As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to the Lake District, Jackie King picks out a selection of characterful hotels, B&Bs, campsites and cottages in this glorious National Park in the northwest of England.
Regardless of what you've come to the Lake District to do and see, a big part of the holiday is finding the right place to stay, whether it's a luxurious 5-star hotel, a secluded eco cottage or an innovative riverside yurt camp.
We've brought together the following places to stay to offer you as much choice as possible. If you're looking for luxury there's lavish Country Houses and hotels, while those looking to explore the great outdoors should browse our collection of cosy B&Bs and self-catering cottages. Or, for the ultimate outdoor experience, why not take a look at the range of wonderful campsites.
Many of these businesses have been certified by the strict auditors of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, so you can be assured that your stay will have a lighter touch on the environment and help support the Lake's local economy.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Travel Guide to The Lake District:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Places to stay in The Lake District
Moss Grove Organic, Lake District
A smart, funky hotel in the heart of the Lake District with excellent food and strong environmental ethos. All 11 rooms have spa baths, under floor heating, flat screen Tvs, Bose sytems, free internet access, and large comfortable beds. Impressive. www.mossgrove.com
Lancrigg Vegetarian Hotel, Cumbria
In the heart of the Lake District mountains, Lancrigg is a gorgeous, romantic retreat to unwind and restore body and soul. It has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and has over 30 years of experience serving excellent vegetarian food. lancrigg.co.uk
The Langdale Hotel & Spa, Lake District, UK
The Langdale Hotel & Spa, set in 35 acres of woodland and waterways with the Lake District's stunning scenery on its doorstep, has a choice of 4-star luxury, fine cuisine and a choice of top of the range accommodation. langdale.co.uk
Cedar Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Lake District, UK
Set within mature walled gardens under the shadow of the ancient cedar tree, the building boasts ten rooms that have been commended for their interior design. cedarmanor.co.uk
Low Wood Bay Hotel, Lake District, UK
With lawns running right down to the water's edge, Low Wood even has its own leisure club, which boasts a pool, spa sauna, solarium, gym and beauty salon. englishlakes.co.uk/low-wood-bay
Storrs Hall, Lake District, UK
This Grade II-listed Georgian Mansion is not only a luxury accommodation, but a visitor attraction in its own right. Seemingly surrounded on all sides by glorious Lake District countryside, the hotel offers unrivalled views out over Lake Windermere. storrshall.com
Waterhead Hotel, Lake District, UK
Combining 'traditional Lakeland elegance' with a wonderful natural setting, this is equally well suited to romantic weekends and fun-filled activity weeks. englishlakes.co.uk/waterhead
Willowford Farm B&B, Cumbria, England
An organic farm on one of the longest unbroken stretches of Hadrian's Wall still remaining, including 2 turrets and a Roman Bridge. Local and organic produce, including the hosts' own, and all the heating is provided by a log-burning boiler. https://willowford.co.uk/
Blenheim Lodge, Lake District, England
Nestled against woodland in a quiet elevated spot, this 4* B&B boasts fab Lake Windermere views and offers a peaceful retreat for a restful getaway. Ideally located by The Dalesway Walk, away from traffic & crowds, and only a 5 min walk to the lake. https://www.blenheim-lodge.com/
Elterwater Hostel, Langdale Valley, Lake District
A 38 bed hostel in the heart of the Lake District, Langdale Valley is the perfect base for cycling, walking and climbing. A cost effective option for groups or families and perfect for individuals looking for self-catering or home cooking in comfort. elterwaterhostel.co.uk
The Derby Arms, Witherslack, Cumbria
A traditional Cumbrian Inn at 'the gateway' to the English Lake District offering six comfortable, individually designed double bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities. Serving delicious award winning food, local ales and an extensive wine list. thederbyarms.co.uk
Howe Keld B&B, Lake District, UK
