Cumbria
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The Lake District is the best known part of the county of Cumbria. But there is more to Cumbria than the Lake District.
The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in Cumbria features hotels across the board from luxurious hideaways in the Lakes like Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, an immaculate country house hotel to The Sun Inn in Kirkby Lonsdale a characterful town pub in a charming market town.
Cumbria Overview
Cumbria is a land of beauty and variety, from its busy cities and historic market towns to its stone and slate villages, each possessing their own character.
Cumbria's landscape is diverse. Wild fells and high passes with endless views stir the imagination. Quiet pastoral countryside and valleys enchant. Rivers twist and tumble.
Glacial lakes reflect cloud-topped mountains. Man-made drystone walls march across the dales. Woodlands and coastal scenery add to the mix.
Best places to stay in Cumbria for exploring the great outdoors
The best places to stay in Cumbria to explore this rich landscape include Sharrow Bay a luxury retreat with top notch cuisine and walking straight from the door.
For something a little less extravagant check out the Howtown Hotel near Penrith. It's very old fashioned, down-to-earth and is hugely popular with walkers.
Another great place to stay is the Wasdale Head Inn, famous with the climbing fraternity and spectacularly situated below Scafell Pike.
Best places to stay in Cumbria for culture
The legacy of the past is here in prehistoric and Roman remains. Stone circles and burial cairns dot the land. Old Roman roads and forts still command attention.
Historic places of worship and ruined castles speak of Norman times. Country houses and gardens delight the visitor.
For those with a penchant for literary history The Tower Bank Arms is next door to Beatrix Potter's house or if Norman history is your thing then a stay at the Tufton Arms should suit - Appleby castle is on your doorstep.
Best places to stay in Cumbria for walkers
Walkers call this county 'paradise'. Everywhere the grandeur of the scenery speaks to the glory of Cumbria.
Its best places to stay reflect its atmosphere and rugged surroundings. A warm welcome, good food and a comfortable bed are at their heart.
For great food in a remote location try the Cottage in the Wood overlooking the Skiddaw Range; New House Farm is similarly off the beaten track, but boasts fabulous views plus a 17 acre garden with hot tub.
The Pheasant Inn is situated near Lake Bassenthwaite in the less touristy Northern Lakes and is staunchly traditional but in a good way - roaring log fires and oak panelled bar.
Best Places to stay for enjoying the lakes
For those who simply want to visit Cumbria to lap up the beauty of the Lakes, then book a room at Linthwaite House Hotel. It's an Edwardian pile with glorious views over Windermere and a great restaurant.
The Swan Hotel and Spa overlooks the river Leven on the southern shore of Lake Windermere. As well as luxury accommodation it offers top notch spa, plus swimming pool and gym - so plenty to do if the weather's not playing ball.
Best place to stay in Cumbria for families
Last but not least in our summary of the best places to stay in Cumbria is Augill Castle a family friendly treat for everyone.
It's a quirky property with great atmosphere and more importantly all sorts of thing for the kids to get up to - including their very own children's cookery school.
For our full selection of the best places to stay in Cumbria, browse the list below. If there's nothing of interest here, try our picks in nearby Lancashire.
The best hotels in Cumbria
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Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Windermere, Cumbria
Immaculate, spoiling Relais & Chateaux country house hotel, with luxurious bedrooms, private suites in the grounds, top notch service and well reviewed dining. Separate Lake House with suites, pool and spa.
26 rooms from $467Exclusive offer - Spa BreakRestaurant - Recommended.Spa - Lake House guests only, otherwise access to local spaRestrictions on children - No children under 7Romantic - Good for couples. -
The Samling Hotel
Windermere, Cumbria
Charming hotel located in the hills surrounding Lake Windemere. Beautiful views, Michelin chefs, separate cottage.
11 rooms from $451Views - Great views from hotelRemote - Off the beaten track.Romantic - Good for couples.Great walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Travel Intelligence -
Sharrow Bay
Penrith, Cumbria
Stately hotel on shores of Lake Ullswater. Forests, hillsides, views. Luxury bedrooms, classical decor - the original Lakeland country house hotel
24 rooms from $322Remote - Off the beaten track.Great walks - Good for walkers. -
Swinside Lodge Hotel
Keswick, Cumbria
Intimate 'drinks before dinner' atmosphere in this charming Regency house hotel in a peaceful valley near Keswick. Excellent walking on its doorstep and a stroll from Derwentwater.
7 rooms from $316Great walks - At the foot of Cat Bells, with the Allerdale Ramble a short walk awayQuiet - Very peaceful settingRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
The Windermere Suites
Windermere, Cumbria
Contemporary B&B in the heart of the Lake District. Romantic interiors. Monochrome rooms, breakfast included.
8 rooms from $290Romantic - Good for couples.Great walks - Good for walkers.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Johansens, Travel Intelligence -
The Pheasant Inn
Cockermouth, Cumbria
Stay at this old coaching inn, with fine dining and a bistro, to avoid the crowds. Close to Lake Bassenthwaite, in the less touristy north, it's cosy, with access to local spa and pool.
15 rooms from $290Great walks - Sale Fell on its doorstep, Skiddaw range 10 mins awaySpa - Access to private local spa with swimming pool.Restrictions on children - No children under 8Fishing - Excellent fishing nearby.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Linthwaite House Hotel
Windermere, Cumbria
Slick, stylish yet relaxed Edwardian hotel, with gorgeous hilltop views over Lake Windemere and the fells. Good walking from the door, excellent restaurant. Ask for larger rooms with views.
