May 27, 2026
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Destination: Lake District
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Luxury Hotels in the Lake District for Adventure Travellers
The Lake District was made for adventure. One minute you are hiking across rugged fells with views that stop you in your tracks, the next you are lakeside, ice cream in hand.
But after a full day outdoors, where you stay matters just as much as the adventure itself.
At Active England, we love hotels that combine incredible access to the outdoors with the kind of comfort that makes you genuinely excited to return at the end of the day.
Somewhere you can kick off muddy boots, soothe tired legs, enjoy a fantastic meal, and wake up ready to head back out again.
These luxury Lake District hotels are some of our favourite stays for travellers who want adventure by day and a little indulgence by night.
1. Linthwaite House
Perched high above Lake Windermere, Linthwaite House feels wonderfully peaceful from the moment you arrive.
Surrounded by landscaped gardens and sweeping lake views, the hotel has all the charm you hope for in a Lake District stay without feeling overly formal.
Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and elegant, with beautifully designed rooms, cosy lounges, and plenty of quiet corners to switch off after a day outdoors.
Adventure travellers book because Linthwaite House is perfectly placed for short to moderate fell walks. Perched on a hill, guests can easily access walking routes on the east of Windermere. Whilst not classed as Wainwrights, Post-Knott and Biskey Howe could easily be two of the best Lake District walks. For those looking for a different kind of activity altogether, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing on the lake itself is just short walk away.
The hotel is also just a short transfer from Bowness on Windermere, making it easy to combine outdoor adventures with the relative hustle and bustle of lakeside restaurants, cafés, and local shops.
More information: Crook Ln, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3JA. leeucollection.com
2. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Slightly further up the hill from the shores of Windermere, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a proper luxury Lake District hotel – the sort of lodging stay that feels like a treat from start to finish.
Known for its spa suites, hot tubs, and exceptional dining, the hotel effortlessly blends luxury and relaxation. The peaceful woodland setting (the hotel is set in 21 acres) makes it feel wonderfully tucked away yet still close to many of the Lake District’s best outdoor experiences.
Adventure travellers book because a stay at Gilpin because of the inviting, “time-to-press-pause” spa. Days can be spent yomping across the fells or spinning up hills on a bike before returning for a spa treatment or a few hours wallowing in a private hot tub. This is very much a place for travellers who love adventure but are also very happy to lean into a bit of luxury afterwards.
More information: Crook Rd, Windermere, LA23 3NE thegilpin.co.uk
3. Langdale Chase
The third luxury hotel near Windermere, and sitting right on the shores itself, Langdale Chase captures everything people love about the Lake District. Recently restored (originally built in 1891, the renovations took over a year), the hotel now combines classic character with fresh modern interiors and uninterrupted lake views. Large windows, lakeside terraces, and cosy spaces throughout the hotel keep the jaw-dropping Lakes scenery front and centre at all times.
Adventure travellers book because of the access to lakeside walks. For some adventure travellers, hiking in the Lake District is about ticking off summits and scaling on high ground, but Langdale Chase’s location proves that easy walks in the Lake District can be just as fulfilling.
Langdale Chase is ideal for travellers wanting that classic Lake District experience with luxury comfort and unbeatable access to the water.
More information: Ambleside Road, Ecclerigg, Windermere LA23 1LW langdalechase.co.uk
4. The Samling
The Samling feels more intimate and arguably more peaceful than the other properties listed here. Again, located on the eastern fringes of Windermere (this is England’s largest lake after all – it’s 10.5 miles long!) and surrounded by gardens and open countryside, it offers a more personal experience than many larger luxury hotels in the Lakes. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, while the food and service are genuinely exceptional.Â
Adventure travellers book because of the unmatched lakeside views. From selected rooms, the hotel terrace, and even a private hot tub, the hotel boasts stupendous, uninterrupted views of Windermere. So much so that it was celebrated as one of the best views in the world, by the Sunday Times.
The smaller size of this venue and the understated luxury give The Samling an exclusive feel, making it especially popular for couples looking for a private luxury adventure escape.
More information: Ambleside Rd, Windermere LA23 1LR thesamlinghotel.co.uk
5. Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery near Keswick, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is one of the best located hotels for active travellers in the northern Lake District. With Derwentwater nearby and walking routes in every direction, it is the kind of place where outdoor adventures begin the moment you step outside.Â
Adventure travellers book because: Lodore Falls for its unbeatable access to some of the Lake District’s most iconic landscapes. Catbells, Borrowdale, and countless fell walks are all nearby, making early starts and full days outdoors wonderfully easy. Few things feel better than relaxing tired legs after a long day hiking in the Lakes.
More information: Keswick CA12 5UX lakedistricthotels.net/lodorefalls
Slow mornings with mist over the water and long afternoons chasing views from the top of a fell. Finding adventure in the Lake District is easy, but finding the right hotel completes the experience.
Whether you prefer easy access to the fells, prioritise spa time or feel that lake views are a must, these luxury Lake District stays show that adventure travel in England’s largest National Park doesn’t necessitate compromise.Â
