Windermere, Lake District, England
Intimate luxury retreat in the Lake District combining Michelin‑star dining, private hot‑tub suites and serene countryside surroundings
Our review
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful areas of natural beauty in the United Kingdom and certainly one of the most visited places outside London. But we’ve found it’s a bit hit and miss with hotels here. Some websites make the hotels look inviting, but they don’t deliver.
Our stay at Gilpen Hotel and Lake Lodge, in Windermere bucked this trend of disappointing hotels. The twenty-six-room establishment is run by hands-on family owners – passionate about their business – and spread over two buildings, a short distance apart. The main building is where we had a lovely junior suite – Troutbeck – with terrace and views over the garden and the llama paddock. I could see well cared for grassed areas and trees making for a peaceful view. Garden suites have their own hot tubs and terrace.
The room was decorated in mainly beige and turquoise with a distressed chest of drawers having its blue colour picked up in the cushions on the bed. There were various knick-knacks and ornaments, perhaps overall too ‘busy’ for my taste, but nicely done and it was certainly a cosy and welcoming room on the cold day we arrived. The double aspect room made it very light. Being able to read in the comfortable upholstered chairs near the window was a pleasant experience. Fresh roses, lightly scented, and probably hand picked from the garden made a change from the usual potted orchid.
The bathroom was well appointed with warm thermoplastic floor tiles instead of cold marble. There was a handy retractable line over the bath for hanging wet costumes on after using the swimming pool. Their lovely ‘Jetty’ spa products, especially made by their onsite therapist are used in all the bathrooms.
The Gilpin has an attractive lounge with fire. There are squishy sofas, coffee tables, bookcases crammed with a variety of books and magazines for lazy or rainy days. The bar has an extensive range of drinks, including interesting soft drinks, and a long list of cocktails. The dining rooms are a series of small, interconnected rooms. We had breakfast and dinner in the Garden Room. In the morning, guests can watch the birds that flock to the food on the bird table outside. The patio doors flood this room with light. In the evening, the curtains are drawn and the candles lit and the room takes on a romantic mood.
The hotel welcomes non-residents for dinner. There is a choice between the British menu or the table d’hôtel, both four courses. We had a perfectly nice meal, the fennel and apple salad with walnut oil being a highlight for me. If you prefer simple fare and don’t want to take the gourmet food route, the kitchen is quite happy to prepare something simple, with notice. I had decided to try the British cheeseboard but in the event, couldn’t manage it. Next time. Coffee and tea may be taken in the lounge in front of the fire, just like being at home, except much nicer of course.
The next morning we went to see the Lake House with its spa and private lake, a short distance away. This really is in a lovely location. As well as a bar and lounge, there are six guestrooms and the small spa. The spa is delightful and fairly new, the treatment rooms over-looking the lake. A spa trail is highly recommended around the lake – we didn’t have time – but what a treat it would be, especially with your loved one. After a consultation and swim, there is a walk through the woods ending with a soak in a Japanese salted tub, glass of bubbly in hand. The indoor swimming pool is heated so may be enjoyed all year. The therapist at the spa makes all the ‘Jetty’ bathroom and spa products herself to her recipes.
Sometimes, small country house places can feel a bit stuffy, but there is none of that at Gilpin. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and get the impression the staff want you to do just that.
Rooms
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House offers around 30 rooms and suites split between the main hotel and the secluded Lake House estate. Accommodation ranges from elegant bedrooms to spa suites with private hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas. Lake House rooms enjoy lakeside settings, terraces and exceptional privacy, while all rooms are individually styled for a warm, contemporary country‑house feel.
Food and Drink
HRiSHi is the hotel’s Michelin‑starred restaurant, led by chef Hrishikesh Desai, offering modern menus inspired by Indian flavours combined with local Lake District ingredients. The restaurant is noted for its refined tasting menus and contemporary approach to British dining.
Gilpin Spice provides relaxed pan‑Asian dining focused on bold flavours and sharing plates, while comfortable lounges and terraces offer informal spaces for drinks, aperitifs and pre‑dinner relaxation.
Wellness
Wellness at Gilpin centres on private spa experiences rather than a traditional spa. Many suites feature hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms, and the Spa Space offers exclusive use facilities including hydrotherapy hot tubs and relaxation areas. Treatments can be arranged in‑room for a secluded and personalised experience.
Facilities
- Michelin‑starred fine dining restaurant
- Additional casual dining restaurant
- Private spa suites with hot tubs or saunas
- Exclusive Spa Space for private use
- Beautiful gardens and lake access
- Complimentary parking
- Concierge and bespoke local experiences
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is located near Windermere in the Lake District National Park. Nearby attractions include Lake Windermere, Grizedale Forest, Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, scenic walking trails and charming villages across Cumbria.
Getting there
Address: Crook Road, Windermere, The English Lake District, LA23 3NE
Arriving by train: Windermere Train Station (4.2 km – 2.6 miles), 8 minutes drive to the hotelKendal Train Station (12.9 km – 8 miles), 16 minutes drive to the hotel
Arriving by air: Manchester Airport MAN (141.8 km – 88.1 miles), 1 hour 28 minutes drive to the hotelLiverpool John Lennon Airport LPL (150.5 km – 93.5 miles), 1 hour 36 minutes drive to the hotelBlackpool Airport BLK (98.2 km – 61 miles), 1 hour 6 minutes drive to the hotel
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.