Best family hotels in the Lake District: the best places to stay with kids

With its beautiful setting and lots to do nearby, the Lakeside Hotel is our top pick for the best family-friendly hotel in the Lake District. Located on the southern shore of Lake Windermere, the views are stunning and the rooms are luxurious. The hotel makes a great base for visiting the Lakes Aquarium, World of Beatrix Potter and Kendal Castle, as well as walks around the lake and nearby Grizedale Forest. After a long day of hiking and exploring, the Lakeside Hotel offers a warm welcome with comfy beds, spa treatments and locally-sourced produce in its restaurant.

Nearest train station: Oxenholme (9.6 miles)

Hear us out - youth hostels aren’t always about bunking up with a room full of strangers (although beds in dormitories are available). YHA Ambleside has a huge variety of rooms, with private rooms to suit larger and smaller family groups, and a choice of en-suite or shared bathrooms. It’s no-frills accommodation, which is perfect if you’re in the area to explore rather than luxuriate - why pay more? Its location near to Lake Windermere is hard to beat, and Ambleside village is a short walk from the hostel, which has a handful of shops and cafes.

Nearest train station: Windermere (4 miles)

Perched on a hillside, Hillthwaite House has views across Lake Windermere and the Lakeland Fells, with a choice of views when you book. Beds and cots for children can be provided on request, but reviewers warn the restaurant doesn’t have many kid-friendly options. Just down the road from the World of Beatrix Potter, the hotel has a heated indoor pool and lovely gardens.

Nearest train station: Windermere (1.2 miles)

Another Place is in a league of its own. With an Ofsted-registered kids’ zone, family shepherd huts, and Micralite off road buggies to borrow, it’s geared towards active families looking for a holiday with a difference. There are lots of watersports on offer, as well as stargazing sessions, forest school activities and a spa with mountain views.

Nestled on the shore of Ullswater, the hotel is surrounded by beautiful grounds and countryside. If you do decide to venture out, Aira Force Waterfall is well worth a visit.

Nearest train station: Penrith (6.3 miles)

Another Windermere hotel, Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa boasts indoor and outdoor pools and a spa, plus a private jetty for cruises around England’s longest lake. Reviewers say under-8s are kept out of the hot tub, but can enjoy the pool and it’s very family-friendly otherwise. Various water sports are available, or drive west to scale England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Nearest train station: Windermere (1.8 miles)

If you’re aiming to be out and about all day during your holiday, a B&B like the Old Vicarage is a great choice. Opt for a superior suite, which has a separate sitting room and a bedroom and sleeps four. The large house features an indoor pool, a hot tub and a sauna, serves a variety of breakfast options and is well-placed for local attractions like Beatrix Potter’s house and Bridge House. Dogs stay for free, which is a rarity. The Old Vicarage has three resident dogs, so the owners can recommend you the best local walks.

Nearest train station: Windermere (5 miles)

This traditional Lakeland stone barn conversion is a perfect bolthole for a family trip to the Lakes. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it comfortably sleeps up to six people, but sadly doesn’t allow children under four or pets. For younger children, check out Holme Cottage or Dairy Cottage, which are owned by the same company. Its private garden has views over the Lowther Valley, and it’s just a short drive or a long walk to Haweswater Nature Reserve and Ullswater lake.

Nearest train station: Penrith (9.2 miles)

Options abound at Waterfoot Park. From dog-friendly apartments with a lake view, to glamping ‘escape pods’, there’s something for everybody at this Ullswater resort. Just up the road from the banks of Ullswater, guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery and watersports on offer locally. Waterfoot’s S-Pods sleep up to six, with a full kitchen, sitting and dining areas and a mezzanine bedroom all cleverly designed in a compact structure. Larger groups can opt for the Lady of the Lake apartment, which sleeps eight.

Nearest train station: Penrith (5 miles)

Finding a hotel that strikes just the right balance between luxury and child-friendliness is difficult, especially when your kids are very small. The Swan Hotel does really well in this respect, with its two-bedroom family suites and myriad small touches that make all the difference. Set on the banks of the river Levern, just south of Lake Windermere, The Swan offers paddleboarding lessons, an adults-only spa and locally-sourced food at the on-site Swan Inn.

Nearest train station: Kendal (16.5 miles)

White Cross Bay’s caravans and modern lodges are spacious and comfortable, with separate bedrooms, living areas with a well-equipped kitchen and even a private hot tub included with some options. Dogs are welcome and there are lots of on-site activities, including an indoor heated pool, boats for hire and an adventure playground for the kids. Located on the shores of Lake Windermere, Coniston and Ullswater are also nearby, perfect settings for walks, climbing and cycling.

Nearest train station: Windermere (2 miles)