




For those wishing to escape from it all and enjoy a quiet and peaceful break, then Hall More is the perfect location.
World-famous Windermere is a wonderful destination for a short break that blends nature and classic English living. There are endless little villages and natural wonders to explore in the wider Lake District, but we’ve collected some of the best attractions close to the town of Windermere. Once you’ve explored the lake shores and surrounding hills to your heart’s content, why not pop into a local museum or enjoy a Cumbrian cream tea?
Browse our full range of lodges with hot tubs in Cumbria here.
Anyone who knows the first thing about England also knows that Windermere is the jewel in the crown of our countryside and that’s why Lake Windermere is an obvious must-see for a reason. There’s plenty of ways to take in the largest lake in England. Perhaps a leisurely lake cruise complete with an afternoon tea before or after? Or an easy wander along the lake’s edge, gazing at the mountains that stretch up to the clouds on the other shoreline.
Straying away from water, the Windermere area of the Lake District is also famous for its gorgeous hiking trails. Walk one of the eight Greenwood Trails, which stretch from Windermere all the way down to the fire-foliaged Grizedale Forest. Or combine land and lake with a hike from Brockhole Visitor’s Centre to Waterhead, then sail back along Windermere.
Kids and adults alike will adore stepping into the world of Peter Rabbit at Beatrix Potter World. All of your favourite childhood tales are brought to life in this stunning 3D museum, with characters set in a beautiful recreation of the Lake District’s countryside.
The museum incorporates a full sensory experience – smell Mrs. Tiggywinkle’s lovely fresh laundry, or listen to Tom Thumb bouncing about under the nursery floorboards. You can even enjoy a summer tea party with Peter Rabbit!
Why not book one of our hot tub breaks in Cumbria?
If you’d rather go a little further back in Windermere’s literary history, make sure to visit Wordsworth Grasmere. The museum holds a dedicated collection to British Romanticism, a movement headed by the great William Wordsworth himself.
Wordsworth lived in the site’s Dove Cottage for five years, taking inspiration from the stunning scenery around him and now you too can get inspired in return! Peruse Wordsworth’s manuscripts, books, paintings and of course, the great poetry that forms the backbone of great English literature.
Or if you want a museum catered to the whole family, stop by the Lakes Aquarium to visit the largest collection of freshwater fish in the United Kingdom. Watch local fish like pikes, thornback rays, or pipefish in action. Then marvel at exotic fish – the friendly clownfish, the terrifying piranhas, or the ballooning pufferfish. And the Lakes Aquarium is dedicated to conservation, too!
With a whole host of conservation projects ranging from crayfish to mussels, one of our favourites is the protection of two Small Clawed Otters, a vulnerable species and also the world’s smallest otters!
Windermere has an unexpected wealth of spectacular cuisine. From afternoon teas to fine French bistros, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Even when looking for afternoon teas, there’s plenty of vibes to choose from. We love the luxury Cedar Manor Afternoon Tea, with a local supplier of fresh tea leaves providing endless top-ups while you devour the finger sandwiches, warm scones and delicious sweet treats on offer.
For a slightly more modern vibe, be sure to book a table at the Windermere Speakeasy. Their afternoon tea combines a wide assortment of savoury snacks and some stylish desserts, all served on a modern pyramid tray. Or maybe you’d prefer to have an evening out? The Windermere Speakeasy transforms at night into a trendy cocktail bar, serving both classic and house cocktails with a colourful flourish.
But don’t forget the restaurants – Windermere has a whole host of beautiful settings proudly serving tantalising fresh food. Francine’s French Bistro is a local legend, with seafood bisque and adventurous escargot as particular customer favourites. Maybe you’ll try the tapas menu at The Smith, a quiet and cosy wine bar? Or enjoy an artisanal craft beer and a fresh burger (with veggie and vegan options!) at Folk as the sun goes down over Windermere.
You're looking at £55-£150 per night for budget lodges with hot tubs - perfect for affordable weekend breaks without breaking the bank. Mid-range cabins sit around £250-£400 nightly for couples, while luxury log cabins can hit £600+ during peak times. We've found brilliant last-minute deals if you're flexible, and booking early gets you the pick of premium lodges at cheaper rates.
White Cross Bay Holiday Park is a real winner - you're literally 200 yards from Lake Windermere with heated indoor pools, sauna and jacuzzi facilities thrown in. Fallbarrow Holiday Park gives you direct lake access near Bowness, plus their lodges come with private hot tubs and decent on-site restaurants. Both parks welcome dogs and have modern cottages that don't feel like glorified caravans.
Absolutely. The secluded cottages and glamping pods are made for couples wanting to escape. You'll get private hot tubs tucked away from other guests, plus log cabins with wood-burning stoves for those cosy evenings. We've found a lot of the boutique retreats cater specifically to romantic breaks - think champagne on arrival and breakfast in bed. The Lake District scenery does half the work for you.
We find most places are dog-friendly these days. White Cross Bay and Fallbarrow both offer pet-friendly lodges with enclosed gardens - your dog gets to enjoy the Lake District fells while you soak in the hot tub afterwards.
Just check the small print as some lodges limit you to two small dogs or one medium-sized one. We love the walking here - its incredible for humans and dogs!
Modern lodges come with fully kitted kitchens, comfortable living spaces, and decent Wi-Fi that actually works. Your private hot tub sits on outdoor decking - no sharing with strangers. Holiday park stays often include access to swimming pools, gyms, and kids' play areas. The premium cabins throw in extras like smart TVs, rainfall showers and Instagram-worthy interiors you'll want to photograph before they're covered in towels, kids toys and everything else.
You're looking at 1-3 miles max from most lodges to Windermere town and Bowness-on-Windermere. The lakeside lodges at White Cross Bay are just 200 yards from the water - you can practically roll out of bed onto a lake cruise. Both towns offer excellent restaurants, independent shops, and attractions like the World of Beatrix Potter. Water sports, hiking trails, and those famous Lake District views are all on your doorstep.
We recommend Spring and autumn if you can get away then! Think fewer crowds, gorgeous colours, and you'll still get mild weather for outdoor adventures. Winter's surprisingly magical if you don't mind wrapping up - there's nothing quite like a hot tub under starry skies after a crisp fell walk. Summer's busiest but gives you the longest days. We'd avoid school holidays unless you book months ahead and don't mind paying premium rates.
Some older lodges haven't been updated in years - always check recent reviews for mentions of maintenance issues or tired interiors. Make sure you're getting a private hot tub, not access to a shared one that might be out of order. Peak season pricing can be eye-watering, and some places charge extra for basics like towels or cleaning. Book with established companies that offer decent customer service and won't leave you high and dry if something goes wrong.