Pulling into the car park for Storrs Hall on the beautiful shores of Lake Windermere I knew I was in for something special.
Turning off the main road from Bowness-on-Windermere, you are immediately enveloped in 17 acres of peaceful, secluded grounds.
You follow the winding drive through woodland, and then, it just opens up.
The hotel, a magnificent Grade II* Listed Georgian mansion, stands before you, looking every bit as grand as its 220-year history suggests.
As the car crunched over the gravel (a detail, I learned, that is actually required by planning permission), we got our first proper view of Lake Windermere from here, England’s largest lake, stretching out in front of the hall’s perfect lawns.
I had arrived. And it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a story.
Storrs Hall has a long history of hospitality, but what we discovered is that it’s not just one thing. It manages to be a grand historic hall, a deeply peaceful lakeside retreat, and a launchpad for adventure, all at the same time.
It’s that “rarer than you’d think” combination that makes for a truly special Lake District getaway.
The Lowdown
The Hotel: A Story in Every Stone
Walking into Storrs Hall is the “wow” moment. You’re not met by a standard lobby but by the stunning central rotunda—a circular entrance hall, designed by architect Joseph Gandy, that soars up to a balustraded gallery and a beautiful domed lantern that floods the space with light.
With the grand proportions, priceless art, and the scent of a wood-burning fire from the nearby lounge, you are immediately transported.
The building’s history is as grand and fascinating as its architecture. It was originally built in the 1790s by Sir John Legard, a Yorkshire landowner who wanted a replacement for his holiday home on the Swiss lakes.
He chose this spot specifically to continue his “passion for sailing and grand parties”. This is a house, I realised, that was built for pleasure.
But its most significant chapter came in 1804 when it was bought and transformed by John Bolton.
Bolton was an Ulverston-born merchant who made a vast fortune, but his wealth was built on the “Africa trade,” including slavery.
The hotel’s own history page thoughtfully notes this “dichotomy that is abhorrent to us in the 21st century”.
It’s a complex, dark part of the building’s past, and Historic England notes that the grand mahogany doors in the public rooms serve as a physical reminder of the source of this opulence.
This very same John Bolton, however, was also a pillar of society and a local philanthropist. He used Storrs Hall to host “splendid regattas” and lavish parties for the era’s glitterati, including politicians, Sir Walter Scott, and the poet William Wordsworth, who was a frequent guest.
This building isn’t just a hotel; it’s a piece of living history. It has also been a girls’ school, a youth hostel, and, during World War II, a safe sanctuary for the staff and boys of St Hugh’s School who were evacuated from Lincolnshire.
You can feel those layers of life in its very walls.
Accommodation: Three Hotels in One
One of the most brilliant things about Storrs Hall is that its accommodation is not “one size fits all.” They have cleverly created three completely distinct accommodation “products” to suit different guests.
This isn’t just a hotel; it’s a “choose your own adventure.”
Are you a history buff who wants the traditional “Lord of the Manor” experience? Stay in the Main House.
Are you a couple on a romantic break looking for privacy and modern-luxe? Book a Lakeside Suite. Are you celebrating a milestone and want total, exclusive seclusion? There’s the Boathouse.
Here is a quick comparison of the different experiences on offer:
|
Feature |
Main House Rooms |
Lakeside Hot Tub Suites |
The Boathouse |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Style |
Traditional, historic, characterful antiques |
Contemporary, modern, chic design |
Exclusive, “one of a kind,” ultimate luxury |
|
Location |
Inside the Grade II* listed Georgian Hall |
Separate, contemporary buildings by the lake |
A private, standalone building on the lake |
|
Key Feature |
Lake views, antique furniture, period details |
Private terrace with Japanese cedar hot tub |
Huge private terrace, hot tub, fire pit, steam room |
|
Best For |
History lovers, traditionalists, families |
Romantic retreats, “bucket list” breaks, privacy |
Honeymoons, major celebrations, total seclusion |
The Main House: My Room
I stayed in the Main House, in what I believe was a “Lakeview Double”. This is where I truly appreciated the hotel’s philosophy.
The bed was large and cosy, and the furniture and decor was perfectly in keeping with the Hall’s historic background.
