What The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club guests love
Spa bath in rooms
Honesty bar
Warm welcome
Pre-bookable breakfast
Complimentary sherry
"The Cumbrian breakfast and eggs Benedict were superb and the honesty bar in the lounge is a nice touch."
Slidlid from United Kingdom
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"Spacious room, very clean bathroom lovely decor throughout the hotel to which it showed that the owner cared about the place."
Brendan from United Kingdom
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"We had the Greenburn room which was clean and spacious."
Joe Butler from United Kingdom
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"Lovely clean room, comfy bed and particularly enjoyed the spa bath."
ladylish1 from United Kingdom
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AA 5-Star Guest House with Free Access to Choices Health Club - 5 Minutes from Lake Windermere
Location & Access
The Howbeck & The Retreat lies a 5-minute walk from Windermere village and a 20-minute stroll down to Bowness-on-Windermere, placing the lake within easy reach. Guests arrive by car to find free on-site parking and an electric vehicle charging point, with the property also sitting on the Stagecoach bus route. Windermere Lake, Beatrix Potter's World, and the Lake District National Park entrance are all within a mile of the guest house.
Dining & Breakfast
The hotel holds an AA Breakfast Award and serves a hearty Cumbrian breakfast, cooked to order each morning from a pre-selected menu. Special arrangements with local restaurants allow guests to receive exclusive discounts at a range of dining options in the village. An honesty bar in the shared lounge provides after-hours drinks and snacks for those returning late.
Wellness & Leisure
Every guest receives a free 2-hour pass to Choices Health Club, located a short drive or 30-minute walk away, for use of its swimming pool, spa, sauna, and steam room. The fitness centre also includes a cardio suite, weights centre, group classes, and an outdoor training and relaxation area. Hiking routes start directly from the hotel, with canoeing, cycling, and horse riding available in the surrounding area.
Rooms & Accommodation
The 11 guest rooms are named after local geographical features such as Caplecrag, Deepdale, Greenburn, and Meregill, each with individually chosen fabrics and bed linens. Selected rooms include a spa bath and some offer private outdoor spaces for relaxation, while all provide a seating area and flat-screen TV. The Retreat is a separate apartment-style room with its own private patio where breakfast can be served in-room.
Services & Special Touches
Special romantic packages are available for celebrations, including champagne on ice, chocolates, rose petals, and a late checkout of 12pm. The hotel offers exclusive discounts at a range of local dining options and can make reservations on behalf of guests. Free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and a shared lounge with board games are provided for all stays.
Highlights
AA Rating: 5-Star Guest House by the AA
Breakfast: AA Breakfast Award - full Cumbrian cooked breakfast
Wellness: Free 2-hour pass to Choices Health Club (pool, spa, sauna, steam room)
Location: 5 min to Windermere village, 20 min to Bowness-on-Windermere
Rooms: 11 uniquely decorated rooms named after local fells and valleys
Parking: Free on-site parking with EV charging point
Must-do experiences
Visit Orrest Head for stunning views of Lake Windermere.
Try homemade scones at the Gingerbread Shop in Windermere.
Explore the quaint shops in the historic town of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Discover the quirky exhibits at the Windermere Jetty Museum.
Take a scenic boat ride with Windermere Lake Cruises for a unique view.
Choose your room category
The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club offers double, family, and suite rooms throughout the Lake District, all including breakfast, free cancellation, and seasonal deals
Superior Double or Twin En Suite
2 persons
16 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Luxury Room Spa Bath
2 persons
18 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Retreat Suite Stunning Spa Bathroom
2 persons
23 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Room Rates & Availability Calendar
See current rates and availability for the Lake District now!
