A beautiful boutique hotel in the Lake District
Last updated on January 26th, 2026.
Your heart beats a little faster as you set eyes upon the location of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa.
A boutique hotel in the Lake District immediately opposite Windermere Lake, it’s hard not to be instantly enamored.
To say it’s an impressive welcome to our stay is an understatement. There’s more to discover at this luxury boutique hotel, and I’m hoping you’ll consider staying here after reading this post.
A boutique hotel in the Lake District
Where is Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa?
Low Wood Bay is in the small town of Ambleside in the Lake District.
It’s a green and striking region in the north-west county of Cumbria in England. The area comprises a national park, 16 lakes and is a popular destination for walkers, nature lovers and dog owners.
It was the perfect location for our 3 days in the Lake District.
Map: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa
The buildings at Low Wood Bay
There are two main buildings in the resort. The principle hotel area is where you’ll find the spa, health club and two restaurants. It’s also the location of the Atrium seating area and Norman’s coffee and juice bar.
Low Wood Bay underwent a huge refurbishment project, costing about £20 million. It’s something that becomes clearer as you walk around the main building of the resort.
The Winander Club at Low Wood Bay
If you decide to check into Low Wood Bay — and you should — I recommend booking a suite at The Winander Club. Modern, bright and spacious, it’s the second part of the building that sits just behind the principle hotel area.
Opened in November 2018, there are 29 stylish rooms and suites embracing earthy tones and textures. Rooms and suites at The Winander Club measure from 38 to 42sqm.
Only guests staying at The Winander Club can enter the premises; it’s exclusive as much as it is safe. They also serve breakfast in the dining area on your respective floor, meaning you can arrive in pajamas if you want.
The Winander Club Lime Lake View Room
As its name suggests, booking the Winander Club Lime Lake View Room means checking into your very own lakeside room.
The suite was far more than we’d been expecting. On first entry, you’re greeted by plenty of natural light, a sofa, and the tea and coffee making facilities.
Temptation arrives in the form of a refreshment tray, filled with homemade gingerbread — from nearby town Grasmere — and local candies.
To the left and right are 2 double doors, leading to more living space in this grand suite.
The bedroom area’s inviting, tasteful and somewhere where you instantly know you’ll get some rest. A further sofa and coffee table sit at the end of the bed overlooking the doors to the terrace.
Step outside and catch your breath as you take in the magnificent scene of Windermere Lake before you.
Bathroom at The Winander Club suite
I’m a sucker for a big bathroom, and the one in the suite at The Winander Club doesn’t disappoint. As well as having a good-size bathtub, the bathroom also has a separate rainforest shower and heated flooring.
One feature I particularly like — and something I want installed in my own home — is a button-operated shower. It removes any awkwardness of trying to dodge the water as you shampoo, while also saving water.
If you like the smell of nature, you’ll want to pay attention to the plant-based toiletries at Low Wood Bay. The resort sources their products from English company, Pure Lakes, and it smells heavenly in, and after, your bath/shower.
Enjoy the scents of bitter orange, clary sage and cedarwood shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion in bottle form. They’re also available to buy in case you want to take home a reminder of your time at the lakes.
A good night’s sleep at Low Wood Bay
What differentiates a standard hotel from a boutique is the attention they pay to detail. Sleep’s a big deal at Low Wood Bay, something that’s clear from the surprise gifts that await in your room.
On our first day, I found a complimentary ‘sleep well’ set from luxury spa brand ESPA waiting on the bed. Inside, are 4 travel-size beauty treatments, including a dreamy sleep booster. Add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer, apply before bed, and say nighty night.
After dinner, we returned to our suite to find the room had received the turndown service. Along with drawn curtains and dimmed lights, they’d given us some ‘sleepy’ tea bags and sleep pillow spray.
It was heaven in a tea bag and a bottle! Whether it was the added extras, or simply the peaceful ambience of Ambleside, we slept so well during our stay.
Other features of The Winander Club Lime Lake View Room
All the Lime Lake View rooms are located on the 3rd floor and are only accessible by lift. Head to the rooftop garden on the top floor to see the mesmerizing colors of the sunset.
Additional features of the Lime Lake View Room include:
- Luxury super king beds with 3000 pocket sprung mattress
- Feather and Downs pillows or hypoallergenic pillows
- Luxury hand pressed linen
- Super soft bathrobes and slippers, and a
- Turn down service.
