There is arguably nowhere in the Lake District as special as Storrs Hall on the lake.
Built in 1790, this breath-taking hotel is unique in many, many different ways.
First of all, when the hotel's team describes it as Storrs Hall on the Lake, the team of hotel really means it.
It's not just that the hotel has views over the lake - rather, it is literally on the lake, with the edge of the front lawn doubling as the shoreline of spectacular Lake Windermere.
If you were to imagine the ultimate Lake District hotel, it is Storrs Hall that your imagination would conjure up.
A magnificent Georgian mansion house steeped in history and dedicated to luxury, Storrs Hall Windermere also has all of the intimacy and individuality of a family-run hotel.
It was purchased 20 years ago by the Hindle family, who since then have invested in the building, individually and sympathetically refurbishing the bedrooms and adding contemporary touches whilst retaining all of the building's historical splendour.
Whilst the interior of the Storrs Hotel will have you gasping in awe, the surrounding nature may actually leave you lost for words.
With more than 17 acres of outstanding natural beauty, Storrs Hall Lake District grounds offer not only lakeshore access but beautiful lawns and woodland walks.
Close by, there is the chance to explore the forests and hills of the Lake District, not to mention museums, castles, historic houses and gardens; you can also take a tour on water, on land or in the air, with boat, steam train, hot-air balloon and helicopter tours all available.
Meanwhile, if you're after something altogether more active, take your pick from sailing, rowing, cycling, golf and any number of water sports.
Since the late 1700s when it was built, Storrs Hall Hotel has hosted and inspired some towering figures from English literature.
Renowned Lake District poets William Wordsworth and Robert Southey stayed here and Wordsworth recited his famous Daffodils poem here in the drawing room.
Beatrix Potter attended many parties here.
Throughout the years, the mansion has also played host to an endless stream of distinguished guests from art and culture, industry, politics and the military.
As well as the luxurious standard of accommodation in the Hotel, there is also the opportunity for an ultimate pampering break at The Boathouse.
Then there are the self-catering Lodges at Storrs, which are perfectly placed in the hotel’s grounds - a moment’s walk from the main hotel but set in their own peaceful woodland.
And if you're after a unique and unforgettable venue for a special occasion such as a wedding reception, an engagement party or an intimate romantic get-together, or even if you just fancy popping in for a relaxing afternoon tea, Storrs Hall is the perfect location.
In short, Storrs Hall Hotel is a wholly unique combination of historical grandeur and contemporary luxury, all of which is enveloped within some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural beauty.
The hotel have 30 luxury, 4-star bedrooms as well as an exclusive Boathouse which sleeps two, and nine self-catering Lodges in the grounds of Storrs Hall.
Four of the Lodges have two double bedrooms, four of them have a double plus a bunk room, and one has one bedroom.
There is no such thing as standard at Storrs Hall.
The sheer beauty of the location sees to that.
Plus even the entry-level Classic Rooms feature lush fabrics, sleep-like-a-log beds and stylish, contemporary bathrooms.
Of course, you’ll promise yourself that you will switch off your phone and ignore your emails.
But, just in case you can’t resist a little browse, there is free WiFi throughout the Hotel, as well as flatscreen TV, 24-hour room service and tea/coffee-making facilities in all bedrooms.
Light green and cream decor with reflects the woodland surroundings of Storrs Hall; large living space and easy chairs where you can relax.
Eclectric mix of antique furniture and contemporary style furnishings.
Calming blue floral decor which is reflected in the soft furnishings; can be twinned if required.
Large living space, with a sofa bed for little guests and an easy chair for you to relax in.
A selection of traditional and more contemporary style furnishings.
Medium sized room with small seating area.
A selection of traditional and more contemporary style furnishings, traditionally decorated room with a view of the surrounding Storrs Hall estate & woodland.
Seating area within the room, combined bath and shower, in the bathroom.
A selection of more contemporary style furnishings.
Can be twinned if required.
Light green and cream decor with reflects the woodland surroundings of Storrs Hall, with high ceilings and beautifully decorated with a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings.
Large living space and easy chairs where you can relax.
Under the careful attention of Head Chef Ross Marshall, Storrs Hall's restaurant is a feast for all the senses - whether you're there to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Eat Ross's mouth-watering food as you gaze across the lawns to views of Windermere and the Lake District fells beyond.
The Tower Bar, with its famed historic furnishings, is the ideal setting for pre-dinner drinks or a place to while away the hours in front of the fire.
There's a bar menu too if you fancy a relaxed dining experience.
This is a delicious treat in a lovely location.
Choose to enjoy it in the restaurant, drawing room or library, all of which have stunning views.
Afternoon tea is served from 14.00h in the Tower Bar, the conservatory and the Drawing Room.
It’s a very indulgent feast of a meal, with a selection of sandwiches, savouries, pastries, freshly baked scones, clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
Take it with any of the vast selection of tea blends, or with Champagne.