Following a recent extension and refurbishment project, Howe Keld has quickly garnered a reputation for offering modern, award-winning bed and breakfast accommodation only a short hop from Keswick and Lake Derwentwater. howekeld.co.uk
Elder Grove, Lake District, UK
The building was first built during the 1800s and still retains many original features, while each of the ten rooms has been warmly decorated and exudes a cosy home-away-from-home type charm. eldergrove.co.uk
Yew Tree Farm, Lake District, UK
Originally built in 1693, this historic B&B in Coniston is one of the most photographed buildings in the North - due in no small part to the fact that the cottage was owned by Beatrix Potter in the 1930s and is still home to many of her furnishings. http://www.yewtree-farm.com/
Elterwater Hostel, Langdale Valley, Lake District
A 38 bed hostel in the heart of the Lake District, Langdale Valley is the perfect base for cycling, walking and climbing. A cost effective option for groups or families and perfect for individuals looking for self-catering or home cooking in comfort. elterwaterhostel.co.uk
Thorney How, Grasmere Independent Hostel
An independent, family run backpacking hostel and walker’s cafe/bar in Grasmere, in the heart of the stunning Lake District. Situated in 2¼ acres of stunning natural grounds, has over 350 years of heritage. Electric bike hire available. thorneyhow.co.uk
Low Parkamoor, Cumbria, UK
Low Parkamoor is an idyllic off-grid farmhouse in the Lake District, the perfect retreat from modern living and a fabulous eco experience. It offers stunning views over Coniston Water and the Old Man mountain in a remarkable and rare location. dodgsonwood.co.uk
Southwaite Green, Lake District, England
Four 5* award winning eco cottages in a beautiful spot in the Western Lake District next to Paddle Beck. Surrounded by 10 acres of landscaped grounds including a grass court for short tennis and badminton, woodlands, a pond and organic fruit. southwaitegreen.co.uk
Ben Fold, Hawkshead, Lake District, England
Ben Fold is a grade II listed, recently redeveloped, cosy country cottage set in its own enclosed garden near Tarn Hows with lovely views across the Esthwaite Valley. Self-catering and a perfect base for walkers or nature lovers. lakelandhideaways.co.uk
Brackenrigg Holiday Cottages, Lake District, UK
At the very heart of the Lake District National Park, just a couple of miles from Keswick, is the peaceful Naddle Valley. brackenrigg.com
Burnside Park, Lake District National Park, England
Central to Bowness and stunning Lake Windermere, stay in a gorgeous self-catering cottage or apartment and enjoy lots of activities in the area accessible without a car including use of the local spa and leisure facilities. burnsidepark.co.uk
YHA Hawkshead, Cumbria, England
This family-friendly grade II listed Regency style building, in a glorious setting overlooking tranquil Esthwaite Water, is an ideal base for cheap family breaks, school trips and activity breaks. Great for walking and cycling. yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-hawkshead
Wrostler's Barn, Cumbria, UK
Beautiful, off-grid camping barn in ancient woodland, very close to Coniston Water. A fantastic eco-holiday retreat, remote and secluded but just a one minute walk through the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) woods to the lakeside. dodgsonwood.co.uk
Long Valley Yurts The Lake District, Cumbria
A fabulous collection of yurts and bell tents nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park on the quiet western shores of England's largest lake, Windermere. luxury-yurt-holidays.co.uk
Fisherground Campsite, Lake District, UK
A wonderful campsite overlooking Fellside cottage in Eskdale. One of the biggest draws of this particular campsite is the pond, which is a fantastic place for children to play while still under the watchful eye of parents. fishergroundcampsite.co.uk
Syke Farm Camping Ground, Lake District, UK
As basic as the facilities might be, this is the ideal location in which to appreciate the true beauty of the Lake District, with plenty of space for kids to run and play, and for parents to relax. sykefarmcampsite.com
Gill Head Farm, Lake District, UK
Come to Gill Head Farm and, on top of plenty of space for tents and caravans, you'll also find B&B accommodation and six timber camping pods. gillheadfarm.co.uk
For information on local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities, see our Green Traveller's Guide to the Lake District
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