Rooms and suites at Low Wood Bay
While there, I also managed to sneak a peek at some of the other accommodation types in the main hotel. Many of the rooms at Low Wood Bay are individually styled, with a decor that’s more traditional and classically English.
Hazel Lake View Room
The clue to this room’s selling point is in its name. Wake up to a view of the marina and the lake, in a super king or twin bed. Room sizes range from 20 to 22sqm, and comes with LCD TV and bathrobes and slippers.
It's the perfect room to book for a romantic short break in the Lake District.
The Lime Room
The Lime Room is the next level up and comes with all the comforts and luxuries of Low Wood Bay. Also within the original hotel, sizes range from 22 to 25sqm, and is ideal for couples or friends sharing.
You’ll either find a luxury king or twin bed depending on your booking, complete with hand pressed bed linen.
Lime Lake View Room
Enjoy all the comforts of a Lime Room with the added perk of waking up to Lake Windermere. The Lime Lake View Room is also 22 to 25sqm with the same features listed above. A turn down service is also included.
Good WiFi is available on site and in your room at Low Wood Bay and The Winander Club. It’s something we take for granted these days, but a strong connection’s so important, especially if you need to work.
Dining options at Low Wood Bay
While there are many top places to dine in the Lake District, you’ll need a car to get there. At Low Wood Bay, you’ve 2 excellent restaurants on site, as well as a cafe and lounge area.
Blue Smoke on the Bay at Low Wood Bay
The name gives a clue to the theme of the latest dining addition at Low Wood Bay. Blue Smoke on the Bay is a modern dining experience, serving wood-fired grill dishes in a stylish lakeside setting.
The star attraction at Blue Smoke on the Bay is the 3m long double wood-fired grill. It was brought over from South America and adds a special touch to the restaurant. Watch from your table as the chefs prepare high quality local and international dishes.
Chefs cook over hot embers, which create smoky flavors in aged steaks, meats, fish, and vegetables. They also use sustainable British wood such as elder, birch, and oak.
Our dinner at Blue Smoke on the Bay
If you’ve not yet eaten, you may want to come back to this part later. The hunger pangs begin to kick in the minute you see what’s on offer on the menu. There are plenty of dishes to choose from, but not too much that your brain begins to frazzle.
For starters, we chose the simple grilled vegetable salad. While it may not sound as tempting as the monkfish scampi or soy flavored duck breast, we’d good reason.
The main course
We ordered the 16oz chateaubriand for 2 from the wood grill and needed as much stomach space as possible. As much as I enjoy a good joint of beef, it was far too big, but so, so good.
They serve it with dauphinoise potatoes, blue smoked chips (fries) and peppercorn, Béarnaise and red wine and shallot sauces. Word of caution: don’t think about requesting your Chateaubriand to be well done — they just don’t do it.
They also have a long and diverse wine list, specifically chosen to complement the food menu. We each took a large glass of Malbec to accompany our steak dinner, and it lasted the entire meal.
Fuller, but happy, bellies at Blue Smoke on the Bay
Believe it or not, after all that, we still managed to make room for a little dessert. The staff here are so friendly and highly attentive, it almost felt wrong not to!
We shared the lighter option of the peach melba. It’s served with vanilla mascarpone, raspberry coulis and toasted almonds.
All in all, the food at Blue Smoke on the Bay is superb, and with a beautiful setting to match. Do note, that they only serve food in the restaurant and not in other areas of the resort.
The Windermere Restaurant at Low Wood Bay
Another day, another dinner, this time at the resort’s fine dining establishment, The Windermere Restaurant.
Upon first glance, the restaurant’s stately appearance seems a little intimidating. High ceilings, wide windows with floor-to-ceiling heavy curtains and perfectly set tables with pristine cutlery welcome you upon entering.
However, there’s zero pretension here, just great service and really good food. The Windermere Restaurant’s been a resort favorite for years, not just for dining, but for weddings and conference events too.
What to eat at The Windermere Restaurant
Compared to Blue Smoke on the Bay, you’ll find more traditional British dishes here such as Beef Wellington. Its chefs use local and seasonal ingredients, meaning you get a true taste of the rich produce of the region. The Windermere Restaurant’s open daily from 6.30 to 9.30pm.