Amenities
The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club provides amenities designed for a relaxing stay and memorable moments
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing
Services
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Dining
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Leisure/ TV room
Sauna
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Dressing area
Patio
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Where to Find The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club
New Rd, Windermere,
Map view
City landmarks
Park
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
1.45 km
Landmark
Lake Windermere
2.09 km
Landmark
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
1.26 km
Landmark
Orrest Head
1.96 km
Landmark
Windermere Steamboat Museum
830 m
Church
St Martin's Church
1.58 km
Landmark
St Mary's Church
790 m
Landmark
Queen Adelaide's Hill
920 m
Landmark
Windermere and Troutbeck
1.64 km
Theatre
The Old Laundry Theatre
1.43 km
Landmark
St Michael and All Angels Church
1.48 km
Store
Love the Lakes
1.54 km
Landmark
Orrest Head Viewpoint
1.98 km
Landmark
The Fun Factory Bowness
2.03 km
Garden
Holehird Gardens
2.59 km
Landmark
Bowness Bay
1.75 km
Square
The Glebe
1.96 km
Landmark
Belle Isle
2.35 km
Landmark
Brant Fell Viewpoint
2.07 km
Landmark
Aquarius Amusements
2.21 km
Landmark
Cleabarrow Tarn
2.31 km
Landmark
Cockshott Point
2.37 km
Landmark
Windermere
6.5 km
Nearby
Gallery
Cook House Gallery
340 m
Gallery
Thuline Studio
380 m
5 High Street
High Street
530 m
Gallery
North South Gallery
210 m
Queen's Park
550 m
3 Victoria St
Lakes Hospitality Association
580 m
Church
Windermere Methodist church & District Foodbank
590 m
Restaurants
Hooked
120 m
Tudor House Ellerthwaite Square Tudor House
Cafe Italia
230 m
37 Main Road
Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
220 m
Main Road
Francine's
260 m
27 Main Road
Tapios
220 m
43 Crescent Road
The Brookside Pub
380 m
Lake Road
Brew Room
240 m
31-33 Crescent Road
Prince Of India
270 m
27A Crescent Road
The Pig
340 m
13 Crescent Road
Sugar&Spice Cafe and Bistro
330 m
11 Main Road
Cantina
340 m
Jester Court Birch Street Jester Court
Magic Wok
370 m
2A Crescent Road
Explore Windermere
Explore the Best of Windermere
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Hooked
2 minutes' walk
A seafood lover's haven, known for fresh catch and innovative dishes, all in a cozy atmosphere.
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
10 minutes' walk
A treasure trove for maritime enthusiasts, showcasing historic boats and interactive exhibits. Enjoy guided tours.
Lake Windermere
25 minutes walking
The largest lake in England offers breathtaking views, boat rentals, and outdoor activities for the whole family.
Orrest Head
25 minutes walking
A viewpoint with stunning panoramas of Lake Windermere. An accessible hiking trail perfect for outdoor lovers.
Water Sports at Lake Windermere
25 minutes walking
Kayaking and paddleboarding rentals are available to enjoy on Lake Windermere. Ideal for thrill-seekers.
Wellness at Hydro Wellness Club
5 minutes' drive
Relax and rejuvenate with spa treatments and wellness activities. Book appointments in advance for the best experience.
Cafe Italia
3 minutes' walk
Authentic Italian cuisine in a vibrant café setting. Known for its pasta dishes and great coffee.
Francine's
4 minutes' walk
A lovely bistro serving seasonal dishes with a modern twist. Perfect for casual dining or a special occasion.
The Old Laundry Theatre
15 minutes' walk
A cultural hub with a variety of performances, from drama to comedy. Check their schedule for upcoming shows.
The Fun Factory Bowness
25 minutes walking
An all-ages entertainment center with arcade games and activities, perfect for family outings.
Local transport options
City Centre
Windermere 8 min · 600 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 122 min · 81.2 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 149 min · 99.2 km
Bus
Bus stop 8 min · 600 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-17:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 14.95 per person.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
11
Former name
the howbeck & the retreat 5min to lake, restaurants & to the free spa
Guest Reviews & Ratings
Read what past guests have said about their stay at The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Location
9.2/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.5/10
Pros
Staff helpfulness
Room cleanliness
Bed comfort
Cons
Limited breakfast hours
Room size
Bathroom design
Guest reviews
based on 571 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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