Lake District Hotels, a family-run business, owns a range of hotels covering all needs. If you want to be town-based, there is the Skiddaw in the heart of Keswick. If you want an unbeatable lakeside setting, try the Inn on the Lake situated on the banks of Ullswater. Then there is the Lodore Falls Hotel, where I stayed with my wife and two children, Hollie, aged eleven, and Peter, five.
The hotel enjoys the best of both worlds: not only is it a short drive from Keswick and its many amenities but it sits in the beautiful Borrowdale Valley overlooking 72-foot deep Derwentwater. During our stay, we strolled along the boardwalk to the lake’s edge plus caught one of the many motor launches which operate round the lake; one of the regular ports of call is – rather conveniently – Lodore.
Built of Lakeland slate, the hotel stands in 40 acres of grounds and is surrounded by mountains. From many of its rooms and attractive gardens, you’ll be dazzled by the scenery. One moment you’re staring across the water to Cat Bells, a favourite peak for families, then turning your head slightly and looking towards mighty Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in England.
On several occasions we simply relaxed with a coffee on the lawn while taking in the scenery. Meals, afternoon tea and speciality coffees are served throughout the day in the gardens and comfortable lounges and bar overlooking the lake. The building has had a presence in the valley for over 200 years and it’s easy to see why someone decided to make the most of this glorious spot.
The hotel is ideally situated for walkers and sightseers alike. If you’re staying here, you’ll receive a complimentary copy of the newly-published Walk the Lakes, a useful walking guide written by local author Vivienne Crow exclusively for Lake District Hotels. Basically, all 15 walks begin from the group’s six hotels – four from the Lodore. If you decide to head further afield, you’re only a short drive from stunning Buttermere and Crummock Water, two of my favourite lakes, from where you can select from a host of walks.
Families are made to feel welcome at the Lodore: in fact, many return year after year to not only appreciate the tranquillity but to take advantage of the hotel’s leisure facilities, including tennis and outdoor/indoor swimming. There is also a daily in-house two-hour activity programme during school holidays.
The hotel’s brochure states that there is “no better place to spend a happy family holiday” and we certainly enjoyed our break. The staff certainly did their utmost to make us feel welcome. I believe a hotel often shows its true colours in the restaurant: for example, how flexible will the staff be when it comes to letting customers swap a few items on a children’s dish so that the kiddie will end up having a meal they will gobble up? Well, I’m pleased to report that staff at the Lodore were very accommodating in this regard.
All 69 bedrooms have been refurbished recently and contain everything you’ll need during your stay, including hairdryer, hospitality tray, TV and a comfy bed in which to recharge your batteries after a long fell walk or day’s sightseeing. Family rooms and suites are available. For real luxury, try the Penthouse Suite with master bedroom, twin-bedded room and comfy sitting area with balcony!
The hotel takes its name from the waterfall behind the building. Before you head for home, make sure you take a few moments to see the falls, formed by the beck from Watendlath Tarn crashing over rocks for some 100 feet. In prolonged periods of dry weather, however, the volume of water can decrease to just a trickle.
Our stay at the Lodore Falls was over far too quickly. It’s certainly a hotel I’d recommend and hope to return again soon.
Further information:
Lodore Falls Hotel
Borrowdale
Keswick
Cumbria CA12 5UX
Tel: 017687 77285