One of the Lake District's finest boutique hotels, the Gilpin features Michelin-starred dining, luxurious spa lodges with their own private hot tubs, and impeccable service. Set in 100 acres of fell and woodland, the hotel epitomises everything that makes the English country house hotel so special.
The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is a family-owned boutique retreat set in 100 acres of fell and woodland on Crook Road near Windermere in the Lake District National Park, England. The main hotel, housed in a country house dating from 1901, offers twenty rooms and suites of varying sizes and styles, many featuring private garden areas, outdoor hot tubs, or terraces overlooking the grounds. Six detached spa lodges set within the estate provide the most private accommodation, each with a dedicated outdoor hot tub, private sauna, and exclusive garden space for a secluded experience away from the main house. The hotel's culinary reputation rests on two dining venues: the Michelin-starred Hrishi restaurant, which serves an Indian-influenced contemporary cuisine drawing on locally sourced Cumbrian produce, and the more relaxed Gilpin Spice, offering Indian street food and sharing plates. The Gilpin Spa is among the finest in the Lake District, featuring an indoor pool, treatment rooms, steam room, and a range of signature therapies. Windermere and Grasmere — two of the most visited lakes in England — are each within a short drive, and Ambleside, with its walking supply shops and waterfront cafes, is approximately four miles away. The hotel sits in excellent walking country, with Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes accessible from nearby trailheads. The concierge team can arrange private fell walking guides, boat hire on Windermere, and reservations at regional attractions including Hill Top, the Beatrix Potter farmhouse at Near Sawrey, and the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere. The property also operates as a private Lake House venue available for exclusive hire beside Knipe Tarn on the western shore of the lake.
Location
54.3719, -2.8999 View on map
Highlights
- Michelin-starred Hrishi restaurant
- Spa lodges with private hot tubs
- 100-acre grounds
- Lake Windermere access
- Afternoon tea
Tips for visiting
- The spa lodges with private hot tubs are the hotel's most distinctive offering; book these months ahead as availability is very limited.
- Hrishi restaurant operates on a tasting menu format; advance booking is essential and dietary requirements should be communicated at reservation.
- The Lake District is busiest from July to August; May, June, or September offer quieter fells and lower nightly rates.
- Private fell walking guides can be arranged through the hotel for guests unfamiliar with Lake District navigation.
- Windermere train station is approximately four miles away with direct services from Manchester and London Euston via Oxenholme.
Accessibility
The Gilpin Hotel has limited accessibility in the main country house due to its traditional layout, which includes some stairs and changes of level. Ground-floor rooms are available and the hotel will work with guests to identify suitable accommodation. The spa lodges are set on relatively level ground but have some steps at the entrance. Guests with mobility requirements are strongly encouraged to contact the hotel before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a hotel room and a spa lodge?
Hotel rooms and suites are located in the main country house and share communal spa facilities. Spa lodges are detached private units within the grounds, each with its own outdoor hot tub, sauna, and dedicated garden. They offer significantly greater privacy and are the hotel's most premium accommodation category.
Is the spa at The Gilpin open to non-residents?
The spa is reserved exclusively for hotel guests and is not open to non-residents, ensuring a quieter and more private experience for those staying at the property.
How close is The Gilpin to Lake Windermere?
The hotel is approximately two miles from the eastern shore of Windermere. Bowness-on-Windermere, the main lakeside village, is around a fifteen-minute drive, and the hotel can arrange boat hire and lake cruise connections.
Is The Gilpin Hotel suitable for walkers?
The hotel is an excellent base for Lake District walking, with numerous routes accessible from the local area. The concierge can supply OS maps, organise packed lunches, and arrange professional guide services for guests seeking assistance on more demanding fells.