14 best hotels in the Lake District to check into in 2023

The Lake District is a natural playground that beckons with outdoor activities that include fell hiking, forest biking, paddleboarding, wild swimming and rock climbing. From homely Airbnbs in the Lake District to the best hotels in the Lake District, you'll find an excellent base from which to experience this spectacular corner of England.

BEST HOTELS IN LAKE DISTRICT

The region also abounds with literary associations, small-scale museums and local art galleries, plus the artisan food producers, award-winning farm shops, classic tea rooms and contemporary crafts breweries that make it a foodie's paradise.

Indeed, some of the best hotels in the Lake District are centred around outstanding restaurants that put sensational local produce including salt marsh lamb, Cumberland sausage and brown shrimp to remarkable use in high-end cuisine to rival any served in Britain’s major cities. Afternoon tea is also a high point of any stay – served in most hotels, it’s a guilt-free indulgence after spending all that time out in the fresh air.

With lovely views to boot, the best hotels in Lake District also have gardens, summer terraces and sometimes the likes of outdoor hot tubs to help you soak up your rustic surrounds. They may also run or organise absorbing activities such as foraging, forest bathing and farm visits.

Whenever the season you're visiting (autumn is a delight for taking in the fiery hues of nature and winter is arguably the most magical time of year when snow blankets the fell tops), the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK and our pick of the best hotels will help you see it at its most wonderful.