30 rooms from $275Exclusive offer - Dine for FREEViews - Hilltop views over the lake and fellsGreat walks - Great walking from the doorRestaurant - Excellent restaurantSailing - Can be booked nearby.Recommended by - I Escape, Tablet, Good Hotel Guide, Johansens, Kiwi Collection, Travel Intelligence -
Howtown Hotel
nr Penrith, Cumbria
Wonderful old-fashioned, down-to-earth hotel, popular with walkers. No frills like TVs or phones, good value with great views and hearty meals. Tranquil lakeside setting. Closed in winter.
13 rooms from $267Great walks - Fabulous base for walks from the front doorViews - Beautiful views over UllswaterTraditional - Old fashioned, no frillsSailing - Can be booked nearby.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Holbeck Ghyll Hotel
Windermere, Cumbria
Comfortable, luxurious country house style in this classic former hunting lodge, with Michelin starred food. Fabulous views over Lake Windemere from restaurant and many rooms. Small spa, extensive grounds.
20 rooms from $258Garden - Fine grounds sloping to the lakeViews - Great views of the lakeRestaurant - Michelin starRomantic - Good for couples. -
Augill Castle
nr Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
Eccentric, fabulous family castle hotel stuffed with antiques and four posters in pretty rural setting midway between the Lake District and the Dales. Good base for expeditions if you have a car. Excellent for children and families.
14 rooms from $258Child friendly - Lots to do for children, including cookery classesFull of character - Antiques, four posters, curios - a real castleCooking classes - Cookery school for kidsFour poster beds - For romantics. -
New House Farm
Cockermouth, Cumbria
400 year old farmhouse in remote part of Lake District. Spectacular Lakeland views, 17 acre gardens. Traditional interiors, oak beams, open fire places. Restaurant/dining room, tea room.
5 rooms from $258Remote - Off the beaten track.Views - Great views from hotelGreat walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Overwater Hall
Cumbria
Secluded country house in 18 acres of gardens and woodland. French windows, ballustraded terraces, views. Spacious comfortable rooms, award winning restaurant.
11 rooms from $242Restrictions on children - No children under 5 allowed in the restaurantViews - Great views from hotelSecluded setting - For escaping.Remote - Off the beaten track.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Farlam Hall
Cumbria
Quintessential English manor house in the heart of Cumbria. Country retreat, gardens. Elegant lounges, individually styled rooms, restaurant.
12 rooms from $242Romantic - Good for couples.Views - Great views from hotelSecluded setting - For escaping.Four poster beds - For romantics. -
Tufton Arms Hotel
Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria
Old coaching inn in the centre of picturesque Appleby. Elegant rooms, antiques, rich fabrics. Conservatory restaurant, wine shop, bar.
22 rooms from $217 -
Fayrer Garden House Hotel
Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Victorian house set in 5 acres of gardens overlooking Lake Windermere. Panoramic lake views. Spacious airy rooms, gardens, restaurant.
28 rooms from $193Views - Great views from hotelGreat walks - Good for walkers.Fishing - Excellent fishing nearby.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Johansens -
Wasdale Head Inn
near Gosforth, Cumbria
Famous climbing inn at the head of Wasdale, spectacularly sited below Scafell Pike with magnificent views. Hearty food and simple but comfortable rooms. Self catering available.
12 rooms from $190Views - All bedrooms have stunning views of WasdaleClimbing - At the foot of England's highest mountainGreat walks - Top hill walkingRemote - Off the beaten track. -
The Cottage in the Wood
nr Keswick, Cumbria
Great food and remote location in a converted 17th century coaching inn in a mountain forest, with magnificent views. Cottagey feel, popular with walkers, good value.
10 rooms from $177Great walks - Ideally suited for overnighting and fell walkingViews - Overlooking the Skiddaw rangeRestrictions on children - No children under 10Remote - Off the beaten track.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Grange Hotel
Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
One of a kind and full of character: old fashioned, genteel Victorian hotel in a Lake District seaside resort. Ornate rooms, fine dining, pool and spa. Weddings galore.
58 rooms from $177Full of characterSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Romantic - Good for couples.Spa -
The Swan Hotel & Spa
Cumbria
Hotel overlooking the River Leven on the South shore of Lake Windemere. Views, walks, airy interiors. Indoor pool and spa, brasserie and bar.
51 rooms from $176Views - Great views from hotelRemote - Off the beaten track.SpaGreat walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Sawdays -
Sun Inn
Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
Characterful and ancient town pub with rooms in charming market town near the Lake District and the Dales. Popular with locals for its award winning menu. A great base for serious walking, but need a car.
11 rooms from $159Local exploring - Great base for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.Inn - Authentic market town pubLively - Popular with localsFull of characterRecommended by - Sawdays -
Punch Bowl Inn
Lyth Valley, Cumbria
Plush boutique styling in this 18thC inn in a sleepy Lake District village with sweeping valley views. Decent food, power showers, flat screen TVs. Good base but need a car.
9 rooms from $153Four poster beds - For romantics.Recommended by - Sawdays -
Tower Bank Arms
Ambleside, Cumbria
Classic and atmospheric Lakeland village inn, next to Beatrix Potter's former home. Good local food and ales, just four rooms, fine walks from the door. A mile from Lake Windemere.
4 rooms from $150Fishing - Top trout fishery on nearby Esthwaite WaterInn - Authentic village innGreat walks - Good walking from the door, as well as a good base for walks further afieldSights nearby - Beatrix Potter's house next door
