Escape to the Lake District | boutique hotels for a picture perfect stay

Holbeck Ghyll is an old hunting lodge overlooking Lake Windermere. Inside is a cosy Arts and Crafts retreat with roaring fireplaces, nooks to snuggle in and fabulous Edwardian details, like hearts carved into the dining chairs. I was excited to find out that Renee Zellweger stayed here when filming Miss Potter – in the Beatrix Potter suite, of course. 

Getting to our room involved climbing up two flights of stairs, past a beautiful stained glass window seat and into the eaves, where we discovered a four poster bed, beautiful bathroom suite, breathtaking lake views and complimentary damson gin.

We took a day to walk to Ambleside and hike up to nearby Wansfell Pike, taking a packed lunch from the hotel which included the most juicy fruitcake, and on our return the hotel’s outdoor hot tub overlooking Lake Windermere was booked and waiting to soothe aching limbs and a range of excellent spa treatments awaited.

Linthwaite House Hotel is a contemporary country house set majestically overlooking Windermere within 14 acres of established gardens and private woodland. The decor is contemporary, a beautiful palette of blues, yellow, teal and russet with an art collection that is sure to spark conversation. The views from the hot tub suite are deliciously unreal.

The innovative restaurant, Stella, prides itself on locally sourced and organic food, showcasing the Cumbrian region, the seasons and celebrity chef Rita Dalmia’s passion for Italian cuisine.

Hillthwaite House Hotel is tucked away between Windermere and Bowness, within walking distance of both. You are spoilt for choice for cosy corners to take in the views, with the conservatory, dining rooms and terrace all with panoramic views over the lake to Langdale Pikes, Crinkle Crags and Coniston Old Man. Perfect for a sunset romantic dinner, the quality of food is something guests mention in reviews.

Each room is individually designed and most have lake or fell views. There is an indoor pool and sauna here, something you won’t find in many boutique hotels.

If you’re looking for some modern, fun decor appeal, look no further. The Inn on the Square, Keswick, with its Herdwick sheep and Hygge themed rooms, full of colour pops and in some cases photographic murals of sheep, definitely has great style and a good sense of humour. It also has two easy access bedrooms and a great choice of eateries.

Doggies are also super welcome here. Your dog can join you for food and drinks all day long in the chic Front Bar, comfy lounge and relaxed Back Bar. There just not allowed in the Steakhouse, and I can absolutely appreciate why as a dog owner! They even supply a dog spa (including a hose pipe and dry towels) for that all important post-walk doggy clean up.

What stands out at the Aphrodite Lodge is how much the rooms feel like home, but without losing the feel of a luxury hotel. They have quirky and spacious layouts, a far cry from a boxy hotel room. There are rooms with hot tubs, spa bathrooms, chaise lounges, cinema rooms and mirrored ceilings. The Parisian suite looks like a set from a musical and the love shack even has a woodburner.

This is somewhere to truly relax and wind down with your loved one and it’s no surprise it is one of the region’s most luxurious spa hotels. The indoor pool, sauna, steam room and waterfall are all available to guests at no extra charge and a wide choice of beauty treatments are available to book.

Ultra modern and sleek, this adults only hotel makes sneaking away for a romantic weekend suprisingly easy. If you’re looking to make a big romantic gesture it’s easy to do here, book a hot tub suite and choose from the enticing menu of luxury extras, all bookable online, to treat the one you love, such as a teddy bear, a picnic for two or silk rose petals.

The Applegarth has an array of rooms for different budgets and with 15 individually designed hot tub suites, there’s a place for all tastes. All boast bold colours, professional interior design and plenty of space.  I’m particularly loving the leopard print in Devoke suite. And what’s more, well behaved dogs are allowed in some rooms by arrangement.

The restaurant offers fine dining, with hearty but beautifully presented dishes showcasing Cumbria’s freshest flavours, like Cumbrian Fellbred Fillet Steak or Wild Lakeland Venison.

And in case you are deliberating over room or suite, I should mention that drinks in suites will be served by the Applegarth’s in house butler leaving you evem more time to relax in your hot tub…