My room featured sumptuously upholstered seating with plump cushions, perfect for sitting and gazing out at the spectacular lake view. It felt grand and historic, just as it should.
The bathroom, however, was not only divine but modern and (dare I say it) may have been the nicest one I’ve ever seen.
This is the perfect blend: they’ve kept all the historic character in the bedroom but given you a thoroughly 21st-century bathroom.
Mine had a massive bathtub, a separate walk-in shower, and was beautifully appointed. It’s the best of both worlds—all the historic charm, with none of the draughty downsides.
The Lakeside Hot Tub Suites: A Bucket List Stay
For those who prefer contemporary to classic, the Lakeside Suites are the answer. We took a walk to see them, and they are stunning. Set separate from the main hotel, these six suites are sleek, modern, and designed for privacy.
Other guests and reviews describe them as a “real bucket list item” and a “wonderfully romantic retreat”.
Each one has a private terrace with its own Japanese-style cedar hot tub, looking out over the lake or into the woods.
Inside, blogs rave about the luxurious bathrooms, with some even featuring a large bath with its own built-in TV screen.
These suites, which are adults-only, are a direct and very compelling offering for the high-end romantic spa-break market.
The Boathouse: The Ultimate Private Escape
And then… there’s The Boathouse. This is the hotel’s pinnacle offering. Described as “one of a kind” and a “very exclusive Boathouse”, it’s a completely private stone building set right on the shores of Lake Windermere.
It is pure, unadulterated luxury. It boasts a huge private terrace furnished with seating, sun loungers, its own hot tub, and a fire pit.
Inside, the “cossetingly plush interiors” include a bathroom with its own steam room.
It’s the ultimate luxurious getaway, offering total seclusion while still giving you access to all the hotel’s amenities.
Food & Drink: A Tale of Two Restaurants (and a Historic Bar)
The “choose your own adventure” theme continues with the dining. Storrs Hall avoids the trap of only offering a single, formal dining experience.
Instead, it gives you fantastic options, from a casual pub-style burger to 2 AA Rosette fine dining.
The Tower Bar & The Bistro: A Piece of Blackpool History
On our first night, we opted for the more casual setting of The Bistro, which is held in the magnificent Tower Bar. And what a room this is.
It’s worth checking out this beautiful space with its elaborately stocked bar even if you aren’t planning to have a meal. It’s quite the sight to behold! 10 Featuring ornate Victorian wood carvings and beautiful stained glass, it feels like a cosy pub with a wood burning fire and comfortable seating area.
But here’s the “unique and interesting” part: it’s called the Tower Bar for a reason. It’s not original to the hall. This entire, spectacular bar was purchased and transported from the renowned Blackpool Tower (some sources say the Winter Gardens) in 1943.
It’s an incredible piece of history and craftsmanship, saved and given a new life here on the lake.
The menu in The Bistro is described as “generous” and “contemporary traditional,” and it truly is.
It has a “real variety of dishes,” ranging from “soup and a toastie… to a Chateaubriand for two to share”.
The sample menu we saw listed tempting dishes like a “Twice Baked Lancashire Cheese Souffle” (£13.50), “Grilled Queenie Scallops” (£14.50), and the “Storrs Burger” (£19.95).
It’s the perfect spot for a delicious, high-quality, and relaxed meal.
The Lake Edge Restaurant: Fine Dining with a View
For a more formal, “special occasion” evening, there is the Lake Edge Restaurant. This is the hotel’s 2 AA Rosette dining room, set in an elegant part of the original hall with “spectacular” views south down Windermere.
This is a more refined experience, offering a fixed-price menu (a sample menu listed it at £69.50 per person) that showcases the best of “seasonal British dishes”.
The kitchen focuses on “sustainably produced local” produce, with much of it coming from within 15 miles of the hotel.
Dishes from the sample menu give you a sense of the elevated cuisine: “Seared Scallop” with romesco sauce, “Roasted Lamb Loin” with fondant potato, and a “Coconut Soufflé” with mango sorbet to finish.
Afternoon Tea & Sunday Lunch
To round out the offerings, the hotel is also a destination for two great British traditions.