To start, we had the twice baked cheese soufflé and duck egg in crispy breadcrumbs. Our mains also arrived in good time after; 1 Coq au Vin and 1 herb crusted rack of lamb. Though the portions were as healthy as in Blue Smoke on the Bay, this time we’d saved space for dessert.
Room for afters
The ‘Low Wood Bay famous sticky toffee pudding’ isn’t just an English classic, it also lives up to its name. Rich, gooey, yet with a light sponge, it’s insanely delicious.
We also tried the exotic sounding rhubarb and coconut milk panna cotta. In truth, I don’t really like rhubarb, but I adore panna cotta. However, the flavor of rhubarb is so light in this dessert, I licked clean every morsel from the plate.
After your meal, I advise talking a walk to the jetty by the lake. It’s a place where you can absorb the view, and the stillness of the landscape.
Langdale Lounge
For a taste of something quintessentially English, book in for afternoon tea at the Langdale Lounge at Low Wood Bay. They serve the classic cream tea with sandwiches and cakes, alongside a view of the lake daily from 1 to 5pm.
Norman’s and the Atrium
The Atrium is a recent addition to Low Wood Bay. It’s a place to meet, relax, and keep warm and toasty by the fire installation during the winter months.
Take a coffee, or a glass of wine by the window, and enjoy uninterrupted views overs Lake Windermere.
Norman's is another new feature at Low Wood Bay. Serving tea, coffee, freshly made juices and food, it’s a low-key alternative dining option.
The Spa at Low Wood Bay
Regular readers will know how much I appreciate spending time at a decent spa. The Spa at Low Wood Bay is modern, luxurious and a place in which you can easily spend a few hours.
You can read about my experience at their fabulous spa. Their facilities include an outdoor heated infinity pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tubs with lake views. It’s sheer, sheer bliss.
How to reach Low Wood Bay
Arriving by car
The most convenient way to reach Low Wood Bay is by car. There are plenty of parking spaces towards the back of the hotel, and it’s also safe too. Saying that, you may want to follow our lead and book a car for the length of your stay.
The Lake District’s big, and with plenty ground to cover. We managed to see much more of the region thanks to the car.
Low Wood Bay is situated adjacent to the main road called the A591, and is between Windermere and Ambleside. We came from the main highway, the M6, from the south of the country. However, this route will naturally differ depending on your starting point.
Arriving at Low Wood Bay by train
The closest train station to Low Wood Bay is Windermere. Once you exit the station, you can take a taxi or a local bus (555). The former takes about 7 minutes, and the latter around 9 minutes to reach Ambleside.
The verdict
Our stay at The Winander Club at Low Wood Bay was the ideal boutique hotel in the Lake District. It was the icing on the cake for our first time visiting the region, and we’d happily return again.
Would you stay at Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Disclosure: Although I was invited by Low Wood Bay, all views expressed are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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This looks stunning. We love the Lake District, it has such a calming vibe. This place definitely has the wow factor!
It's incredible! We loved our visit here, and to the spa too
Like me, you're incredibly thorough with your posts, and I can definitely appreciate that. Thanks so this post on this gorgeous boutique hotel.
You're welcome Chris, glad you enjoyed it!
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa looks gorgeous! The interior is quite exquisite and the view outside is breathtaking! The food looks appetizing. I've been to a few luxury hotels but not as grand as this. I would love to visit this someday.
You really must visit Polly; we had an excellent time and would return in a heartbeat!
The surroundings are so placid and gorgeous and that is the biggest plus to this boutique hotel. The rooms look quite opulent and comfortable. Loved the gifts they gave you, especially that cute doggie. The hotel spread for food is perfect for the extra hungry tummy that you develop during your holidays.
The food was sooo good! Sadly the doggie isn't a free gift, but you can buy it if you want to take one home!
What a gorgeous hotel! It looks like you had a great time away. I'm looking to book a weekend away at the moment - this one might be top of the list! x
Yay that's wonderful to read! I hope you check it out, it's such a special hotel 🙂
We go hiking in the Lake District a lot but never stay in places as lush as Low Wood Bay. It would be so nice to soak in the big tub I saw in one of your pics after a long walk in the rain! I love the view of the lake from the spa and being able to see the kitchen from the restaurant is always a nice touch - makes it feel more authentic. One question though....how would they cope with muddy hiking boots? It all looks so spick and span!
I hear you! It was dry, humid and partly sunny when we visited so I didn't see many muddy boots, but I'm 100% sure that muddy boots are welcome and expected!
