Place, The Lake
Relaxed, active-lifestyle country house. Think wellies by the door, wetsuits hanging up, kids sprinting across the lawns, and adults nursing post-swim cocktails in deep sofas. Smart but completely unstuffy.
Arrive before check-in (3pm) — you can use the pool, hot tub, and Living Space bar from the moment you arrive
Why It Matters
One of very few Lake District hotels that has genuinely cracked the active-lifestyle formula. The 'Swim Club' spa concept, resident open-water swim expert Colin Hill, four food and drink options, Ofsted-registered Kids' Zone, shepherd huts with stargazing roofs, and a Victorian glasshouse serving woodfired pizza by the waterline — all on a single lakeside property.
A contemporary, activity-first hotel right on the shores of Ullswater, built from a thoughtful renovation of a Georgian country house (dating to 1714) with a modern wing added. Set in 18 acres of Lake District National Park with a private jetty, lakeshore access, and views across Ullswater and the surrounding fells. The ethos is genuinely active: paddle, swim, hike, then come back and eat well. It's from the same team behind Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall, and that relaxed, slightly irreverent spirit carries through.
Where You'll Stay
13 room types available
Best
Bigger than Better rooms and with genuine views over Ullswater and the fells. Enough space to spread out. These rooms work well as a family configuration with an extra bed or cot.
Best Family Cottage – Willow
A two-bedroom cottage designed by Lynsey Ford, winner of Interior Design Masters. Inspired by the surrounding landscape with natural wood, rusty colour palette, and greens. A large-scale mural on the living room wall sets the tone.
Best Family Suites
The most sought-after rooms at the hotel. Larger main bedrooms, bigger bunkrooms sleeping up to four kids, and the best lake views in the family suite range. All in the contemporary wing.
Better
The most popular choice. More space than Standard and a partial lake view. Available in both the contemporary wing and the original Georgian house. A solid step up without going full suite.
Better Family Cottage
A self-contained bolt-hole next to the main building. Full access to all hotel facilities but with the privacy of a separate space. Comes with a small pantry. Good for families wanting a bit more separation.
Better Family Suites
Located in the contemporary wing. Generous main bedroom plus a separate bunkroom for children, with sweeping lake views and seating areas. The family suites are consistently the most booked room type.
Joules Suite
A collaboration with British lifestyle brand Joules. Individually designed with nature as the inspiration — Joules furniture, homewares, and bed linen throughout. One of the standout rooms in the hotel.
Shepherd Huts (couples)
Six standalone shepherd huts in the hotel grounds, each crafted by Blackdown Shepherd Huts. Stargazing roof over the freestanding double bed, log burner, private garden terrace, and firepit. The double windows open wide over sweeping lake views while you're in the bath. Genuinely spectacular on a clear night.
Shepherd Huts (family)
The family version of the shepherd huts. Stargazing roof over the freestanding double bed, separate bunkroom for children (up to age 10), a lounge area, log burner, and pantry. An extraordinary option for families who want to feel close to nature.
Standard
The smallest rooms in the house. They might be modest in size, but standard rooms still deliver the hotel's signature comfort and style. Some face towards the rear of the property.
Suites
The largest double rooms in the main hotel. Each has brilliant views over Ullswater. Comes in three configurations: balcony, dual-aspect, or roll-top bath — a genuinely tough choice. Can sleep a small family with extra beds.
The Brackenrigg Inn Rooms
Seven contemporary en-suite rooms in the hotel's own Cumbrian pub, a short walk up the hill from the main hotel. Wide-angle Ullswater views, roaring fires, and full access to all hotel facilities. Available as singles, doubles, or a two-bedroom suite for a family of four.
Treehouse
An architect-designed two-bedroom treehouse in a secluded spot within the oak trees, connected by glazed walkways. Floor-to-ceiling lake and mountain views, an outdoor bath on the deck, and a log burner inside. Airy, spacious, and unlike any other room at the hotel.
The Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Archery sessions on the hotel grounds. Bookable as part of the activities programme.
Guests can hire a Land Rover from the hotel to explore the surrounding fells independently.
Direct access to the Ullswater Way (a 20-mile trail circumnavigating the lake) and multiple fell walks including Hallin Fell and Arthur's Pike. Trail maps available from the hotel. Boot room on-site with wellingtons to borrow.
A bookable outdoor sauna on the fellside within the hotel grounds. Separate from the indoor Swim Club facilities.
Regular yoga and Pilates sessions held in the hotel, including in the Glasshouse overlooking the lake. Also runs dedicated yoga and Pilates retreat breaks.
Kayak and canoe sessions on Ullswater departing from the private jetty. Suitable from age 5 with lessons available.
Guided open water swimming sessions on Ullswater led by resident cold water swimming coach Colin Hill. Sessions include guided long-distance swims with a support boat, cold water technique coaching, and guided wild swims in the waterfalls of the Ullswater Valley.
SUP sessions on Ullswater from the hotel's private jetty. Equipment and instruction available.
Wing foiling sessions on Ullswater. A newer addition to the hotel's water sports programme.
Ofsted-registered supervised sessions for children aged 3-12. Indoor and outdoor spaces for crafts, forest skills, and outdoor play. Included in the cost of stay. Pool table, mini playground, bean bags, games, and a separate Forest School space at weekends and school holidays.
Swimming on Ullswater after dark, either under a full moon or during a new moon for star-gazing. One of the hotel's most distinctive offerings — bookable sessions led by Colin Hill.
Swimming technique clinics run through Swim Club. Also includes use of the endless (counter-current) pool.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Non-resident guests can arrive from 6.30pm, use Swim Club (pool, hot tub, sauna), and have a 3-course dinner in Rampsbeck Restaurant for £60 per person. Available Sunday–Thursday outside school holidays, subject to availability.
A 360° virtual tour of the hotel available at tour.another.place
Free self-serve coffee available in the entrance hall for guests on arrival and throughout the stay.
Cardio room within the Swim Club complex.
A library and games room with a working fireplace, board games, and books. The go-to spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
Landscaped gardens, kitchen garden, walnut grove, lawns rolling down to the lake, and surrounding National Park land.
The hotel's own private jetty on Ullswater, used for wild swimming, kayaking, SUP, and canoeing departures.
A dedicated boot room in the entrance hall with wellington boots available to borrow for exploring the grounds and local paths.
Selected dog-friendly rooms available. Dogs welcome in The Living Space, on the terrace, and across the 18 acres of grounds.
Flanked by two walls of glass with views of the fells and lake. Part of Swim Club. Adults-only 7–9am and 6–9pm; family swimming at all other times.
Wooden outdoor hot tub overlooking Ullswater. Part of Swim Club.
Sauna within the Swim Club complex.
BUILD YOUR ANOTHER PLACE, THE LAKE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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