There are places where luxury seems so simple – where there is a quiet confidence deeply rooted in the quality of the offering. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is one of those places. Situated just off Crook Road which links Kendal and Bowness-on-Windermere, the hotel enjoys a tranquil location amidst the rolling hills on the east side of Englandthe longest lake. Spread across two sites – the hotel and Lake House just a mile away – it has been a labor of love for many years and continues to go from strength to strength.
I happened to design the very first Gilpin website back in the 1990s; this involved many visits to the property at the time and so I was already aware of the hotel’s constant pursuit of excellence. I have seen it grow from a modest country hotel with a very loyal, long-standing staff to the success it is today. At the heart of it all is the story of the Cunliffe family. For generations, they have nurtured and sculpted Gilpin into one of the UNITED KINGDOM’s most attractive small hotels, guided by an uncompromising attention to detail.
The reception There is no unnecessary hassle upon arrival. Instead, we were simply greeted warmly at the entrance, directed to our accommodation with a map in hand, and informed that we could park right outside the suite. Another friendly face greeted us there, showed us around the room and advised us on how everything worked. There was no waiting, just an immediate feeling of ease.
The room We had the chance to try two different setups: a spa suite at the main hotel and another at the Lake House. Both are amazing, but they have very different settings.
Gilpin Hotel Spa Suite Our spa suite at the hotel – “Duddon” (room 28) – was essentially a private spa that you could sleep in. It’s packed with features but is so spacious that it certainly doesn’t feel cluttered.
To the right of the entrance, the bedroom has a really generous and comfortable bed, and all the practical amenities you need (luggage racks, plenty of hanging space, etc.) and some you might not need (there’s even starch for your shirts).
Sitting on the bed is a stuffed “guard dog” that you can leave outside the door if you don’t need turndown service, and they’ll plant a tree instead – one of the hotel’s many sustainability initiatives.
The entrance itself opens into a stylish, open-plan living space. A fully equipped kitchenette (with Nespresso machine, teas, hot chocolate, biscuits and a well-stocked minibar stocked with local spirits) flows seamlessly into a lounge area arranged around a large television and hanging fireplace.
Beyond the seating area are a sculptural round bathtub and double shower; The interior design is both bold and simple, with eclectic caged botanical elements hanging from the ceiling and reading materials curated courtesy of Pride of Britain Hotels and Relais and Castles.
Next comes the spa area, the undeniable centerpiece of the suite and where we were treated to a couples massage in the room. A private steam room and sauna sit alongside a light-filled room with an almost futuristic massage chair, complete with a ‘light weight’ mode and an infrared treatment bed designed to soothe tired muscles.
There are even in-room wellness products: rosehip oil for the face with Gua Sha tool, warming balm for muscles and joints and essential oils for the diffuser.
The outdoor terrace which flanks the suites is screened for privacy and houses a hot tub, a small pond (with the unexpected pleasure of spotting a newt), an irrigated living wall and views stretching towards the hills. And we were lucky with the weather to be able to take full advantage of it.
Lake House Spa Suite If the Gilpin Hotel’s spa suite felt like a private retreat, our Lake House spa suite — “Tarn” (room 58) — was more of the same, but this time boasting a secluded setting next to Knipe Tarn. Check-in was preceded by a delicious afternoon tea in the elevated dining room overlooking the tarn (see section below under ‘The Facilities’) – the perfect way to mark our arrival.
Our ground floor suite felt like our own private lakeside residence, with the scene unfolding before we even set foot inside.
Outside, a meticulously manicured lawn and gardens are complemented by a hot tub, sauna and reclining chairs.
Inside, the design evolves subtly towards sober elegance. The lounge greets you first, complete with a large Samsung TV and lined with books by everyone from Attenborough to Titchmarsh, as well as glossy magazines.
The adjoining kitchenette is well equipped with a Nespresso machine and minibar while maintaining a clean, neutral aesthetic.
The bright and airy bedroom continues the feeling of calm and simplicity, with plenty of storage and thoughtful inclusions such as a safe, heater, dehumidifier and more.
The en suite bathroom includes a Duravit Starck bathtub, as well as two sinks and a walk-in shower with a stunning crackle glass door.
Like the main hotel’s spa suite, the spa room here includes a Weyron full-body massage chair, as well as a steam room and a second bathroom with an extraordinarily deep bathtub (with steps), making this a space designed for prolonged pleasure. All framed by a tranquil view of the tarn.
In both suites, sweet orange and basil toiletries are from local luxury brand Pure Lakes.