Low Wood Bay looks like the kind of hotel that we like to wake up in when we are in a new place. It is so seamlessly integrated with its environment that it seems to be in the lap of nature. The Winander Club at Low Wood Bay seems to be the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Love the ambience and the little things that always pique your interest, like the wood-fired grill.
It's these small details that really makes an experience. They thought of everything - it's really a place where you'll be pampered!
That looks like an amazing place to stay. I love all of the pictures you shared.
Thank you, it's quite a spa hotel!
I have never been anywhere quite like this before. I would truly enjoy myself.
You would! We loved every minute 😀
This looks like it would be such an amazing place to stay. This hotel is so very beautiful!
It is, and I highly recommend staying here if you ever visit
Looks like a beautiful hotel and sounds like you had a great stay!
We did, thanks!
They all look so luxurious. I would love to stay at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. I really liked the decor here and they way it looks in the pictures.
It's even more wonderful in person 🙂 Come and visit if you're ever in England 🙂
This place looks amazing! I've been dreaming of a trip to the Lake District. This would be such a wonderful place to relax in-between hikes. I'd choose the room with the view of Lime Lake!
It's really a wonderful choice for your Lake District stay!
I can surely pamper myself over a weekend staying at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. The Lime Lakeview Room would be of my choice. I love the position of bathtub in the center of the drawing hall - it adds to the elegance. The food pictures are intriguing and I loved your picture with the lake in the background.
Thanks Shreya! It's a wonderful boutique hotel, and one where you'll get plenty of R&R 🙂
I was in Windermere a few years back and did a cruise in the lake, stunning! But I choose to stay a bit further away from Windermere because the hotels in Windermere is pretty expensive in summer. The Low Wood Bay Resort seems like a perfect spot to stay as it overlooking the beautiful lake. That would be a dream resort in the Lake District.
I totally understand, summer's peak season, for very good reason too! Maybe come during a quieter season; Low Wood Bay's a perfect Lake District base
What a gorgeous resort, I could stay there forever with no care in the world, the views alone are giving me life
It's definitely that kind of place! x
The hotel looks amazing. The rooms are pretty luxurious. You didn't mention the price. How much does it cost to stay at The Winander Club?
I've added a link to the website (towards the top) where you can check prices for your required dates 🙂
Looks like your stay was a good one. I agree that view is breathtaking.
It's pretty perfect!
I remember my trip to the Lake District 10 years ago. I just fell in love with the place. We have been planning to go back so many times. And I have always been looking at that perfect place to stay. Looks like I have found it. This boutique hotel in Lake District absolutely fits the bill. The facilities are fab. I would definitely give this a try the next time I am there.
That's so wonderful to read! It was our first time and we loved every second. You'll really enjoy Low Wood Bay
Hey that definitely looks like a good spot to be, especially in the warmer months. Thanks for putting this together, my friend, I enjoyed it!
It is, and it's pretty special come winter too!
You had me at spa! The Winchander suite looks amazing as does the Lime Lake View Room. Your pictures are gorgeous! What a lovely place, I can’t wait to go!
It's a stunning spa hotel in a magical location 🙂
This hotel looks so plush! We loved our visit to the Lake District, though we stayed n a tent haha will need to go back and splash out a bit. The lime lake view is unbelievable! Would love to stay somewhere with a view like that.
Lol this is definitely somewhere a little different from your tent experience. Definitely consider a romantic night or two, in between your camping and hiking 😀
This looks like a stunning hotel for the ideal needed spa break. I totally love the view, facilities and the food there looks simply amazing as well.
It's a fantastic hotel and spa, and in a fab location too!
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is worth staying as it is located in an area where there are 16 lakes. It is great that you received complimentary sleep well set from luxury spa brand ESPA and I am impressed by their welcome service. The hand pressed super soft linen, rustic study desk, and other amenities make this property a winner.
It's a fantastic property, and I'd return in a heartbeat! You get treated so well at Low Wood Bay
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa looks like a great relaxation place to stay at. The Winander Club's breakfast looks so good too. It's really a luxury travel for me. I really hope I can visit soon and experience their warm hospitality. I'm pretty sure that I'll enjoy my stay.
It's luxury without the pretension. Plus, the region's just dreamy and a must see in England
That looks so luxurious. I always say that the hotel is as big a part of the trip as the trip itself. I would love to stay there. The accommodations are fabulous.
