The Lake District has no shortage of beautiful places to stay, but Gilpin Hotel & Lake House offers something far more complete than a scenic base for the weekend.
This is not simply a hotel with good rooms and good food. It is a carefully considered escape, spread across two locations near Windermere, where privacy, wellness, nature and fine dining are all given equal importance.
Our team recently stayed in one of Gilpin’s Spa Suites, with time spent between the main hotel and the Lake House. What stood out most was the sense of freedom.
Everything is designed to help you relax quickly: the private hot tub, the in-room spa, the sound of birdsong from the terrace, the soft ease of the staff, and the feeling that there is absolutely nowhere else you need to be.
Gilpin Hotel has 30 bedrooms and suites, while Gilpin Lake House sits one mile away on its own estate, with eight bedrooms, lake views, spa facilities and a classic country-house atmosphere.
Read our full Gilpin Hotel & Lake House review below…
What We Loved About Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
- The Spa Suite: Spacious, private and beautifully designed, with a huge circular bath, glass shower, double sinks, hot tub, sauna, steam room, massage chair and treatment space.
- The Service: The team came from all over the world, but upheld the warmth and character the north of England is known for: genuine, thoughtful and never over-rehearsed.
- The Sense of Nature: Birds, lambs in nearby fields, resident alpacas, pot-bellied pigs, wild deer at breakfast, and a living wall of flowers beside the hot tub all made the stay feel deeply restorative.
- The Dining: Michelin-starred SOURCE offered refined, seasonal cooking, while Gilpin Spice brought colour, energy and pan-Asian flavour in a more relaxed setting.
A Spa Suite That Feels Like a Private Retreat
The Spa Suite felt less like a hotel room and more like a private apartment designed for two people to properly disappear. It is perfect for couples, not in a clichéd rose-petals-on-the-bed way, but tastefully offering space, privacy, comfort, and enough in-room facilities that leaving becomes entirely optional.
The open-plan layout was beautifully done. A generous living area flowed into the bathroom space, where a huge circular bathtub sat alongside a glass, double shower and sinks. Plants and greenery softened the room throughout, tying the interiors back to the landscape outside. There was a sense of nature being invited in.
The room worked beautifully in spring sunshine, with time spent between the terrace, sunbeds and hot tub. But it would definitely be equally appealing in colder months, with underfloor heating, heated towel rails, a floating fireplace and soft throws ready to turn the suite into a warm, private cocoon.
What Is Included in a Gilpin Spa Suite?
The private spa room was a real indulgence. Having your own sauna and steam room inside the suite is rare, and made us wonder how you are supposed to return to normal life afterwards! There was also a massage chair, an infrared light above the treatment bed, Pure Lakes products to use throughout the stay, and a private outdoor hot tub overlooking our own pond.
With your own sauna and steam room, you can borrow a little from German sauna culture – where sauna bathing is often enjoyed clothes-free! Robe nearby, music playing, steam rising: what a deliciously indulgent way to switch off.
There were several speakers throughout the space, indoors and outdoors, which connected easily with bluetooth. It meant music could follow you from bath to terrace to hot tub without fuss.
Notably, while we were at dinner, the team turned down the bed, placed water beside it, and closed the blinds. Returning afterwards felt like stepping into a room already half-asleep on your behalf; all that was left to do was sink into it.
Service with Warmth and Character
General Manager Chris Cooper puts the Gilpin approach simply: “For me, the most important things are genuine hospitality delivered by genuine people.” (quote from @gilpinhotel)
That came through immediately. The team at Gilpin are international, bringing different backgrounds and personalities to the property, but together they create a warmth that feels very much in keeping with the Lake District. It is polished, certainly, but never stiff. Professional, but still personal.
Drew O’Kane, the hotel’s marketing executive, explained that this sense of genuine hospitality is emphasised when new members join the team, and it shows. Staff were attentive without hovering, relaxed without being casual, and always ready with small touches that made the stay smoother.
The team offers to drive you between the hotel and restaurant in the property’s Porsche. It is only a small hill, and we chose to walk, but it is a small detail that speaks to the level of care throughout the stay.
Getting There and the Local Area
The drive to Gilpin sets the tone nicely. After leaving the motorway, the route becomes increasingly scenic, with fields, sheep and rolling countryside. The hotel is close to Bowness-on-Windermere, so guests are well placed for exploring the wider Lake District, but it is comfortably removed from the busier tourist routes.
That said, we did not feel much need to leave. Between the suite, restaurants, spa facilities and surrounding views, Gilpin has been designed so that staying put feels like the point.
For guests who do want to explore, the hotel can arrange a range of experiences, from lake cruises and candle making to guided walks, including routes up to Cat’s Crag, with maps provided. They can also help organise more tailored escapes, from romantic mini-moon experiences to wellness-focused stays.
One particularly thoughtful offering is oncology massage, with spa staff trained to provide treatments for guests living with or recovering from cancer. It is a specialist detail, and one that speaks to the hotel’s understanding of wellness as something personal, sensitive and meaningful.
The Lake House
A mile from the main hotel, Gilpin Lake House offers a different vibe. More classic in its decor, more country-house in spirit, and centred around the beautiful tarn.
There are eight rooms at the Lake House, along with two Spa Suites, a jetty, rowing boat, hot tubs, sauna and spa facilities set among the trees. The hot tubs and sauna bring a more Scandinavian feel, with light wood and a terrace overlooking the water. It is calm, elegant and beautifully positioned for guests who want to spend time outdoors.
During spring, Gilpin’s Spa Trail adds another lovely dimension to the Lake House experience. This is different to a usual spa package, it encourages guests to move gently through the grounds: time in the hot tub, a treatment, private pool access and afternoon tea overlooking the tarn.