The facilities Dining at Gilpin is a highlight, with two options available: the hotel’s pan-Asian Gilpin Spice restaurant or the Michelin-starred fine dining offering, SOURCE.
At Spice, the menu features small plates with bold flavors that draw on Asian influences with precision and flair.
Dishes such as chatpata aloo tikki and Loch Duart salmon chirashi showcase both creativity and balance, while larger plates like Goan tiger prawns and tomato and pumpkin seed curry offer equal parts depth and comfort.
Even the sides – wok-cooked pak choi, egg fried rice – are elevated beyond all expectations.
Then there’s SOURCE, the hotel’s Michelin-starred offering, led by chef Kevin Scanlan. The tasting menus offered at SOURCE are guided by the seasons, inspired by the natural and exceptional products offered by the British Isles, with a focus on the landscape of the Lake District.
To set the tone for what was to come, we began proceedings with a chicken liver parfait coated in blackberry and Earl Gray with ajo blanco on buckwheat shortbread, followed closely by a venison tartlet combined with rosehip and chives and garnished with celeriac.
The meal deserves an article in its own right (watch this space) with Ikijeme Trout and Roasted Guinea Fowl with Morels, Asparagus and Wild Garlic (both pictured) being particularly memorable dishes.
Elsewhere, the Champagne bar and lounge offer a relaxed setting within the hotel.
Back at Lake House, the Dining Room is a special place to enjoy afternoon tea whilst enjoying stunning views over Knipe Tarn.
Our afternoon tea consisted of sandwiches, sausage rolls, smoked salmon and cream cheese, plus delicate panipuri filled with smoked duck and a carrot and mango salad.
Fruit scones with cream and jam, as well as chocolate brownies, rhubarb cheesecakes and apple crumble tartlets rounded out the offerings.
There’s also a spa at the hotel and an indoor pool at the Lake House, but with the level of wellness offered in the spa suites, you could be forgiven for never venturing that far.
And of course there are the gardens at each property, notably at Lake House, where a stroll along the water’s edge is utterly calming, and there are sun loungers and secret nooks and crannies to soak up the tranquility of it all.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2026 The location Gilpin’s location strikes an enviable balance: close enough to the M6 (just 20 minutes from Junction 36) to feel accessible, but far enough away to preserve a sense of escape. Windermere, the lake and village, is a short drive away, but the real magic lies slightly off the beaten track.
Rather than turning to the busy routes of Ambleside or Grasmere, we sought out quieter corners. A walk to Hampsfell, between Cartmel and Grange-over-Sands, is rewarded with stunning views across Morecambe Bay and a stunning limestone pavement if you know where to look.
Another day we visited Dorothy Farrer’s Wood, on the outskirts of Staveley, which was full of bluebells – a seasonal sight that seems almost supernatural.
And yet, despite the wealth of local interest, there is also a compelling argument for staying put. With such thoughtfully designed accommodation, it’s tempting to just take a break, linger a bit, and soak it all in.
Other Nice Touches Besides the usual extras like tea, coffee, milk and biscuits, Gilpin offers more thoughtful extras. John Cunliffe’s book Slightly perfectcan be found on every corner, offering a wealth of information on the background of the hotel, and copies can be purchased from reception.
There’s even the indulgent option of Porsche transfers between the Lake House and the main hotel, thanks to a collaboration between Gilpin and Porsche Center South Lakes in nearby Carnforth. Our driver, Brian, was utterly charming.
And then there are the resident animals: llamas, alpacas and pot-bellied pigs, providing additional curiosity about the countryside.
The cost Entry-level Classic Rooms range from £279 (advance purchase) to £370 per night including breakfast.
Spa suites at the main hotel range from £958 to £1,250 per night.
Lake House spa suites range from £755 to £995 per night.
The best piece It’s hard to put your finger on what’s “best” about Gilpin – perhaps it’s simply high-level luxury, delivered without ostentation, but rather with a quiet, unwavering confidence that is fully earned. In short, it’s the perfect place to unwind from the hectic hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing guests with the opportunity to take stock and recalibrate.
The final verdict It’s no wonder that the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has received numerous awards over the years; As well as holding the coveted Michelin Two Key award, the hotel was named one of the UK’s top 10 best hotels in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards and was recently crowned ‘Best in the North’ in the Good Hotel Guide César Awards. But it goes deeper than just rewards… Gilpin understands that true luxury is not a not about excess but about being human – and “slightly perfect” – rather than scripted.
Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Gilpin Hotel and Lake House.
Paul Johnson Paul Johnson is the editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He is the winner of the Innovations in Travel “Best Travel Influencer” award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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