable, stylish and expertly tuned into its guests.
Situated in the pretty village of Coniston, the top-rated guest houses offers comfortable and contemporary accommodation — including the spacious (and beautifully decorated) Lookout Suite — which enjoy scenic views across the rugged landscape, including Coniston Fells, the village and the Old Man of Coniston.
Crookabeck B&B
Patterdale
If you’re craving a truly remote getaway, the tiny Crookabeck B&B could be just what the doctor ordered. Off the beaten track, a peaceful retreat at this working farm is guaranteed – perhaps with just the odd exception of a brief chorus from the farm’s purebred Herdwicks. With just three ensuite rooms, it’s utterly bijou and the ideal away-from-it-all bolthole.
To add to the feeling of escapism, onsite pamper treatments are available. Many are Ayurveda based therapies designed for total rejuvenation. If long walks are on the agenda, then a targeted foot treatment might be the ideal way to recover.
Crookabeck is in a tucked-away location between Ullswater and Glenridding, around 450 metres from Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk and only half a mile to Ullswater for sailing, fishing, and windsailing.
Storrs Gate House
Bowness
With a prime position opposite Lake Windermere, Storrs Gate House has a lot to be smug about. This 19th-century country house has its own gardens and is just an easy 15-minute lakeshore walk to Bowness Bay, where the World of Beatrix Potter is found.
Eight well-appointed guest rooms are cosy enclaves to relax in after long days of exploring the Lakes. Some rooms feature elegant four-poster beds, conjuring images of a grand yet quintessential English B&B. Other rooms have a more modern feel that overlook the flower-filled gardens. The views will be enough to tempt you down to sit on the terrace amid scented blooms with a cup of tea.
Breakfast is a serious affair here. Homemade produce, including jams, marmalades, and fresh-from-the-oven fruit muffins make breakfast an experience to savour. And once you’ve turned the final page of the morning paper, Storrs Gate House is in a great spot for visiting Levens Hall, the Holker Estate and Holehird Gardens.
The Punch Bowl Inn
Crosthwaite
What once stood as a traditional blacksmith's shop in 1829 is now a lovingly renovated B&B. The Punch Bowl in Crosthwaite blends English charm with lashings of luxury. Some of the nine beautifully appointed rooms feature high ceilings, rolltop baths, and exposed oak beams.
Leave the car at the Punch Bowl and join the walking trails direct from the village. Otherwise, the spoils of Lake Windermere are only a 15-minute drive away. But hurry back for a home-cooked meal packed with Lake District ingredients at the restaurant.
Lonsdale House
Bowness-on-Windermere
The proud owners of a prestigious Visit Britain Silver Award, you might have heard of Lonsdale House before, as it often pops up on lists of top bed and breakfasts in the Lake District.
Just a short stroll from Lake Windermere, this B&B features a well-stocked bar, a guest lounge, free board games and a fiction library, making it the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap and some good old family fun.
The World of Beatrix Potter is five minutes’ walk away, and many popular walking, cycling and climbing locations are easily reached on foot.
The Crown Inn
Coniston
In the charming Lake District village of Coniston, less than half a mile, from Coniston Water, The Crown Inn exudes a relaxed coaching inn feel downstairs, with bright, traditionally-styled rooms upstairs.
Many of the reviews mention the high-quality of the mattresses and the quality of sleep enjoyed by guests, an important factor considering you'll likely be meandering up and down hills all day.
The Coniston Old Man fell is a mile away, offering beautiful views and hill walks, and a menu of classic British dishes, including home-made pies, can be enjoyed in the pub bar and dining room as night falls.
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