Name: Merewood Country House Hotel
Address: Ecclerigg, Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria
Price range: US$146+
Rating: 8.2

Merewood Country House Hotel Windermere Exterior photo

Merewood Country House Hotel Windermere Interior photo

Merewood Country House Hotel Windermere Room photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Ecclerigg, Ambleside Road, Windermere

Next to the Lake District

Great

8.7

9.0

/10

4.8

Loved by Merewood Country House Hotel guests

Fine views

Cozy rooms

Friendly staff

Delicious food

Comfortable bed

"The hotel and grounds were stunning."

Denise from United Kingdom

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"The aesthetic of the property is absolutely delightful, with its beautiful surroundings, making it feel like a hidden gem."

Mike89 from United Kingdom

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"The hotel is set in its own grounds just outside the hustle and bustle of Bowness, in Windermere."

welltravelledpreston from United Kingdom

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3-star country house hotel with Two AA Rosette Award dining and lake views

Dining

Merewood Country House Hotel holds a Two AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence, with a seven-course tasting menu that changes with seasonal and local ingredients. The Arboreal restaurant offers this tasting menu, while The Grill serves dishes such as Cumberland sausage, locally caught trout, and Cumbrian cheeses. Afternoon tea is also available, served in the lounges with views across the grounds toward Lake Windermere.

Pet-Friendly Policy

Dogs are welcomed with a welcome pack that includes treats, a toy, and a bowl, plus a mat and bowls placed in the guest room. The hotel allows dogs in the library and drawing room during dinner and breakfast, with tables set up in these lounges for pet-owning guests. A £25 fee per dog covers these amenities, and staff provide local walking route recommendations for dogs.

Accommodation

Rooms include lake-view options such as Tennyson Room (Room 5) and the bridal suite, both with views toward Lake Windermere from large bay windows. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with bath and shower, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee facilities. Some rooms, like Room 2, also offer four-poster beds and original features such as fireplaces.

Grounds & Location

The hotel sits in 20 acres of landscaped gardens with private gardens, a sun terrace, and jetty access on the edge of Lake Windermere. It is 6 minutes' drive from the centre of Windermere and close to the National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole and the Windermere Steamboat Museum. On-site free parking is available, and the building retains original 1812 features including mosaic floors and wooden balustrades.

Weddings & Events

Customised wedding packages are offered, with indoor ceremonies in the drawing room and outdoor options on the terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel provides a dedicated wedding coordinator such as Rhiannon or Caleigh, plus tailored group accommodation packages for events of up to 110 guests. Inclusive-use bookings from Friday through Sunday morning are available for private celebrations.

Highlights

Dining: Two AA Rosette Award & seven-course tasting menu

Pet Policy: Designated lounge dining for dogs with welcome pack

Location: 20 acres of landscaped gardens with Lake Windermere jetty

Rooms: Lake-view rooms with original 1812 features

Weddings: Custom packages for up to 110 guests

Must-do experiences

Take a scenic walk along Windermere's shoreline for stunning views.
Visit the quaint village of Ambleside and try local cider at the Apple Pie Café.
Explore Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's charming home and gardens.
Discover unique crafts at the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop; it's a must-try!
Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Windermere to soak in the natural beauty.

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

View hotel location

Highlights from guests

DiningTasty Meals

The Grill offers beautiful evening meals. The breakfast buffet has good options, including freshly made choices. The food is delicious and beautifully presented.

Oliver from England

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Guest ParkingAmple Parking

There's a very good car park with plenty of space. It's convenient if you want to explore the area by car.

Rajesh from India

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Room FeaturesLake Views

Upgraded rooms offer stunning lake views. Some rooms have four-poster beds and coffee machines.

Ingrid from Sweden

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Children's AmenitiesFamily Friendly

The lawns provide a lovely outdoor area for children. The hotel is located opposite a family activity center.

Emma from Canada

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Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates

Classic Double or Twin Room
2 persons
22 m²
1 King-size bed / 2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Family Suite
2 persons
22 m²
1 Queen-size bed and 1 Double bed / 2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Double Room Lake View
2 persons
17 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay

Facilities: Great

8.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Merewood Country House Hotel, guests can indulge in delightful dining experiences that celebrate the very best of Lake District produce. The blend of traditional and modern British cuisine, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, ensures a memorable meal for all occasions.

Merewood Country House Hotel Windermere Restaurant photo

The Merewood Grill or Fine Dining Restaurant

British

Ambiance

Family-friendly, modern, and romantic setting perfect for casual or special occasions.

Key Offerings

Savor mouth-watering specials like Herdwick lamb, Cumberland sausage, and potted shrimps, along with a fabulous carvery dinner at 7:30 PM. The menu, crafted by Head Chef Carl Semple, features seasonal ingredients sourced from local artisans and responsibly managed farms.

