The BEST family hotels in the Lake District

For families, the best Lake District stay is often the simplest one; a hotel that takes care of the logistics so you can focus on time outdoors together.

The Lake District offers every type of accommodation, from remote cottages and glamping pods to youth hostels and campsites, but hotels remain the easiest option when you want everything in one place. Family rooms, meals, swimming pools and lakeside locations mean you can arrive, settle in, and get on with enjoying the holiday.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best family hotels in the Lake District; chosen for their location, practical room setups and easy access to the outdoors, with just the right level of comfort to make a family break feel effortless.

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Location map of Lake District family hotels

1. Another Place, The Lake

Best for: On-site kids’ activities and watersports without leaving the hotel
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Set on the shores of Ullswater, Another Place, The Lake is one of the most family-friendly hotels in the Lake District. Its spectacular lakeside setting provides direct access to the water, with stunning views across Ullswater and the surrounding fells.

Children are well catered for with a dedicated Kids’ Zone, supervised activities, babysitting services and a range of family accommodation options, including bunk-bed suites and self-catering cottages. Thoughtful extras such as microwaves and complimentary cots make family stays even easier.

The hotel encourages guests to make the most of the outdoors, with kayaking, paddleboarding, open-water swimming, archery and guided activities available on-site. Families can also relax in the 20-metre indoor pool, hot tub and spa.

Dining is informal and family-friendly, with several restaurant options including lakeside wood-fired pizzas. Nearby attractions include Aira Force waterfall, Pooley Bridge and Ullswater steamer cruises.

2. The Swan Hotel & Spa

Best for: Family suites and all-in-one facilities on Lake Windermere’s southern shore
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Located at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, The Swan Hotel & Spa is an excellent base for exploring the Lake District. Families can easily access nearby attractions, including Windermere Lake Cruises, the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and the popular towns of Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside.

The hotel is particularly well suited to families, with a dedicated family swimming pool, outdoor adventure playpark and spacious family suites. Children will love the themed Beatrix and Potter Family Suites, while larger families can opt for self-catering Nest Cottages sleeping up to eight guests.

After a day outdoors, families can enjoy the hotel’s leisure facilities, restaurants and café. Meanwhile, adults looking for some downtime can book a treatment or thermal session in the adults-only Holte Spa.

3. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa

Best for: Families wanting a full activity-based stay on Windermere
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Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa enjoys a prime position on the shores of Lake Windermere, midway between Ambleside and Bowness. Its location makes it a great base for exploring the central Lake District, with many of the area’s most popular attractions within easy reach.

The hotel is particularly appealing for active families thanks to its on-site Watersports Centre. Families can try kayaking, paddleboarding, motor boating and wakeboarding directly from the lakeshore, making this a strong choice for families who want a more activity-led stay.

Family rooms and suites offer flexible accommodation for those travelling with children, and there are several dining options on-site. While some areas of the hotel feel more contemporary than others, families consistently praise the location, lake views and range of activities available right on the doorstep.

4. Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa

Best for: Estate stays with wildlife park access and wide open countryside space
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Set within 400 acres of woodland, parkland and lakeshore on Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa offers families plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. The historic country house enjoys a peaceful setting with views towards Skiddaw and the northern Lake District fells.

Families can choose from spacious family rooms, deluxe family accommodation and interconnecting rooms, making it suitable for both small and multi-generational family groups. The hotel also offers a range of outdoor activities, including archery, guided walks and seasonal experiences across the estate.

One of the biggest draws for families is its proximity to the Lake District Wildlife Park, located within the estate grounds. This is one of the best things to do in the Lake District with kids. Home to over 100 animal species, it makes an easy and enjoyable day out without needing to get back in the car.

5. Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa

Best for: Walking holidays and easy access to Derwentwater and Keswick
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Overlooking Derwentwater in the Borrowdale Valley, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is one of the best-positioned hotels in the Lake District for families wanting easy access to all the things to do in Keswick and some of the area’s most popular walks. The hotel sits beneath the famous Lodore Falls waterfall and enjoys impressive lake and fell views.

Families can book the Two Bedroom Suite, which includes a master bedroom, twin bedroom and separate lounge area. Sleeping up to five guests with the addition of a foldaway bed, it offers plenty of space for families who prefer separate sleeping areas.

6. Langdale Hotel & Spa

Best for: Self-catering or hotel stays with full leisure facilities in a quiet valley setting
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Set within a 35-acre woodland estate in Great Langdale, Langdale Hotel is well placed for families looking to explore one of the Lake District’s most scenic valleys. Walking routes, family-friendly trails and outdoor adventures can all be accessed directly from the estate.

Families can stay in hotel rooms with adjoining children’s bedrooms or opt for one of the self-catering cottages, available with one, two or three bedrooms. Cottage guests also benefit from full access to the hotel’s leisure facilities, making them a great option for longer stays.

The estate features a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, gym, hot tub and sauna, all included for guests. There are also two on-site dining options, including the popular Stove Restaurant and the traditional Wainwrights’ Inn in nearby Chapel Stile.

7. The Coniston Inn

Best for: Traditional pub stays right by Coniston Water with simple family rooms
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With views across Coniston Water and the surrounding fells, The Coniston Inn offers one of the most scenic settings on this list. Located just outside Coniston village, it provides easy access to lakeside walks, boating activities and popular family attractions including Tarn Hows.

Families can book dedicated family rooms, with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom and bunk beds for children. Breakfast is included with every stay.

After a day outdoors, families can relax in the inn’s traditional pub restaurant, which serves hearty meals made with locally sourced ingredients. During warmer months, the garden terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy the views over Coniston Water.

8. The Daffodil Hotel & Spa

Best for: Comfortable, spa-led stays in Grasmere with easy village access
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Set on the shores of Grasmere, The Daffodil Hotel & Spa offers a modern, polished base in one of the Lake District’s most popular villages. Its lakeside position means guests are within easy reach of Grasmere village, family walks and attractions linked to William Wordsworth.

Families can stay in spacious Family Suites, which are designed for up to four guests. These consist of a master bedroom with an emperor bed and a second room with twin beds, giving parents and children separate sleeping space. Rooms also include large bathrooms, lake or valley views, and modern touches such as Nespresso machines and multiple TVs.

While the hotel is more spa-focused than activity-led, it works well as a comfortable base for families exploring Grasmere and the central Lakes. Please note that children are not permitted in the spa facilities.

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