Hotels in Crooklands

Crooklands makes a practical, low-fuss base for exploring the southern Lake District, largely thanks to its position right by junction 36 of the M6. The Crooklands Hotel itself, a former 18th-century farmhouse turned 31-bedroom coaching inn, is the main option in the hamlet, with a bar, two restaurants and function space, and rooms geared as much towards business travellers and wedding guests as holidaymakers. Its character comes from the original beamed ceilings and open fire rather than any lakeside or fellside setting; this is a stopover and touring base rather than a scenic destination in its own right.

Because Crooklands is so small, most visitors who want a wider choice of hotels, guesthouses or bed and breakfasts head the short distance into Kendal, which has a proper range of accommodation from budget chains to independent townhouse hotels, or towards Milnthorpe and the villages around the edge of the Lyth Valley, which offer a mix of country inns and farm-based stays. Booking around the Westmorland County Show in September, or during the main summer holiday weeks when the southern Lakes are busiest, is worth doing well ahead, since Crooklands' limited stock and its position on a main road into the national park mean rooms can go quickly.

For anyone touring by car, staying in or near Crooklands cuts down considerably on drive times to Windermere, Kendal, Levens Hall and Sizergh Castle compared with basing yourself further into the Lakes, while usually working out cheaper than accommodation actually within the national park boundary.