Small Hotel of the Year

Gilpin Lodge Country House Hotel
Windermere,
Crook Road,
Cumbria,
LA23 3NE

A member of Relais & Châteaux with 4 red stars, Gilpin Lodge is privately owned and run by two generations of the same family. An elegant, friendly, relaxing hotel set in 22 acres of country gardens, moors and woodland in the heart of the English Lake District, Gilpin Lodge is perfectly situated – far from the crowds, but a stone’s throw from the breathtaking lakes and fells, and almost opposite Windermere Golf Club (“the miniature Gleneagles”). The cuisine (3 AA rosettes) is modern English with an emphasis on the finest ingredients, beautifully presented without unnecessary fuss, and passionate about local suppliers; the recently updated wine has over 300 wines. The sumptuous bedrooms have crisp white linen, luxurious bathrooms, exquisite fabrics, wonderful upholstery and delicious art, and each of the Garden Suites has its own garden complete with cedarwood hot tub; whether relaxing by your fire, listening to music or enjoying one of the in-room spa treatments, the suites are a haven of serenity and calm. Relaxed and unhurried, there are no weddings or conferences or children under the age of seven to disturb the peace at Gilpin Lodge, just warm smiles, fresh flowers, real fires and friendly, unpretentious service. This is the art of relaxation – perfected.