10 Top-Rated Bed and Breakfast Inns in Cumbria, England

April 24, 2023 Misti Hsu

Discover the best Bed and Breakfast Inns in Cumbria, England including Ees Wyke Country House, Crow How Country Guest House, St John's Lodge (incl offsite leisure club), Cuckoo Brow Inn, The Waterhead Inn, Ambleside Townhouse, The Fisherbeck, The Angel Inn, Appleby Castle, The Kings Head Inn.
Things to do in Cumbria

1. Ees Wyke Country House

B5285, Near Sawrey LA22 0JZ England 011 44 15394 36393
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 247 reviews

Ees Wyke Country House

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Near Sawrey, Ees Wyke Country House is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its quaint environment and proximity to great restaurants, Ees Wyke Country House makes it easy to enjoy the best of Near Sawrey. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the bed and breakfast. The property also features free breakfast to make your visit even more pleasant. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. While in Near Sawrey be sure to experience local fish and chips favorites at Restaurant at the Tower Bank Arms. Ees Wyke Country House Hotel is sure to make your visit to Near Sawrey one worth remembering.

Marvellous 5 night break.

Reviewed By IPA_Man

Brilliant breakfasts every day. Delicious dinners every night. Fabulous food every meal. Beautiful bedroom. Scintillating shower. Very fine views. Wonderful weather. Happy hospitable hosts. Superb sunsets. Plentiful parking.

2. Crow How Country Guest House

Rydal Road, Ambleside LA22 9PN England
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 690 reviews

Crow How Country Guest House

Nestling in a stunning rural setting in the historic Rydal Valley amidst the fells, this grand Victorian building was built as a farm house in 1848 from the stones of ancient Rydal Hall, before being converted into a Country Guest House in the early 1930's. Set in our own 2 acre gardens Crow How is the perfect base to explore the beautiful Lake District with many of the popular fell walks from our door.

Fantastic stay

Reviewed By H9874SUrobd

Superb location just a 15 minute walk from Ambleside with many other walks on the doorstep. The room was very clean, comfortable and perfect for our stay. The owners and staff were all very helpful and friendly. Plus, the breakfast excellent! We will be back!

3. St John's Lodge (incl offsite leisure club)

Lake Road, Windermere LA23 2EQ England
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1021 reviews

St John's Lodge (incl offsite leisure club)

St John's Lodge is ideally situated midway between Windermere village and the Lake at Bowness Bay and close to a wide variety of activities, restaurants and shops. It offers stylish, very clean rooms, superb breakfasts and free off-site leisure club (2 miles away). BOOK DIRECT for the cheapest rates. St John's Lodge has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017. Choices Leisure Club offers guests free use of a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and classes. For breakfast, there is an extensive range of fresh cooked plates including Traditional Full English, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free. There is a small car park on-site plus additional free parking opposite beside the glass bus shelter and also on Queens Drive. The hosts offer excellent advice for local walks, activities and restaurants.

First time staying at a small independent guest house

Reviewed By Experience177912

Fantastic location. We booked one of the smallest rooms. Perfectly adequate for a couple. Very comfortable, very clean, warm and quiet. Parking was a bonus. The breakfasts were superb. The hosts could not have been more welcoming or helpful. I would definitely recommend and we hope to return soon.

4. Cuckoo Brow Inn

Ambleside, Far Sawrey LA22 0LQ England
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1420 reviews

Cuckoo Brow Inn

Situated in the heart of the quiet village of the Far Sawrey, just a 3/4 mile pleasant stroll to the National Trust home of Beatrix Potter, our Lake District Inn welcomes you to come and sit by the fire. Situated at the top of the hill in between Lake Windermere and Hawkshead Village, surrounded by beautiful scenery, popular walking and cycling trails and of course the countryside which Beatrix Potter drew her inspiration from. We are a classic, yet contemporary Lake District Inn, which has recently been renovated and lovingly restored to its former glory. We now have 14 beautiful en-suite bedrooms, which are a selection of superking size, family and twin rooms, all rooms have power showers, 32" flat screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities and everything you would want from Lake District Inn. We are passionate about the Lakes, and strive to produce a local menu, sourcing as much produce as possible from the bountiful area in which we sit, be that the Real Ales, the game for our Huntsmans Hot Pot or the sausages for our Cumbrian Breakfast which of course no true Lake District Inn would be without. We would like to welcome all to our little Inn, which offers dog friendly accommodation for those wishing to bring their dog away for a holiday in the Lakes. Whether you are popping in for a pint or coming to stay in the Lake District Inn, our doors are open and our fires are on. Food is served all day, 12 noon to 2pm, 6pm until 9pm.