Reservation

Recommended

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Merewood Country House Hotel Location

Ecclerigg, Ambleside Road, Windermere

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

Townend

2.26 km

Landmark

White Cross Bay

940 m

Landmark

Orrest Head

2.95 km

Church

Jesus Church

2.56 km

Landmark

Windermere and Troutbeck

2.12 km

Park

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

4.48 km

Landmark

Ambleside Roman Fort

2.88 km

Landmark

Borrans Park

2.66 km

Landmark

Hayes Garden World Ambleside

2.81 km

Landmark

Lake Windermere

3.98 km

Bay

Belle Grange Bay

2.35 km

Landmark

Jenkin Crag

3.7 km

Landmark

Windermere Steamboat Museum

3.02 km

Landmark

Blelham Tarn

2.62 km

Landmark

Wansfell Pike

2.87 km

Garden

Holehird Gardens

3.78 km

Nearby

Merewood

20 m

Restaurants

Cragwood Country House Hotel

11.04 km

Cragwood House Ecclerigg

Explore Windermere

Local Highlights

White Cross Bay

10 minutes' walk

Picturesque bay offering scenic views and outdoor activities by Lake Windermere, ideal for families and nature lovers.

Orrest Head

30-minute walk

Stunning viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the Lake District, perfect for hiking enthusiasts and photographers.

Lake Windermere

45 minutes walking

The largest natural lake in England offers boat rides, water sports, and a beautiful waterfront promenade.

Borrans Park

30-minute walk

Family-friendly park by Lake Windermere with picnic areas and a playground, well-suited for relaxation and play.

Hiking at Orrest Head

30-minute walk

Challenging yet rewarding hike up to Orrest Head, offering breathtaking views-great for thrill-seekers and nature fans.

Water Sports at White Cross Bay

10 minutes' walk

Wide range of water sports available including kayaking and paddleboarding. Equipment rentals are easily accessible nearby.

Spa Treatments

5-minute drive

Relaxing spa experiences available at nearby wellness centers, perfect for couples and those seeking tranquility.

The Lamplighter Dining Rooms

20-minute walk

Casual dining with a focus on local ingredients, featuring a cozy atmosphere and renowned traditional dishes.

The Old Brasserie

15 minutes' walk

Stylish eatery offering modern British cuisine, craft beers, and an inviting ambiance-reservations recommended.

The Coach House

5-minute drive

Charming restaurant known for its seasonal menu and local produce, accommodating various dietary preferences.

Windermere Steamboat Museum

35-minute walk

Engaging museum showcasing the history of steam-powered boats, family-friendly with interactive exhibits.

The Function Room

5-minute drive

Venue hosting live music and entertainment events, vibrant atmosphere perfect for enjoying local talent.

The Royal Oak

15-minute walk

Traditional pub offering a relaxed vibe with weekly quiz nights and live sports, great for casual networking.

Getting around the city

City Centre
Windermere 5 min · 3.2 km
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 120 min · 79.5 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 154 min · 102.6 km
Bus
Bus stop 6 min · 3.4 km

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:00

Check-out

from 08:00-11:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 15.0 per person.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

Spanish, Polish

Number of rooms:

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Merewood Country House Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Merewood Country House Hotel is generally considered a beautiful period property in a stunning location near Lake Windermere. Guests often compliment the spacious rooms and comfortable, large king-size beds; the ample tea, coffee, and biscuits provided are also appreciated. The bar area is frequently highlighted for its views of the lake, though some guests have occasionally found certain rooms, like room 20, to be quite small and uncomfortable. Many guests find the breakfast excellent, especially when included in a gourmet getaway featuring a seven-course tasting menu.

Review score

Based on 3 verified reviews

8.2 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

9.5/10

Staff

9.3/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.8/10

Facilities

8.6/10

Pros

Quiet location

Original features

Comfortable bed

Cons

Small room

based on 1172 reviews

4.5/5

Rosie from United Kingdom

Family with children

Double Room Lake View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 30, 2026

9.5/10

Wonderful Stay with Great Staff

larger room kind staff lake view comfortable bed

The staff showed great care for my child when he felt unwell. They moved us to a larger room promptly. A bed was set up on the floor for him, so we could stay together. Staff members interacted with him often and kindly. I am thankful for the kindness the team showed all of us. The hotel's location offers views of the lake. The rooms have nice details like sweets and bottled water. The beds felt gigantic and very comfortable to me. The location is generally peaceful.

Dining

9/10

I ate in the dog friendly dining room. The food seemed very good. My dog even received water and feeding bowls with treats in our room when we arrived.

Location

10/10

The hotel is well signed, so it was easy to find. The views of the lake are excellent. The hotel has lots of parking space, which I appreciated. The peacefulness.

0 Helpful

Thomas from Germany

Single

Classic Double or Twin Room

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: October 26, 2025

6/10

Acceptable Stay but Room Disappointing

small room poor soundproofing

The staff were helpful and provided prompt service when requested.

The bathroom was particularly cramped with limited space for toiletries. I found the noise from nearby rooms and hallways disruptive at times.

0 Helpful

Parker from United Kingdom

Family with children

classic double or twin room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: October 25, 2025

9/10

excellent stay

the hotel grounds are amazing (especially the views for photographs). the service was excellent, and staff were attentive. the room was clean, comfortable and offered amazing views.

Service

9/10

the reception staff gave the warmest welcome. the bar staff were helpful and prompt. the restaurant staff were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. overall, the staff provided really good hospitality.

0 Helpful

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