They serve a classic Afternoon Tea (from £29.95 per person) in the beautiful lounges, and a “proper 3 course roast lunch” on Sundays.
This features dry-aged Cumbrian beef with all the trimmings and is available for £49 for three courses.
I must say, in the mornings, when getting ready for a day of adventure, the Full English breakfasts are divine.
Grounds & Activities: On the Shores of Windermere
At many hotels, the “amenities” mean a basement pool. At Storrs Hall, the 17-acre grounds and the lake are the amenity.
The hotel’s entire purpose, right from its 1797 conception, was to be a place for “sailing and grand parties” and enjoying the lakeside setting.
Today, the hotel continues that tradition, just with a modern, luxurious twist.
The Temple of Naval Heroes: A Walk into History
This is a must-do. At the end of a long, narrow stone jetty that juts out into Windermere from the hotel’s grounds, you’ll find the “Temple of Naval Heroes”.
This incredible octagonal folly was part of Sir John Legard’s original 1797 vision for the estate.
It was built as a “patriotic memorial” to honour four great British naval admirals: Nelson, Vincent, Howe, and Duncan, whose names are inscribed on tablets on its walls.
Walking out along that causeway, with the wind in your hair and magnificent views opening up both north and south along the lake, is a magical experience.
You feel connected to the centuries of history and the very reason the hall was built here in the first place.
The “Abigail Leah” Private Lake Tour
If you want to get on the water, Storrs Hall offers an experience that is a world away from the crowded public ferries. The hotel has its own private, vintage Thames Slipper Launch, the “Abigail Leah”.
This is, quite simply, pne of the most beautiful boats on Windermere. Hand-built by the historic Peter Freebody shipyard, she is all “gleaming teak and mahogany wood”.
Guests can book a “leisurely two-hour skippered cruise” to explore Windermere’s hidden shoreline.
The experience is pure class, with a two-hour cruise for up to seven guests costing £300, which includes a bottle of Prosecco.
It’s the perfect, modern-day version of the “boat parties” that Wordsworth himself used to attend right here at the hall.
Walks from the Doorstep
For us hikers, the hotel is a fantastic base. They provide their own personalised walking itineraries for guests, including routes for Ghyll Head, Gummer’s How, and more.
The real benefit of these, as the original review rightly pointed out, is that “their aim is to avoid the more crowded areas so you can enjoy a bit of wildlife and nature in a more peaceful setting”.
This is an invaluable “insider tip” for anyone visiting the often-crowded Lakes. There are also great walks right from the door, including a lovely, easy-to-walk path along the west shoreline of Windermere that leads from the ferry landing to Wray Castle.
Exploring the Area (Local Attractions)
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel and its grounds, you’re in a perfect spot.
The hotel’s location is its secret weapon: it feels wonderfully secluded, but it is not isolated.
You are just two miles from the bustling hub of Bowness-on-Windermere.
This means you are minutes away from popular attractions like the World of Beatrix Potter and the main departure point for Windermere Lake Cruises.
But for a real “insider” tip, take the hotel’s own recommendations for a day out.
They suggest driving to the nearby Cartmel Village, which they rightly describe as a “foodie heaven” (home of sticky toffee pudding and L’Enclume), or taking the “stunning drive to Keswick,” which winds through the heart of the national park and showcases five different pristine lakes along the way.
My Final Verdict
A stay at Storrs Hall is, as other guests have said, a “truly memorable getaway”.
It’s easy to see why people describe it as the “Best hotel I’ve stayed at”.
What makes it so special is its unique ability to be “all things to all people” without compromise.
It isn’t just a hotel; it’s three hotels in one. You can have a “cosy pub” burger in a historic bar one night and 2 AA Rosette fine dining the next. You can sleep in a room steeped in 220 years of history or in a hyper-modern suite with a private hot tub.
You can sit in quiet contemplation on the lawn, or charter a vintage boat for a champagne cruise.
It is this “best of all worlds” combination—of grand, complex history, exceptional modern luxury, and warm, personal hospitality—that makes Storrs Hall a true “historic gem” and, in my opinion, one of the very finest places to stay on Lake Windermere.
