Historic Rothay Manor Hotel, Top Lake District Retreat

When husband and wife hoteliers, Jamie and Jenna Shail took over Rothay Manor in England’s glorious Lake District in 2016, their plan was to create an elegant yet unfussy and homely boutique bolthole, a tonic for escaping the stresses of modern life. Dating back to 1823, the black and white Regency façade of the manor stands out among the Lake District’s brown slate buildings. The hotel is ideally located at the top of Lake Windermere that, at 18 kilometers long, is England’s largest lake. On the property’s doorstep are lovely walks, mountain bike trails and places for boating, swimming, climbing, hiking and horseback riding.

Major five year renovation

The hotel’s extensive five-year renovation works, finished last year, included the addition of eight new (dog-friendly) Pavilion Suites in a separate wing from the main manor house. Dynargh Design have expertly woven the colors of the Lakes and surrounding scenery throughout the interiors. Following the first-phase £1.25m refurbishment of the main house in 2020, the new Pavilion luxury suites have their own private gardens, one of which also has its own hot tub, another is accessible and four are dog-friendly. And speaking of dogs, there’s even a new powder room and shower for dogs in the main lodge.

In the new suites and in the guest rooms in the main house, Egyptian cotton bedlinen and feather pillows and duvets make for a super comfortable sleep. Each bedroom is individually designed with sumptuous furnishings and luxury amenities. Some rooms have balconies over-looking gardens. The soft, country-inspired, color palette for the walls is in Stoney Ground, Bancha and Sulking Room Pink from Farrow & Ball complemented by bold wallpapers from William Morris, Lewis & Wood and Colfax and Fowler, and Melissa White, alongside Pooky lampshades, tweed or soft leather furnishings. The renovated Fairfield Suite has exposed original beams and a double ended cast iron bath.

A destination for Foodies

Food has always been important to the owners who have been inspired by many years living in France. The destination restaurant features locally sourced food and a decadent dining experience in the 3 AA Rosette restaurant, led by head Chef Dan McGeorge (who was named the Champion of Champions of the 2021 series of the BBC Great British Menu). In summer 2022, he was also awarded “Restaurant Chef” of the year by the Craft Guild of Chefs. The menu includes hearty seasonal fare such as chicken burgers, risotto and all-time favorite, sticky toffee pudding.

Outside visitors are free to indulge in the classic afternoon tea at Rothay Manor. Either in lounges by the fire or outside on the terrace when the weather is fine, the lineup includes a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, home-made scones with clotted cream and home-made jam plus a delectable assortment of mini cakes and desserts.

What to See And Do

With endless adventures on the doorstep, guests of Rothay Manor can go boating, hiking and foraging, to discover the lakes, forest and fells. Loughrigg Fell isn’t the biggest peak in the Lake District but it offers some of the most incredible views. It sits right at the junction of five major valley systems and with no neighboring peaks to block the panoramas of every corner of the central Fells. A great circular route is from Ambleside via Loughrigg Fell to Grasmere with a return via the “coffin road.”

For a first time walk in the hills of the Lake District, this is ideal. From Rothay Manor, within minutes you’ll be heading up its eastern flanks. The fairly steep ascent is worth it so you can get into the views as soon as possible. Walking back along the Coffin Road from Grasmere rises and falls gently along its course and gets you to a whole variety of viewpoints. The route was used to carry coffins on their final journey to St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere. The Lake District was a strong inspiration for the poet William Wordsworth and along the way the route passes two of his homes, Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage, both open to the public.

While in Grasmere, an essential stop is the Grasmere Gingerbread shop. Victorian cook Sarah Nelson created Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854 and today the business is run by third-generation owners Joanne and Andrew Hunter. A unique, spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake, the moreish treat is an excellent reward and a good stop on the circular walk.

Practicalities

Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0EH Tel: 01539 433605. A new two-night package includes a daily Cumbrian breakfast, a 3 rosette a la carte dinner on one evening and the bistro menu on the second. Available until 30 June 2023. Prices from £640. Or the Forest Bathing package includes a two-night stay, daily Cumbrian breakfast, dinner each evening, as well as a two-hour guided mindful practice exploring the surrounding ancient woodlands. Prices from £790. Trains run several times/day from London Euston to Windermere.