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“Recently renovated, The Forest Side is a romantic gothic mansion just outside Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District. Offering chic and spacious accommodation with plenty of light hues, this dog-friendly spot boasts 43 acres of superb gardens and stunning cuisine. A top-notch country retreat!”

“Recently renovated, The Forest Side is a romantic gothic mansion just outside Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District. Offering chic and spacious accommodation with plenty of light hues, this dog-friendly spot boasts 43 acres of superb gardens and stunning cuisine. A top-notch country retreat!”

Hotel Review

Go here for the restaurant. Awarded a Michelin Star within 6 months under the talented directorship of chef Kevin Tickle, formerly of L’Enclume, the food is quite simply outstanding. Each dish a visual work of art and a taste sensation. The fresh seasonal ingredients are reared, grown and foraged locally. Imagine potatoes flavoured with charcoal and mint, beetroot served with apple, sorrel and hazelnut or Herdwick Hogget with Hedgerow Shenanigans – each course is imaginative, fun and delicious. Forest Side is a classic 19th century Lake District mansion house, a little unprepossessing but recently renovated from top to toe, inside and out, so the property has new life. Whilst the restaurant is pared down and rustic using wood, slate and hand-thrown pottery – so as not to detract from the food – the bedrooms and reception areas are super plush and contemporary with silvered surfaces and textured linens. There are 20 bedrooms (graded ‘cosy,’ ‘superb’ and ‘master’). Residents have priority in the restaurant at the weekends and you can see why, there is a waiting list to dine here. A young and highly professional team run the show. The hotel is located outside picturesque Grasmere, home to Wordsworth and his Host of Golden Daffodils. This is the very heart of the Lake District and a magnet for food-and-luxury-accommodation junkies. However, newcomer Forest Side is deservedly making its mark. Highly recommended for a mini-break.
 

Written by Hugh Graham-Watson

Recommended For

  • Foodies
  • Enjoy some absolutely exquisite meals at their Michelin starred restaurant — an absolute must!
  • Weddings
  • A beautiful setting, award winning Chefs in charge of the cuisine and luxurious suites to stay in-perfect for anyone's big day!
  • Museums
  • Lakeland Motor Museum houses a fascinating collection of over 30,000 artefacts
  • Country Escape
  • Feel a million miles away from your worries at this tranquil rural spot
  • Cycling
  • Go on an 18 mile tour of the Langdales to get your blood pumping!
  • Great walks
  • The Lake District is home to many breathtaking hiking trails
  • Sailing
  • Hire a rowing boat on nearby Grasmere
  • Pet friendly
  • If you bring your dog along then it'll be treated to its own welcome pack including a dog bed and some treats!
  • Free wifi
  • Available in all areas
  • Chic
  • Luxury
  • Romantic
  • Remote

Facilities

  • Pet friendly
  • If you bring your dog along then it'll be treated to its own welcome pack including a dog bed and some treats!
  • Parking
  • Free private parking available
  • Free wifi
  • Available in all areas
  • Room service
  • Wifi
  • Garden

Activities

  • Museums
  • Lakeland Motor Museum houses a fascinating collection of over 30,000 artefacts
  • Cycling
  • Go on an 18 mile tour of the Langdales to get your blood pumping!
  • Great walks
  • The Lake District is home to many breathtaking hiking trails
  • Sailing
  • Hire a rowing boat on nearby Grasmere

Map & Location

What's Nearby

See What They Say

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
The food, the overall experience, the accessibility to the fells and location, location, location

What is there to do in the area?
A multitude of outdoor activities, walking, mountain biking, road biking, messing about in rowing boats on Grasmere, wild swimming, off-road driving, pottering about in numerous gardens, visiting historic house including Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. Visiting galleries including the Heaton Cooper gallery. Heading to the theatre to catch a show.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Cooked to order offering an array of options

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
They are all popular – all furnished in the same way, just some are larger than others

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
We offer highchairs, paired down menus, cots and several rooms can accommodate extra fold away beds

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
Forest Side is the epitome of the Lake District countryside – the food created by Kevin Tickle reflects this very special landscape – there is a deep seated connection which makes this place very special.