The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in the Lake District offers a unique experience with its Scandi spa suites, two restaurants, and a field of alpacas. This five AA Red Star, Relais & Châteaux property has been family-run since 1987 and spans 21 acres of garden, moor, and woodland.
Rooms in the main house are snug and homely, while the spa suites are modern, glass-panelled, and light-filled, blurring the lines between indoors and out. Each spa suite comes with its own sauna, steam room, infrared bed, and massage chair, with bathrooms featuring Pure Lakes products.
The Lake House and Surroundings
A mile down the road from the main hotel is the Lake House, which has six bedrooms across 100 private acres, its own tarn, and a pool. Although it’s not on Lake Windermere, it’s just a five-minute drive away, with equally impressive views of rust-hued fells, drystone walls, and a variety of animals, including llamas, alpacas, and pigs.
Salt and Pepper, two Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, are among the animals that call the hotel home, and the groundsman assures that they are there to stay. The hotel’s surroundings offer a range of activities, including hiking and exploring the local countryside.
Dining Options
The food at The Gilpin is a major draw, with two on-site restaurants: Source, the Michelin-starred flagship, and Gilpin Spice, its more casual pan-Asian sibling. Source offers a modern British, seasonal tasting menu with Japanese flavors, while Gilpin Spice serves up dishes like Goan tiger prawns and spicy fried cauliflower.
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The sommelier, Remy McCaffery, can help guide wine choices, and the hotel’s menu is sure to please even the most discerning palates. With options like ikejime chalkstream trout and agnolotti of coastal cheddar and black truffle, diners are in for a treat.
In contrast to Source, Gilpin Spice is a more relaxed affair, with a focus on fueling up after a long day of hiking or exploring. The restaurant’s sushi options are also worth trying, particularly the off-menu torched toro nigiri.
Activities and Local Exploration
Guests at The Gilpin are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities, with the beautiful Lake District countryside right on their doorstep. The AllTrails app is a great resource for finding hiking routes, ranging from quick one-hour loops to full-day excursions.
With its unique blend of luxury and natural beauty, The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the Lake District. Prices start at £395 per night for classic bedrooms, £430 per night for Lake House bedrooms, and £1,250 per night for Spa Suites.