Cragwood Country House Hotel

Using stone taken from quarries on the property, Frank Dunkerley built the Cragwood Country House Hotel in 1910 for Albert Warburton. In the early 1900s, the landscape architect, Thomas Mawson designed the Cragwood gardens, which wind down toward the beautiful Lake Windermere.

This quiet hotel location attracts many longtime returning guests, with well-manicured gardens that feature lovely stone terrace sitting areas, a gazebo, wooden patio furniture, and fountains that overlook the lake. Many of the original interiors have been preserved. The hotel is intimate, with a small lobby that features charming stone and wooden accents. 

A winding, private road leads to the hotel, which is located on the southern end of Lake Windermere. There are numerous walking trails accessible from the property. The hotel feels isolated, but is a quick drive to town, where there are restaurants, pubs, shops, and entertainment. The family-fun Treetop Trek, with tree ziplines, is a five-minute walk. Windermere Golf Club is a 13-minute drive. The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, an interactive exhibit, is eight minutes by car. Windermere Lake Cruises is a 10-minute drive. The hotel is an hour and 40 minutes from Manchester Airport. Junction 36, on M6, is 35 minutes by car.

Traditional decor, wood furniture, muted furnishings, light-colored carpeting, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles are in all the rooms. Some rooms are in a newer addition and somewhat resemble chain hotel rooms. The hotel offers single, family, ground-floor, and four-poster rooms. Views of the gardens or lake are available. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Rooms with terraces have charming glass patio doors. Upgraded rooms have modern bathrooms, heated towel racks, and rainfall showerheads. The top-floor rooms have slanted ceiling designs and lovely stone accents. Outdated furnishings are in some rooms and bathrooms. Pet owners must bring dog beds or could incur a cleaning fee.

The hotel has an inviting restaurant decorated in floral drapes, red carpeting, and light wood accents. The on-site bar also has retained a bit of the Cragwood old-world charm with blue floral curtains on bay windows, blue contemporary chairs, wood paneling, and a blue-tiled fireplace. The restaurant utilizes local fish, meat, and produce. Pets are allowed everywhere, except the dining rooms.

There are three fireplace lounges in the hotel, including the Nixon lounge that has a piano, stone-faced fireplace, and garden terrace. Near the lobby, and the main staircase, is a lounge with comfy leather chairs and views of the gardens. Another lounge offers plaid sofas and bay windows.

The hotel also accommodates weddings and meetings, with two dining rooms that can respectively fit 36 and 25 people. The gardens, bar, and lounges can also be setup for private functions or weddings.