If you are a non-resident, but the afternoon tea menus have whetted your appetite, feel free to moor your vessel on the jetty and come on in.
If you book ahead, the hotel's team will even bring you food and drinks on your boat - now that really is living the high life!
from 14.00h
Planning to spend a day at "home" on the estate?
There are gardens at Storrs Hall, including some perfect little spots for a picnic - in the shade of the trees, on the lawn by Lake Windermere, sitting on the jetty watching the boats come and go; and if you’re venturing further afield - maybe out on the water, or to one of the countless local beauty spots.
Why not order one of the perfect picnic baskets.
The hotel's team can creates almost anything you want, including basket, crockery, cutlery, napkins, bottle-opener and a rug.
The hotel have two beautiful rooms that are available for private dining such as discreet family celebrations, small groups of friends, business lunches and dinners.
The Study is suitable for up to 12 diners and the John Bolton Room is suitable for up to 20.
Both rooms have large windows and wonderful views.
The events team will be happy to meet with you and discuss every aspect of your event; you can select from the a la carte menus from the Lake View Restaurant, or come and discuss a bespoke menu with the kitchen team.
You will not find a more tranquil venue than Storrs Hall for your own special lunch or dinner.
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall is a genuine foodie’s delight in a lovely setting just metres from the shore of Lake Windermere.
Head chef Ross Marshall - whose previous kitchens include the Dorchester Collection, Celtic Manor Resort and the Old Course Hotel St Andrews - leads an ambitious, innovative team who are committed to sourcing as much as possible from local producers.
There is no such thing as a set menu here, but as the team of cooks writes, the guests’ appetites are being whetted with dishes
such as truffle veloute, roasted artichoke, Cumbrian lamb, fillet of halibut with couscous and grapefruit.
"The cheese dish alone - with Double Barrel Poacher, Bosworth Ash, and Helford Blue - reflects the quality and diversity of the produce that the have available to us," says head chef Ross Marshall.
"It’s a pleasure to constantly renew and refresh the menus with the wonderful seasonal ingredients of Cumbria".
18.30h - 21.00h(private dining available)
The beautiful grounds, the Lake at the foot of the garden, the surrounding woods and hills just demand that you traipse, trek and tramp your day away.
That, combined with the wonderful menus, packed with local food and drink, will make you hungry and thirsty.
So, you’ll very quickly earn the right to cosy up in front of a roaring fire with a fabulous Lake District cream tea.
Or melt into a big, soft sofa for a quiet hour with a book or newspaper and a glass of something warming to hand.
As if you needed any excuse; and, if you decide to go direct to the Tower Bar?
Well, the hotel's team are here to take your order, not to judge!
12.00h - 20.45h
Tempting as it is to sit in the lounge, or to lie on the lawn, or to gaze out over the Lake, the hotel's team feels sure that you’ll eventually venture out beyond the magnificent grounds of Storrs Hall.
And what choice you have, come rain or shine.
There’s beauty to spare round here - not just lakes, forests and hills, but castles, historic houses, gardens, steam trains and trails.
So allow yourself plenty of time to explore the area as widely as possible.
Take a look at the suggestions - Lake District attractions for the family, for the kids or for romantic couples in the listings – sailing, cruising and rowing, cycling and golf, hot-air balloons and helicopters.
Just ask one of the friendly team, who will be happy to make suggestions for the best days out in Bowness, Windermere and the National Park.
And did the hotel's team mentions, that if you work up an appetite, you won’t stay thirsty or hungry for long, especially if you take one of the picnic hampers with you.
A beautiful walk up to this stunning waterfall. Let us pack you a superb Storrs Hall picnic for your day out at this amazing natural attraction in the Lake District.
A masterpiece of 20th-century design, a perfect example of the Arts & Crafts movement with house, furniture and gardens, exhibitions and events. Open all year round.
At Lakeland Climbing Centre get your first taste of climbing in their unique centre with its great indoor wall, on one of their beginners courses, taster sessions or with an experienced friend.
An incredible collection of iconic motor vehicles including the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition with full size replicas of the Blue Bird car, boat and jet hydroplane.
Storrs Hall is an inspiring, tranquil and beautiful location and the hotel's team are committed to providing all the support, facilities and equipment you require.
A stunning view point. Why not take one of the picnics with you to this stunning view point and interesting ancient stone seat. Sit and watch the boats on Lake Windermere.
The Ruskin Museum exists to enable you to explore and experience at first hand its literary and cultural heritage collections of national importance and international significance, for inspiration, learning, enjoyment and delight.
The Lake District is replete with stunning places to hold your wedding. Even amongst all these beautiful locations, the hotel's team honestly believes Storrs Hall is unmatched.
Cruises, self-drive hire boats and rowing boats from Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside piers. The very best way to see the Lake District.
A mock-Gothic, National Trust property on the shores of Lake Windermere, open all-year round, with events, Peter Rabbit Adventure for children, café and grounds.
STORRS HALL HOTEL
Windermere LA23 3LGUnited Kingdom