Location:
The Ullswater Inn is situated in Glenridding on the south western shore of Lake Ullswater in the Lake District National Park. The hotel was formerly known as The Glenridding Hotel but since its recent change of ownership and major refurbishment by the Inn Collection Group it has adopted a new name.
Arrival and check in:
We were thrilled to be invited to review a stay at this hotel as it was here that we spent our honeymoon some years ago and as our return visit coincided closely to the date of our wedding anniversary, it was extra special.
We arrived at the hotel at 2.45 p.m. and followed directions to the car park which is located to the rear of the hotel. At first glance there didn’t appear to be any spaces but after getting out of the car to look, I noticed one tucked away in the far corner so we were lucky to find one. As you can imagine, the car park isn’t all that big so I feel sure guests arriving later might have to park elsewhere in the village.
There was a dedicated check-in desk at one corner of the bar and we only had to wait a few minutes to be attended to. The receptionist warmly welcomed us and after a few formalities we were heading up to our room on the second floor.
The Room:
We’d been booked into one of the inn’s superior, lake view rooms which was very spacious. As the hotel had only been open for four weeks everything was in perfect condition and with double aspect windows overlooking Lake Ullswater, it was blissful.
Alongside the comfortable bed, there were two armchairs, a small table and a dressing table with an additional chair that could double up as a work desk.
It was good to see that there were ample power and USB points around the room and above the bedside tables. A hospitality tray had been provided with a kettle, an assortment of teas and coffees, small packets of biscuits and milk pods.
Moving into the stylish bathroom, this had been fitted out with a large walk-in shower, thick fluffy towels and refreshing Sea Kelp toiletries.
Dining:
Meals are served between 12.00 – 21.00 in the ground floor bar/restaurant which although large, felt cosy with its alcoves, wooden floors, dark wood tables, chairs and padded leather banquette seating along the walls.
After settling into our room we enjoyed a stroll around the village before returning to enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the bar. My husband opted for a pint of the aptly named Fell Walker whilst I sipped a gin and tonic. We’d pre-booked a table for dinner for 7.00 p.m. which was just as well as most tables were in use at that time. We were seated by the window but as it was dark we couldn’t appreciate the lake views until breakfast.
Guests need to take a note of their table numbers and order food at the bar. We must have chosen a good time as we were attended to quickly, placing orders for our starters of honey roasted carrot and sweet potato salad with harissa and mozzarella for me whilst my husband selected a bowl of cider steamed mussels with crusty bread. These were both flavoursome and of a good size. Moving on to mains, I couldn’t resist the pie of the day which was lamb and mint and served with mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and an extra pot of thick, tasty gravy which pleased me no end. Mr. C’s choice of Bang Bang pheasant salad served on a bed of rice noodles exceeded his expectations and whilst I resisted a dessert, he was tempted with a slice of orange and almond cake accompanied with a scoop of chocolate blood orange ice cream. Meals average around £9 for starters and desserts to £20 for mains which is around the going rate for gastro pubs.
Breakfast is included in the room rate which is a bonus. This is also served in the bar/restaurant with one corner set aside for guests to help themselves to a continental selection of yoghurts, fresh fruit, cereals and pastries. Traditional cooked breakfasts are available from the hot plates with additional menu items such as eggs Benedict prepared to order.
The Facilities:
The hotel offers a selection of rooms ranging from standard to family and superior, with many having lake views. A lift is installed although this was out of use at the time of our visit whilst undergoing maintenance. Wi-Fi was easy to connect to and worked well in all parts of the building.
The focal point of the hotel is its attractive bar/restaurant which has an outside terrace commanding lakeside views. As mentioned above, free on-site parking is available but this is very limited so be prepared to re-locate to the village pay and display car park after dropping off your luggage.
The inn is dog friendly and I counted at least six well behaved furry friends in the bar/restaurant during our stay. There are even dog treats available for purchase at the bar.
Out and About:
The Lake District is a walker’s paradise with the village of Glenridding being the starting point for numerous hiking trails.
Scale the peak of Helvellyn
This is the third highest mountain in England with the climb to the summit via Striding Edge being classified as a Grade 1 scramble. We took this route awhile back which isn’t for the faint hearted. The path follows a signposted trail from Glenridding to the base of the mountain. From there, the trail follows the knife edge ridge of Striding Edge to a steep, rocky incline and after a scramble to the top, hikers are rewarded with stunning views on a clear day.
Enjoy a scenic boat trip on Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest of the English Lakes after Windermere and absolutely beautiful. Take a boat trip from Glenridding Pier which sits at the southern end of the lake up to Pooley Bridge at the northern tip.
The scenic journey takes one hour with boats having both indoor and outdoor seating and a cafe/bar.
It’s a relaxing way to view the lake from the perspective of the water and enjoy some time exploring the attractive village of Pooley Bridge before returning.
Walk from Howtown to Glenridding
Another suggestion is to take the steamer from Glenridding as far as Howtown and then follow the 6.5 mile shore line path back to Glenridding. Three quarters of the lake can be circumnavigated by road but this section is only accessible by boat or on foot. The famous fell walker Alfred Wainwright called this walk “the most beautiful and rewarding in Lakeland”. Allow 3-4 hours for this moderately easy walk which is gently undulating but sometimes rocky underfoot. More details on Ullswater ferry timetables and fares can be found here.
Aira Force Waterfall
Located just three miles from Glenridding, visitors can follow a woodland trail to view the dramatic 65ft waterfall.
There are several walks of varying length ranging from 0.5 to 2 miles. The falls are free to visit but payment is required for non members at each of the National Trust car parks. Aira Force Waterfall
Overall:
It was an absolute delight to return to the hotel after so long and to note its many changes. The exterior was just as we remembered it and stepping indoors it was even nicer with its recent major refit. Another splendid addition to the Inn Collection Group’s portfolio and a perfect spot for exploring the north eastern Lake District.
Details: The Ullswater Inn, A592, Glenridding, Penrith, CA11 0PB.
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During our stay we were guests of the Ullswater Inn and Ullswater Steamers and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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