The Belsfield Hotel, Windermere, Cumbria

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The Belsfield Hotel

North West England Cumbria Bowness on Windermere

From £179 a night
62 Guest Rooms & Suites
Country House Hotel

An elegant hotel on the banks of Lake Windermere

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Picture the kind of hotel you dream of staying at in the Lake District and you might well come up with somewhere that looks like The Belsfield. It’s a quintessential English Lakes getaway, situated on the banks of Lake Windermere with views of the water from its tranquil gardens, restaurant and best bedrooms. This place has been welcoming paying guests for well over a hundred years and retains a timeless appeal thanks to its classic architecture, refined decor, friendly staff and tempting afternoon teas. It’s also just a short walk across the lawn to the Bowness-on-Windermere jetty from where you can hop aboard a boat for a cruise around England’s largest lake.

The Belsfield has 62 bedrooms set in six acres of grounds. All are en-suite and have the usual inclusions, but to really make the most of the location, we advocate a lake-view room or suite. There’s simply nothing like waking up to views across Windermere and the Cumbrian peaks beyond.

The style here is classic but contemporary – up-to-date but fitting for the age of the place, with a soft colour palette, elegant fabrics and occasional period furniture, whether you choose the four-poster suite or a compact and cosy double. That style continues downstairs, where you can enjoy glorious vistas at breakfast time in the hotel's brasserie and restaurant, where huge sash windows frame panoramas across Windermere. High ceilings and white tablecloths make this a sophisticated setting to dine at lunch, dinnertime or for afternoon tea. But if the weather is favourable, the Garden Terrace is hard to beat for al fresco dining. Lunch is served daily from 12 - 4:30pm and includes sharing platters, salads and small plates. Enjoy a lazy afternoon's Aperol Spritz while admiring the beauty of Bowness Bay.

There’s also a warm and welcoming lounge bar that comes into its own in the evenings when the light-up marblesque bar gives a cosy amber hue. It’s the perfect place for an aperitif or a nightcap, with a varied menu of classic cocktails on offer. Whether you dine in or decide to venture out, the hotel's location means there are plenty of nearby options to explore – It’s a very short stroll into the heart of Bowness. For daytime adventures, the World of Beatrix Potter is a walkable half-mile away and Windermere Lake Cruisers stop right outside. Beyond that, the rest of the Lake District National Park spreads in every direction – but we’d say you’ve got the essence of it right here.

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Facilities

The Belsfield Hotel in Bowness on Windermere had 62 rooms and suites, each designed with a focus on comfort, and style, and some with lake views. Breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding landscapes are available from our front-facing rooms. Large windows allow guests to soak in the natural beauty from the comfort of their rooms.

The rooms are decorated with a blend of modern design and classic charm. You can expect tasteful furnishings, high-quality linens, and attention to detail in the decor. Bedrooms are equipped with amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, tea, and tea and coffee-making facilities, and well-appointed bathrooms with luxury toiletries. The Belsfied offers a variety of room types to suit different guest preferences, including classic double rooms, family rooms, superior double rooms, and suites. Some suites may include additional features like separate living areas.

The main restaurant overlooks the lake, providing a beautiful backdrop for dining. The Brasserie located adjacent to the terrace provides for simpler fayre. The Belsfield Hotel has a stylish lounge area and bar where guests can unwind with a drink, enjoy afternoon tea, or socialize with other visitors while enjoying a cocktail prepared by our talented bar team.

The hotel's terrace offers an outdoor seating area with panoramic views of Lake Windermere. It's an excellent spot for enjoying a cocktail or taking in the sunset. Stroll down through our gardens and enjoy a walk along the lakeside before coming back for a cream team, lunch, or dinner.

The Belsfield Hotel event and conference facilities make it suitable for business meetings and special occasions such as weddings. Our gardens and Lake Windermere make for a stunning backdrop for those special occasions or for corporate activities.

Nearby

Some of the notable attractions and activities near the hotel:

Lake Windermere: The hotel is located right on the shores of Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England. You can take leisurely walks along the lake, go boating, or even take a cruise to admire the scenic beauty.

Bowness-on-Windermere: The charming town of Bowness offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, all within walking distance from the hotel. It's a great place to explore on foot and soak in the local atmosphere.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction: A short walk from the Belsfield Hotel, this attraction is dedicated to the beloved author Beatrix Potter and features exhibits and activities based on her famous characters like Peter Rabbit.

Brockhole on Windermere: This Lake District visitor center is just a short drive away and offers a range of family-friendly activities, including treetop trekking, gardens, adventure playgrounds, and educational exhibits.