Spa and Wellness
Wellness is central to Gilpin, but it is not delivered with severity. There are no hushed corridors of forced mindfulness. Instead, the hotel offers comfort, privacy and nature in generous quantities.
We had an in-room treatment with the sliding doors open onto our private terrace. The combination of soft music, birdsong and complete privacy made it feel deeply luxurious. It was one of those experiences that reminds you how rare it is to be completely undisturbed.
Guests can also have treatments at the spa, including at the Lake House, where the treatment space sits above ground and is nestled among the trees. The use of Pure Lakes products is a lovely, local touch.
Dining at Gilpin Spice and SOURCE
Gilpin is a serious dining destination, with two very different restaurants: Michelin-starred SOURCE and the relaxed, pan-Asian Gilpin Spice.
Gilpin Spice is a complete change of mood from the rest of the hotel. Bright red walls, colour, energy and the open kitchen create a lively, informal atmosphere. Sitting at the bar, watching the chefs work, adds to the experience.
The menu offers sushi and small and larger plates. Highlights included clay oven stone bass with kung pao, ox cheek, pumpkin seed curry, spiced Jamaican ginger pudding and a mango kulfi magnum. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, whilst the dishes are generous and full of flavour.
We enjoyed dinner at SOURCE, which was more refined but still relaxed. The restaurant is filled with light and spread across three rooms. The service was excellent: smooth, warm and well paced, with waiters moving through the space effortlessly.
Kevin Scanlan has recently been promoted to Head Chef at SOURCE and we had the pleasure of meeting him during our stay and were able to see the kitchen at work.
Guests can choose a six- or nine-course tasting menu. Our highlights included cep and Westcombe cheddar agnolotti with black truffle, Cornish sea bass with sand carrot and bouillabaisse sauce, and caramelised white chocolate with walnut brown butter and calamansi. The food was fabulous, and the setting kept that same Gilpin warmth: fine dining, but never frosty.
After dinner, we enjoyed a cocktail in the lounge, a carpeted, deeply comfortable space filled with large sofas to be properly sunk into.
Awards and Recognition
Gilpin’s reputation is well earned. The hotel was named “Best in the North” in the 2026 Good Hotel Guide César Awards, a fitting accolade for a property that combines serious luxury with such a strong regional identity.
It has also been shortlisted for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, and recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 as one of the UK’s top “one-of-a-kind” hotels. Well deserved – and we will be casting our vote!
Final Thoughts
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is one of those rare places that feels suitable for both celebration and recovery. It is ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, mini-moons and special occasions, but equally suited to anyone who simply needs to pause.
General Manager Chris Cooper has said that guests come to Gilpin to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. After staying there, it is easy to understand why. The hotel creates space for those moments without over-staging them.
It is luxurious, yes, but not in a distant or overly formal way. Its strength lies in its combination of privacy and personality: a hot tub overlooking your own pond, breakfast delivered to the suite, deer wandering nearby, a Michelin-starred dinner, a pan-Asian lunch full of colour, and staff who make everything feel easy.
For more information and to book your stay, please visit: thegilpin.co.uk
FAQs About Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Where is Gilpin Hotel & Lake House located?
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is located near Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria. The main hotel sits close to Bowness-on-Windermere, while Gilpin Lake House is around one mile away.
How many rooms does Gilpin Hotel have?
Gilpin Hotel has 30 bedrooms and suites, including rooms with private hot tubs and Spa Suites with in-room spa facilities.
How many rooms does Gilpin Lake House have?
Gilpin Lake House has eight bedrooms and two Spa Suites, with access to a private tarn, spa facilities, hot tubs, sauna and outdoor spaces.
Is Gilpin Hotel & Lake House good for couples?
Yes, Gilpin is particularly well suited to couples. Its private Spa Suites, hot tubs, in-room spa facilities, fine dining and peaceful setting make it ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, mini-moons and romantic breaks.
Does Gilpin Hotel have private hot tubs?
Yes, many rooms and suites at Gilpin include private hot tubs. The Spa Suites also include private spa facilities such as a sauna, steam room and treatment area.
What is included in a Gilpin Spa Suite?
Gilpin Spa Suites include a private hot tub, sauna, steam room, treatment space, massage chair, large bath, glass shower, double sinks, terrace and spacious living area.
Does Gilpin Hotel have a Michelin-starred restaurant?
Yes, SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel has one Michelin star. It offers refined tasting menus with a focus on seasonal ingredients and carefully balanced flavours.
Who is the Head Chef at SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel?
Kevin Scanlan is Head Chef at SOURCE. The restaurant offers six- and nine-course tasting menus.
What is Gilpin Spice?
Gilpin Spice is Gilpin’s relaxed pan-Asian restaurant. It offers sushi, nigiri, maki and larger plates inspired by flavours from across Asia, served in a colourful space with an open kitchen.
Is Gilpin Hotel dog-friendly?
Yes, Gilpin Hotel offers dog-friendly accommodation in selected rooms, making it suitable for guests travelling with dogs.
What spa facilities are available at Gilpin?
Gilpin offers in-room spa facilities in selected suites, spa treatments at the main hotel, and Lake House spa facilities including hot tubs, sauna, pool and treatment spaces.
What activities can Gilpin arrange?
Gilpin can help arrange experiences including lake cruises, candle making, guided walks, wellness treatments and routes around the Lake House grounds, including Cat’s Crag.
Is Gilpin Lake House separate from the main hotel?
Yes, Gilpin Lake House is around one mile from the main hotel. Guests can move between the two for dining, spa experiences and other facilities.
What awards has Gilpin Hotel & Lake House won?
Gilpin was named “Best in the North” in the 2026 Good Hotel Guide César Awards and recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 as one of the UK’s top “one-of-a-kind” hotels.
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