Great family meal

Reviewed By katesO4388II

A lovely pub. Great food, reasonable prices, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Just a shame we didn't leave enough time for a walk in the beautiful countryside surrounding the pub. Thanks! Will visit again.

5. The Waterhead Inn

Lake Road, Ambleside LA22 0ER England
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2170 reviews

The Waterhead Inn

With Waterhead Pier handily opposite and an easy stroll from Ambleside centre, The Waterhead Inn is an ideal springboard into the magnificent Lake District and gives many an option, whether you’re stopping off for a relaxing drink, enjoying a spot of good, home-cooked food with superb views to match or winding down with a pub stay away. Open daily throughout the year, be sure to have The Waterhead Inn on your list to stay for accommodation in the Lake District. Tuck into our stand-out Cumbrian fare and enjoy a great choice of hot and cold drinks inside our relaxed bar and dining areas or from our outdoor terrace with its unparalleled lake views.

Disappointing stay

Reviewed By p0lly222

We’ve stayed at this hotel a number of times in the past but our most recent visit was v disappointing. There had been changes to the service since we last visited meaning that there was no longer table service and everything had to be ordered at the bar.There was an extremely loud door bell type noise that went off every time the food was ready to be collected which made the place feel cheap and not relaxing. On our second night one of the waiters was very rude in telling us that we must collect our bottle of wine and glasses from the bar. We had ordered at the till and no one had told us to go to the bar for wine in fact the night before it has been brought to us. The waiter pretty much shouted that it’s not table service and that he was ‘too busy’ to bring our drinks over even though there was a maximum of 2 tables in at the time. The venue has gone from a v nice hotel to a cheap pub style service yet the prices have remained high. It is definitely no longer worthy of 4 stars.

6. Ambleside Townhouse

Lake Road, Ambleside LA22 0DB England
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 740 reviews

Ambleside Townhouse

Ambleside Townhouse is a luxury Bed & Breakfast, housed in a Georgian townhouse in the heart of Ambleside, just 200m away from shops, pubs and other amenities. It is just a ten-minute walk to the shores of Lake Windermere and Waterhead Bay, from where the steamers set sail to take you to Bowness and Lakeside with a chance to explore the Lakes in greater detail. All rooms are furnished to a high standard and most have had recent redecoration. Our ground floor breakfast and common areas are modern and cosy, with bay windows and high ceilings. Our delicious breakfast comprises of hot items from the buffet, plus cereals, breads, fruit and yogurts. Ambleside is a perfect starting point for mountain biking, walking or just a complete break away.

Mrs Burns

Reviewed By G6944OFsueb

Very friendly run hotel. Excellent service. Would strongly recommend to friends and family. Location is ideal close to all amenities. Local transport just round the corner. Shops bars restaurants all within walking distance.

7. The Fisherbeck

Old Lake Road, Ambleside LA22 0DH England
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 786 reviews

The Fisherbeck

WELCOME TO THE FISHERBECK. Located in the town of Ambleside, overlooking some breath taking views and excellent hiking routes, The Fisherbeck Hotel offers you a luxurious, yet affordable experience. Our scenic 4 star Ambleside B&B is the perfect place to stay and explore the wonderful Lake District.When you are away from home you want to be comfortable, so why not relax on our luxury leather sofas, enjoy a glass of wine, cool beer, or complimentary cappuccino or latte which is offered to all the guests that stay at the Fisherbeck. If you are looking for a truly hearty well cooked breakfast, for several years we have been the recipients of the Good Breakfast Award. We make our own muesli, granola and fresh fruit salad. Eggs are collected direct from the farm for absolute freshness. Award winning bacon, sausage and black pudding are sourced locally and our smoked salmon are some of the finest in the north of England, all cooked for you personally. If you want to be well located with really great views of Loughrigg Fell and onwards to the Langdale Pikes, an easy stroll to shops, restaurants and the lake, we really are perfectly located in Ambleside right in the heart of The Lake District. Our 23 bedrooms are all en-suite and three feature balconies overlooking magnificent Lakeland views opposite. Supremely comfortable, the rooms are equipped with all the facilities you need for a luxurious stay in the heart of this most beautiful area. Our sheltered garden provides a tranquill place to relax and admire the glorious panoramic view of the Langdale Pikes, Wansfell and Loughrigg Fell.

