Langdale Chase Hotel

Langdale Chase is a beautiful historic property housed in a lovely lakeside estate that was built in the 1890s. It served as a residence for many years before being transformed into a hotel in 1937. The exterior looks like something out of a Harry Potter movie, with a gorgeous gray stone facade and neo-Gothic elements that give it a vaguely castle-like appearance. It's surrounded by beautiful grounds with a variety of deciduous trees and grassy lawns that lead out to the banks of Lake Windermere, visible from many of the rooms and common areas. Inside is equally stunning, with a beautiful main sitting room featuring an intricately carved banister and a 17th-century oak fireplace, all accented by dark-wood wall paneling, huge oil paintings, and a large stained-glass window that looks like it could have been pulled out of a cathedral. Overall, this hotel exudes a quiet, intimate vibe, making it a good choice for couples looking for a lakefront getaway, though families are welcome and well looked-after here. The hotel also allows dogs (for a nominal fee) in some of the rooms. Pets are allowed inside the Baronial Hall, the Piano Lounge, and on the hotel's lake-facing terrace.

Langdale Chase Hotel is located right in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, Northern England, right on the banks of Lake Windermere. It's around a five-minute drive to the nearest town, Ambleside, and Bowness takes about 10 minutes to reach by car. While many people come to the hotel just to relax and soak in the atmosphere, there are lots of attractions in the area. The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on Windermere, dedicated to the works of Peter Rabbit's creator, takes eight minutes to reach by car. Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth's final home, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Victorian Neo-Gothic Wray Castle is just across the lake from the hotel, but reaching it requires a 15-minute drive.

This hotel offers 29 rooms, most of which are situated across two buildings: the main house and the Lake House nearby. Guests can also rent out a room at the top of the Boathouse, which faces the lake and has its own private terrace. Most rooms have similar old-fashioned Edwardian style decor typical to English bed-and-breakfasts, including heavy patterned drapes, simple wooden furniture, and pincushion chairs plus simple wallpaper and off-white wainscoting. Most have bright red carpeting, save for the Boathouse room, which features a pleasant medium-brown parquet. Standard amenities include kettles with tea, instant coffee, and fresh milk (along with cookies for dipping), plus flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms vary a bit, but all have either shower/tub combos or separate walk-in showers and tubs, and toiletries are provided. Many of the units have big windows with views out over the countryside and lake. Some rooms are pet-friendly and cots for children can be arranged on request.

The food at Langdale Chase gets mixed reviews, but it does have special options available for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, plus a children's menu for younger guests. The menu features everything from traditional British lamb to eggplant moussaka, along with plenty of seafood and a good selection of wine and spirits. Breakfast is available, but it's not included in room rates and the selection is nothing spectacular. Beyond dining, this hotel doesn't have a ton of additional amenities, particularly for those looking for a wellness retreat (there's no gym, pool, or spa). However, it's a lovely place for family getaways, weddings, and small meetings. Spaces for rent include the Oak Room, which seats up to 18 people, plus a smaller Sitting Room for up to 10. Wedding planning services are also available, with packages for small weddings  up to 34 guests). Other amenities include free hotel-wide Wi-Fi and free parking.