Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Crook Road, near Windermere · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Family-run five-red-star country house hotel and separate lake house four miles from Windermere, with two restaurants, spa suites and large grounds.
What's nearby
- Gilpin Spice next door
- SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
About Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Gilpin has been run by the same family since 1988 and remains one of the best-known addresses in Cumbria. The property is really two hotels on two estates just over a mile apart: the main house on Crook Road, set in around twenty acres of gardens and moorland, and Gilpin Lake House, a much smaller adults-only retreat on its own private lake with a handful of suites and a swimming pool. Guests staying at either can use both.
Rooms range from classic bedrooms in the original house to garden suites with private terraces and hot tubs, and standalone spa lodges, each with a cedarwood hot tub, sauna and a small treatment area of its own. Interiors are comfortable rather than austerely modern, with heavy fabrics, log fires in the public rooms and a lot of natural light. There is no large communal spa in the main hotel, which is deliberate; the treatment rooms are small and quiet.
Food matters here. HRiSHi serves a modern menu with a clear Indian influence and has held recognition from the Michelin guide for years, while Gilpin Spice next door is a more casual pan-Asian dining room built around a shared-plates format. Breakfast is cooked to order, and afternoon tea is served in the lounges. The wine list is long and the service is notably unstuffy for a hotel at this level.
The location is a genuine advantage. Windermere and Bowness are ten minutes away by car, but the hotel itself sits in quiet farmland with walking straight from the door towards the Winster valley. It suits couples on a special occasion, anyone wanting a food-led break, and walkers who would rather return to a proper dinner than a pub. Children are welcome in the main hotel; the Lake House is adults only.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We stayed in one of the Spa Suites at Gilpin and honestly had the most amazing stay. Yes, it’s expensive, but in my opinion it’s worth every penny if you’re looking for a special treat or celebrating something important. From the moment we arrived, everything felt luxurious without being pretentious. The Spa Suite itself was incredible. Having your own private spa facilities meant you could completely switch off and relax in total privacy. It felt so peaceful and was exactly what we needed. The staff were exceptional throughout our stay. Everyone was so attentive, friendly and professional without ever being overbearing. Nothing was too much trouble, and they genuinely made us feel welcome. The food was outstanding, breakfast was delicious, and every part of the hotel is beautifully maintained. The grounds are stunning too and perfect for a relaxing walk. If you’re looking for a luxury escape where you can properly unwind, I couldn’t recommend Gilpin enough. It isn’t the cheapest place to stay, but for the experience, the service and the quality, I genuinely think it’s worth it.
3 weeks ago · via Google
Would give 6 stars but can’t. A gem. Really personal service made such a difference. We stayed in the main hotel, the rooms were very spacious and relaxing. Chose the Gilpin for the location and the restaurant We wanted a little distance from Ambleside where it can be busy. And a great choice on food. Ate at both restaurants. Spice was very good but Source was exceptional, possibly the best meal I have eaten. Outstanding. We also popped over to the Guest House that is a little distance away and it’a location, views and interiors are very special. Thank you to the hole team for a great few days
2 months ago · via Google
What a beautiful place to stay in a stunning location. The hotel is just amazing, staff are fabulous - attentive but not pretentious. We ate in both restaurants and the food was absolutely sublime in both. The only problem was that we couldn’t stay forever! Thank you guys for making our 30th wedding anniversary so special xx
a month ago · via Google
Birthday spoil in beautiful surroundings with a friendly happy team I arrived on Sunday at the Lake House,a secluded spot away from the main hotel Camille welcomed me with a beaming smile. As it was my first time at the Lake house she gave me an extensive tour,before taking me to the spa suite I had booked. The thing that struck me was the space. You have a bedroom that leads to the first bathroom. Then there is a lounge with a big TV and a beautiful comfy couch. The second lounge has a massage chair which is just so brilliant.It is particularly good for the foot massage.It is very strong on the back😃There is a steam room This leads to a second bathroom with a Japanese bath which is enormous There is an expansive terrace with a hot tub and sauna The view of the lake is stunning I then went to the lounge for a bite of lunch. Kyra and Camille looked after me I made use of my couch to have a pre-supper nap and the hot tub After an aperitif Brian whisked me to the main hotel in a Porsche The first night I had dinner in the Spice,Pan Asian Restaurant Laura was just brilliant her effervescent nature was infectious😃 I had sushi,a ox curry and a light strawberry and basil Ice cream all washed down with a glass of bubbles and a glass of Chablis.The way they cleaned my jumper after a had missed my mouth! was brilliant it was cleaned over night and returned to my room a lovely touch.Thanks Laura This is a lively and busy restaurant with a happy vibe Brian picked me up.t take me back to the Lake House. I flopped in my comfy bed and snored loudly😃 knowing I would not disturb anyone I was suitably refreshed for my birthday. Before I describe that,I will just mention the safe needs attention to the wall,which I am sure maintenance will do after my departure😃 I had breakfast in the Conservatory where Amy and Ruby looked after me again with happy smiles. Breakfast was lovely with warm croissants,porridge and eggs to order After my obligatory post breakfast nap I had a relaxing swim before my massage Sharnay was great,I slept throughout I then had I had a hot tub before the highlight of my stay dinner in Source. David again took me to the main hotel My mum joined me and after a relaxed drink in the lounge,Hope took us to our table.She was just a warm happy and engaging host.She really love interacting with her guests This is a culinary adventure Without ruining the surprises the highlights for me were the amuse bousch and the trout starter and the refreshing dessert.Washed down with a lovely 2019 claret We had a lovely evening thank you Hope.David whisked me back to my room where again I snored.A really enjoyable birthday.They even popped some chocolates in my room a nice touch😃 Today I had a leisurely breakfast which was fabby,a swim and afternoon tea which was scrummy I managed to negotiate a late checkout with Ruby which made it so relaxing It was great to meet Richard after all these year.I have known him for nearly 40 years😃 We had a reminisce and a laugh😃 This is a luxury place but although expensive is good value for what you get I am sad to be leaving but thank you for creating memories which are priceless Truly appreciate it😃
2 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers luxurious spa lodges and suites with private hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, along with exceptional dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant, Source, and the pan-Asian Gilpin Spice. They also highlight the consistently warm, attentive, and professional staff who provide personalized hospitality. Visitors appreciate the tranquil, secluded setting, making it ideal for romantic getaways and relaxation.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Crook Road, Windermere, LA23 3NE Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Crook Road, near Windermere
- Star rating
- 5 star
- Guest score
- 9.4 / 10 (1,450 reviews)
- Prices from
- £295 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Lake District