Wray Castle: Situated on the western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic mansion surrounded by beautiful grounds. It's open to the public and offers a glimpse into the past.

Brant Fell Viewpoint: A popular hiking spot, Brant Fell offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. It's a relatively easy, but uphill, walk from the hotel and well worth the effort for the scenery.

Ambleside: A short drive from the hotel, Ambleside is a charming town with a range of shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The Lake District is renowned for its hiking trails, and there are numerous options for all levels of hikers. You can embark on scenic walks, and challenging hikes, or even explore nearby fells like Orrest Head and Loughrigg Fell.

Boat Trips: Various boat tours and cruises depart from Bowness-on-Windermere, allowing you to explore different parts of Lake Windermere and enjoy the stunning surroundings from the water.

Arts and Culture: The Lake District has a rich cultural heritage, and you can visit local art galleries, museums, and historical sites to learn more about the region's history and creative influences.

Open

Open all year.

Pricing

Double rooms from £179 a night including breakfast.

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The Owner Says

First and foremost, the Belsfield Hotel boasts breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. Whether you're enjoying breakfast in the elegant dining room or sipping a cocktail on the terrace, the mesmerizing scenery provides a serene backdrop to your stay. For leisure guests, the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Lake District is right at your doorstep, with hiking trails, boat trips, and water sports all easily accessible.

Location

Contact Website 01539 442 448 The Belsfield Hotel, Kendal Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3EL

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Getting There

From the M6, head towards Windermere on the A591. Once in Windermere, follow signs south to Bowness which will take you on to the A5074. After about a mile you reach Bowness and a mini roundabout in Queen's Square. Continue straight on to the A592, signposted for "The Lake". Soon after, turn left on to the A5074 and you will soon find the car park for The Belsfield Hotel on your right. Windermere and Oxenholme The Lake District stations provide rail links to the rest of the UK. Both stations require a taxi ride to the hotel.

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Reviews

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Rated ★★★★★ over 5 reviews

★★★★★

Beautiful Hotel to escape to and recharge!

Booked last minute to escape the city for a few days. Beautiful location overlooking Lake Windermere. Friendly staff, clean and comfortable hotel. Enjoyed a great dinner on the first night, good food and service. Spent a sunny afternoon enjoying drinks on the lawn taking in the lake views. Just 90 minutes drive from Manchester, we'll be back!

Sep 4, 2023 by Mary M

★★★★★

Exquisite location on Windermere

We are a family of four with 2 teenage sons, and had two separate rooms which were both lovely. The parent's room was well appointed and had Windermere Lake views which are exquisite! Large living area and bathroom made the suite room feel very spacious so we could have our sons in there with us. Lovely staff who were helpful throughout our 4-day stay. The garden views for afternoon drinks can’t be matched and the large dining room has super views too.

Jul 14, 2023 by William

★★★★★

Wonderful afternoon tea experience!

Called in on a Sunday afternoon and had a table in lovely lounge just for a quick drink and snack, but ended up having a delicious and, quite frankly, superb value afternoon tea. Two were enough between four of us. All the staff were very friendly and helpful, especially Sebastian, who made us feel so welcome. Gorgeous hotel overlooking Windermere. Looking forward to returning another time.

Jul 10, 2023 by Lotty

★★★★★

A hotel with customer service guaranteed, fabulous location and views over Windermere

We have been here as a couple several times and each visit continues to reinforce our view that this is one of the best. We booked celebrating 1951 and 1973 respectively. The former being my darling wife's and my birth year. The latter being the year we got married (50 years ago). The Manager Jake McHugh made a point of welcoming us to the hotel and allocated a lake view room that was beyond our dreams. A fabulous room with a huge bed, roll top bath and separate shower, and a bottle of Prosecco added to the total ambience of the experience. Access and parking so easy and so close to Bowness amenities. After check-in, we sat in the wondrous gardens overlooking the lake and the coming and going of the lakeside ferries. Dinner was outstanding and the staff so accommodating, they made us feel special. We had dinner which was outstanding. At breakfast which was a great full English, Jake welcomed us warmly and he and his happy band of servers made us very comfortable and welcome. It was a first-class experience and one that we will do again. Thanks to Jake and all staff who made us feel very special on our special day.

Jul 3, 2023 by Pat Else

★★★★★

Luxury on Windermere

Wonderful Hotel! It felt like a luxury staying here. Beautiful grounds. Our room was comfortable. There was a table and chairs under the window where you could sit and eat/read/relax. The staff were so friendly and accommodating. We ate lunch and breakfast there and both were excellent. Would stay here again in a heartbeat!

May 28, 2023 by Betsy