Way above expectations

Reviewed By fa-cinta

We really love this place. It is near amenities but away from the hustle & bustle. We had the mountain view room with an extra sofa bed for our child. Check in was simple and efficient. Staff was friendly and kind to my kids. They are so child-friendly. However, if you have heavy luggages, do note tt its all stairs. Rooms were clean and updated. Bedding was super comfortable. Toilets were clean. Parking was right outside. Would highly recommend this place and come back. Love the breakfast spread ans staff! Breakfast 10/10 Customer Service 10/10 Room 10/10 SO GLAD WE BOOKED THIS PLACE!

8. The Angel Inn

Helm Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BU England
Excellent
58%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1008 reviews

The Angel Inn

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Bowness-on-Windermere, The Angel Inn is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its quaint environment and proximity to great restaurants, The Angel Inn makes it easy to enjoy the best of Bowness-on-Windermere. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the inn. The property also features breakfast to make your visit even more pleasant. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. Close to St Martin's Church (0.1 mi), a popular Bowness-on-Windermere landmark, The Angel Inn is a great destination for tourists. There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular historic sites such as Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House. The Angel Inn is sure to make your visit to Bowness-on-Windermere one worth remembering.

Less Than Average

Reviewed By loular09

We had previously stayed here some years ago and had a lovely time so we were excited about returning. What a shock when we arrived! The once privately owned hotel has now been taken over by a hotel chain and it is sadly very obvious. There is an overall lack of enthusiasm by the staff, absolutely zero customer service and they all look so miserable. On arrival we were 15 minutes early ( check -in is at 3pm) and whilst we didn’t expect to go to our room before then we thought there may be a possibility….no such luck! The lady on reception, once she acknowledged our presence, told us quite bluntly to sit in the bar as housekeeping hadn’t finished our room. Suddenly at bang on 3pm it was ready!! On the hotel website it states food is served daily from 07:30 and all menus in house state the same but breakfast wasn’t served until 8am and despite us asking one day if we could eat at 07:30 ( we were out on an early trip ) the hotel refused. There was absolutely no flexibility in staff approach to making our stay a good experience. We booked a Superior Double room ( Rm 11 ) and even though it was clean and comfortable I doubt very much it was superior room, it was tiny and very cramped. The food is mediocre at best and very over priced…. One item on the breakfast menu stated …. “Eggs on Toast: Eggs of your choice on thick cut farmhouse loaf” Poached eggs fine, but bread was a thin slice from supermarket cut loaf! We did mention our concerns at the time as I believe in giving the staff a chance to turn the experience around. I think the person we spoke to was quite embarrassed and said he’d pass on our concerns. Let’s hope it’s taken note of and changes are made for future guests. Not sure we’ll return in the future!

9. Appleby Castle

Appleby Castle Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6XH England
Excellent
65%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 296 reviews

Appleby Castle

Steeped in history Appleby Castle is one of the few Norman castles to have been occupied continuously since its building. Situated at the foot of the Pennines it is one of most beautiful castles in the North of England with its dramatic architecture and stunning views. You can stay in this castle and experience living history. There are 7 bedrooms in the castle, some with ensuite and others without. There are three self catering holiday cottages in the inner bailey, each equipped with log burners, wifi and fully equipped kitchen. Appleby Golf course is less than one mile away and we are 15 miles from the Lake District. Appleby Castle is the ideal wedding venue. Several areas are licensed for civil ceremonies. Imagine celebrating your special day in the country retreat of the Queen's Champion, who fought the Spanish Armada. Experience the peace and beauty of this amazing wedding venue, the favourite home of Lady Anne Clifford.

Wonderful authentic and original

Reviewed By Trip35106412215

We had such an amazing stay. I have always wanted to stay in a castle and this did not disappoint. Room was beautiful, with a solid oak four poster bed, creaky floor boards and original oak furniture. Thankfully we never encountered the ghosts here. The decor in the room was opulent with all the original features. Breakfast was plentiful and very tasty. The grounds were lovely and there was a great walk around the moat. All the staff were friendly and attentive. All in all a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend

10. The Kings Head Inn

Thirlmere, Keswick CA12 4TN England
Excellent
46%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1120 reviews

The Kings Head Inn

Located at the foot of Helvellyn, near the shores of Lake Thirlmere The 16th Century Kings Head Hotel enjoys an idyllic setting in the heart of The Lake District National Park. The Kings Head offers two unique dining experiences - with Fine dining in the award winning St Johns Restaurant or Traditional Bar Dining, a contemporary bar lounge and delightful en-suite bedrooms are traditionally furnished with views of the surrounding fells.

Best 5 star service with lovely staff.

Reviewed By 411nickn

Absolutely first class hotel. Staff and management could not be more helpful and the accommodation and food for the price was truly amazing. Room was small but clean and the housekeeping staff were spot on. Me and a good friend had an enjoyable stay for a couple of days hiking some of Cumbria best picks.

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