You're so right, it makes a big deal whether you enjoy your vacation or not! Trust me, Low Wood Bay is as fabulous as it looks and sounds 😀
This place is gorgeous would love to visit one day! thanks for the great read!
You're welcome, I hope you visit one day!
All along the post I was feeling as if I am there as I type. You surely had a fabulous all round experience in this lovely looking hotel.
I'm glad you felt that way! It's really a fantastic place to stay in the Lake District
The Lake District is somewhere I definitely want to visit in the next year. This seems like the perfect hotel to stay in, its beautiful! The rooms look spacious and fab too.
It's a beautiful spa hotel, and the staff really go out of their way to make you feel special. Definitely consider staying here in the future x
Windermere is such a beautiful part of the Lake District and it's wonderful to see a hotel that equals its beauty. How wonderful it would be to retreat to this hotel for a weekend and escape from the world.
That's exactly how we felt when we were there. If only we could have stayed a little longer...!
I am always looking for getaways. If we visit England, this would be a great spot to try. I love that it is an exclusive spot just for guests. Booking a suite sounds like the perfect recommendation to give us space to relax. And homemade gingerbread would indeed be a treat. I am a sucker for big bathtubs so that would be a welcome treat for me. The wood fired grill is a great restaurant treat. All of the food looked yummy. All in all, a great reason to head to Lake Country.
Yes, yes and yes! You've mentioned all the highlights about Low Wood Bay. When you come and visit one day, really consider visiting the area; it's incredibly beautiful 🙂
Lord above!! I can't begin to describe how perfect this place sounds. It would be a dream come true to visit here. My partner and I havent been to the Lakes together yet and I'd love to take him, I'll have to check out this hotel. My dad worked as a mountain rescuer over there many years ago xxx
Wow, I bet your dad has plenty of interesting stories to tell! You definitely have to visit the lakes with your partner; it's so romantic and just an idyllic place to visit x
Low Wood Bay looks amazing! I was looking for something to stay during my trip to the lake district this Summer and I'm going to give this place a go! The complimentary ‘sleep well’ set is such a nice touch - I love it when hotels go the extra mile! Thanks so much for sharing!
It's really a lovely hotel and is somewhere I'd love others to experience too 🙂
This looks really quiet and peacfeeful. Just a perfect place to relax with the whole fam.
It really is 🙂
I think I could move at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa for ever. Waking up and seeing the views overlooking Lake Windermere is the way I dream every day of my life. EVen though it seems a small traditional community, the hotel has such a modern interior design and the service seems perfect. I think you had a great stay over there.
We loved every second! It was so relaxing and the service is outstanding too x
I love the Lake District as it's so serene, beautiful and full of English flavor. Thanks for sharing with us your stay and the hotel looks absolutely amazing! I may consider staying there next time I am there 🙂
That's great to read, it's really a wonderful place to stay
What an absolutely gorgeous looking place to go and stay - is it wrong all I can think is I would love a soak in that tub it looks SO relaxing! Beautiful location as well, the Lake District is just so beautiful.
It really is! We love this spa hotel, and it was the icing on the cake for our Lake District stay
I've never yet made it to the Lake District and I really want to, rooms with a view are definitely my thing. I know I'd love it there. Mich x
You really would! It's peaceful and just a wonderful place to be. I hope you visit one day x
What a fabulous looking place and great location. My partner has never been to the Lake District and we are looking for somewhere a little bit special for our anniversary. This would fit the bill perfectly. Love their attention to details. Off to check prices!
Yay! It's soooo romantic, and that view of Lake Windermere is the icing on the cake x
Gosh, what an amazing looking hotel! The Lake District is literally on my doorstep, I need to start visiting more often, the summer hols are the perfect opportunity!
It really does look super decadent, love the fact only guests of the hotel can enter it, it has a more exclusive feel to it!
The food looks AMAZING and is making me slightly hungry! I could certainly see myself soaking up the peace and quiet there quite happily!
Glad you had a lovely time and was spoilt rotten! A good pamper is always well deserved! Sim x
I can't believe you're so close, you definitely need to start visiting! We enjoyed every second of our stay, and I'm so sad to not be there anymore! x
That suite looks lovely and roomy! The bathroom sounds fantastic, with a heated floor I'd probably never want to leave.
It's an incredible resort, and in a tranquil setting too 🙂