Nestled in the shadow of Helvellyn on the southern shore of Ullswater, a historic Lakeland property is about to emerge from a year-long slumber and begin welcoming and delighting both visitors and locals once more.
For the past 12 months, The Glenridding Hotel has been undergoing a multi-million-pound rejuvenation by owners The Inn Collection Group and is about to throw open its doors with an exciting new look.
With parts of the property over 150 years old, the venerable property is well-established in the fabric of this tranquil community.
It was the base for British record breaker Donald Campbell during his successful attempt to raise the World Water Speed record in July 1955 but is now more accustomed to a slower pace of life.
Acquired by The Inn Collection Group in 2022, the redevelopment has been carefully designed to sensitively upgrade and improve the hotel and provide the historic building with a sustainable long-term future.
As part of the refurbishment, a new canopied entrance has been constructed, alongside comprehensive refurbishment to the external facades, including sympathetic window and roof replacements and new signage to improve the overall appearance and experience for guests.
Alterations have been made to the existing bedrooms and the removal of a redundant spa area has created additional bed spaces, taking the total number of rooms from the current 36 to 57.
Upon reopening, The Ullswater Inn will take the total number of properties owned and operated by The Inn Collection Group in the Lake District to 10, all with their unique character and charm, but retaining the classic pub with rooms free.
Furthest north, The Pheasant Inn at Bassenthwaite is a 17th-century coaching inn that provides the perfect base for exploring the northern Lake District, as well as offering fantastic food and drink, and quirky accommodation.
It features a grade II listed bar as one of its main points of character, which was carefully protected as part of the renovations that brought a new lease of life to the site while maintaining its heritage.
Heading further into the national park, The Swan on the outskirts of Grasmere returned to trading in April 2023 after a 14-month programme of works that transformed the old Macdonald hotel back into a more traditional inn.
Mentioned by William Wordsworth in his poem “The Waggoner” and built in the 1650s, The Swan is one of the Lake District’s oldest inns and is tucked beneath the dramatic fells surrounding timeless Grasmere village.
Down the road and in the heart of the village is The Wordsworth Hotel is a former shooting lodge set in its own gardens, offering the ideal retreat to soak up the atmosphere that inspired two centuries’ worth of romantic poets and painters.
Welcoming guests to rest and be thankful for more than 150 years, the Wordsworth’s special atmosphere and ambience combine with 38 bedrooms and suites to create a relaxing stay.
Continuing south, the town of Ambleside is home to four of the groups inns, each with their own individual characters.
Sitting at the top of the town, The Ambleside Inn has a 300-year history of welcoming visitors, with 30 rooms available whilst just down the winding main street, The Temperance Inn is just the place to settle back with a glass to hand.
For those for whom there’s something special about waterside settings, The Wateredge Inn and The Waterhead Inn hit the spot, perched as they are right on the shore of England’s most famous lake.
With outdoor spaces making the most of the view and Waterhead Pier handily opposite the two inns are well-placed, whether stopping off for a relaxing drink, enjoying a spot of good, home-cooked food with superb views to match or winding down with a pub stay away.
Topping many a list of the best-loved destinations in the Lake District, Bowness-on-Windermere is home to The Angel Inn and Oakbank House, an easy amble from the shores of Bowness Bay.
This classic inn has sweeping views above the jolly bustle of the village below with a large pub garden to take a seat and enjoy the sights over the lake and Claife Heights to the Langdale Pikes beyond.
The final offering by the group is the first that it purchased, The Coniston Inn which was acquired back in 2018.
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building underwent a full restoration following its acquisition, which included the addition of an extension that significantly boosted its bedroom capacity.
With this wealth of stunning locations, The Inn Collection Group makes for the perfect base from which to eat, drink, sleep and explore in the Lake District.
inncollectiongroup.com