Although we love our city here in Manchester, we’re partial to a country getaway. Lucky for us, the list of the Top 50 Boutique Hotels in the country has named Gilpin Hotel & Lake House near Windermere in Cumbria as third in the list of luxurious, five-star properties – and is only a two-hour drive from Manchester.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is the only property from the north of the UK in the top three and joined only by Grantley Hall in Ripon in the top 10. The much-anticipated list is curated and voted by leading industry experts, hoteliers, travel writers and influencers.
The Top 50 Boutique Hotels spans the full length and breadth of the UK from Cornwall, to Wales, to Scotland and Norfolk and was revealed last autumn. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House was beaten only by The Newt in Somerset and Lime Wood in Lyndhurst.
The stunning hotel and spa has just 39 rooms, including its staggering spa suites, which are built on top of a natural pond with their own stone-built hot tubs on the decking. These luxury cabins provide the ultimate private boutique experience, surrounded by gorgeous natural Lake District beauty, making it the perfect getaway any time of the year, with the cosy rooms and warming interiors enveloping visitors.
The team at Gilpin puts this achievement down to the ongoing renovations and improvements, including the new Spa Space at Gilpin Hotel, a Vertical Farm, more Spa Suites and the appointment of Ollie Bridgwater as executive chef at SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, and Tom Westerland as head chef at Gilpin Spice.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is the perfect spot for a bit of luxury, good food and amazing walks, as it sits in the heart of the Lake District, just a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere, with incredible sights such as the National Trust’s Wray Castle and Claife Viewing Station nearby.
Last year, owners Barney and Zoë Cunliffe commented on the achievement: “We are so very proud to be in this year’s list, and chuffed to bits to be so highly placed. We’ve worked together as a family and team for 35 years to create Gilpin, and it has always been our aim to create a luxurious sanctuary – one that is filled with love and laughter, without any pretentiousness.
“We want our guests to feel at home here, to feel loved, and we hope that that is what our guests feel. It’s with great sadness that we can’t celebrate this award with Mum and Dad, but we know that they would be absolutely delighted. As always, we would like to say a massive thank you to Team Gilpin, who all work so hard and with incredible passion. Thank you.”
In early 2022, the newly rebranded SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel retained its Michelin Star under executive chef Ollie Bridgwater who has been impressing diners with his exacting, highly technical cooking style which utilises locally sourced, seasonal ingredients treated with refinement and precision – the detail really matters.
For more information and to book a stay at the wonderful Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, visit the website here.
📍 Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is located at Crook Rd, Windermere LA23 3NE.