The Lake District is easily one of the most alluring tourist destinations in England. Second
only to London on travellers' “must see” lists, it is located in north-west corner of England. Its 100 mile, or 160
km, circumference encompasses lush green hillsides, breathtaking valleys, and picturesque lakeside scenery. It's no
wonder tourists flock here year round -- few other places in the UK can so completely capture your imagination.
As a destination for so many, there are a number of hotels in the Lake District - with more than 330 hotels to
choose from, there is bound to be something to suit every taste and budget.
Popular choices for lodging include:
The Langdale Chase Hotel
Secluded in the wooded grounds of Lake Windmere, this country house and hotel offers inspiring views and solitude.
Situated in the heart of Lakeland, this hotel is conveniently located just two miles south of Ambleside and three
miles north or Windermere.
Holmeshead Farm
As a traditional farm with true character, Holmeshead is peaceful and quite, due primarily to its location in the
tiny village of Skelwith Fold. From the farm, you can enjoy taking a stroll in the English countryside while taking
in the unspoiled view, and yet you are only minutes away from Ambleside -- one of Lakeland's major tourist
centers.
Croft House
A little over one mile from Keswick, Cumbria, in the English Lake District -- the Croft House offers five
high-quality self-catering cottages. For Americans, that means they provide the lodging and cooking facilities, but
you're on your own for meals. These four-star accommodations are located just one mile, or about 1.6 kilometers,
from Keswick, nestled at the foot of Skiddaw, and are surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding fells while
still being just a few minutes’ drive from the nearest market.
Holbeck Cottage
Originally built for the servants of the Earl of Lonsdale near the end of the 19th century, Holbeck Cottage has
maintained many of its original features- including the original garden design developed by the staff gardener and
the wooden staircase which leads to the second floor. Renovated in the early 1950's to include electricity and
modern plumbing, it wasn't put to use as a hotel until 1982 at which point it was restored to reflect its original
country charm.
Appleby Manor Country House Hotel
If you are looking for something a bit more upscale, try the Appleby Manor Country House Hotel. It was named the
“Small Hotel of the Year” at the 2008 Cumbria Tourism Awards, and currently boasts a 4-star rating -- a commendable
rating for any hotel, not just hotels in the Lake District. They have strong environmental practices, and they
maintain a positive and welcoming attitude toward guests with disabilities.
The Beaumont Guest House
The crème de la crème in regards to hotels in the Lake District is the Beaumont Guest House. Touting 'comfort with
a touch of class', The Beaumont was awarded a 5-diamond rating for this Windermere guest house. They offer their
guests gourmet-quality food, excellence in hospitality and peaceful tranquility all within a two minute walk from
the center of Lakeland Village. Each room is equipped with luxurious beds, hospitality trays, and a private shower
room with a power shower and a full selection of designer toiletries. In the common areas, guests are welcome to
enjoy the wealth of reading material while reclining on the comfortable sofa and enjoying a drink from the
well-stocked bar. Completing the picture is a cheerful dining room where breakfast is served every morning- the
cost of which is included in the price.
The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Fellwalkers and climbers have been calling this hotel their home away from home for over 300 years. Located in the
heart of the Lake District at the head of the Great Langdale Valley, the Old Dungeon is primarily known for the
fine selection of ales it serves from the Hiker's Bar. For many, this is a long awaited reward for a day of hard
climbing or a pleasant welcome after a long drive.
These are just a few of the hundreds of hotels in the Lake District that surround the lakes of Cumbria. The
welcoming locals and the spectacular scenery make this an ideal year-round destination.
Tony Scott runs the popular Lake District website http://www.discoverthelakes.co.uk which provides lots of information on
hotels in the Lake District.