Review: Windermere Suite, Beech Hill Hotel & Spa, Lake District, UK /

William Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’ is synonymous with Ullswater, but perhaps lesser known is that the romantic writer also popularized Windermere through his poem ‘There Was a Boy’. And anyone wanting to experience the beauty of England’s longest lake for themselves these days can add the Beech Hill Hotel and Spa to their wish list. The hotel has been on the shores of Windermere since the early 1900s and now has a total of 55 rooms.

The welcome

On arrival we were lucky enough to park right outside the hotel entrance, close to some dedicated EV charging points, but there’s plenty of parking around the corner if you’re not so lucky. Check in was quick and we were led to our room up a flight of stairs, past the hotel’s newly refurbished spa and to the other side of the building which overlooks Windermere. Since the clock has only recently moved forward, we still had plenty of time to squeeze in a spa treatment before watching the sunset just before dinner.

The room

We stayed in the Windermere Suite – the most beautiful suite at the Beech Hill Hotel, with a large double bed that looks directly out onto the lake, two sun loungers inside that overlook the same view and a table that can be used as a desk or dressing table.

A large photo of scaffolding on the wall is in fact a cleverly disguised Samsung flat screen TV, while a small table in the corner of the room holds a kettle and a caddy of tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

But what really makes the suite special is that both the indoor and outdoor space are used in a great way with large bi-fold doors opening out towards a decked area with sun loungers and a hot tub big enough for five, let stand two, again with the same stunning view over Windermere, against the backdrop of the Western Fells.

Beyond the decorated part of the suite, the grounds of Beech Hill drop sharply to the lakeshore, adorned with golden daffodils that – in Wordsworth’s words – flutter and dance in the breeze.

The bathroom

The bathroom is equipped with a freestanding bath and supply of bath salts, a separate rain shower, a sink as wide as the bath and a toilet. Tall, stylish electric radiators serve as a towel bar and make the bathroom cozy and inviting.

Bamboo and jasmine cleansing shampoo and nourishing conditioner, and other vegan toiletries from Sedbergh-based Bath House are provided, while gowns and a hairdryer can be found in an in-suite closet.

The facilities

The hotel’s restaurant, Burlington’s, takes its name from the local slate found in the hills surrounding the Lake District, and sets the tone for the local emphasis in the menu. Chef Lukasz Zebryk constantly strives to source and serve the very best locally farmed, caught and raised produce, using Cumbrian and Lancastrian produce where possible.

Enjoy a burst of flavors with the ham and pheasant terrine, a harmonious blend of succulent meat enhanced by a savory black garlic ketchup and served with a hard-boiled quail egg and almond crumble.

For a vegetarian option, enjoy the earthy richness of the chestnut mushroom and truffle oil risotto, which is beautifully balanced with spicy pickled walnuts and a creamy crème fraiche.

Taste the tenderness of the poached local chicken supreme, accompanied by honey-roasted parsnips, velvety cauliflower cream and broccoli florets.

If you prefer seafood, the cod loin is a mouth-watering choice and is served with a delicious bed of creamy leeks, saffron-infused potatoes and a crunchy pancetta topping.

However, for the hands pick, I recommend the Scottish salmon with a vibrant velvety pea, baked baby potatoes and a dollop of sour cream.

The Beech Hill sticky toffee pudding, with banana and butterscotch sauce, sounded too sickly to me, so I opted instead for the Tobago dark chocolate mousse with coconut meringue, spicy pickled pineapple and micro coriander.

The pistachio creme brulee with hazelnut shortcake is also a winner.

The other highlight of Beech Hill’s facilities is, of course, the Lakeview Spa, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in pure relaxation. Indulge in luxurious CAUDALIE Spa treatments, designed to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, or relax by the pool, steam room, jacuzzi and terrace, taking in breathtaking views of Windermere.

Rent

While it may feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, the Beech Hill Hotel and Spa is surprisingly easy to get to, half way along the lakeside road between Newby Bridge and Bowness-on-Windermere, less than 25 minutes’ drive from Turnoff 36 of the M6 ​​motorway. Bowness and the village of Windermere are both a 10-minute drive away, and Ambleside is 20 minutes away.

Any first-time visitor to the area will love a getaway with Windermere Lake Cruises and for those looking for flexibility, the Freedom of the Lake ticket is a great option that can be used over a 48-hour period. used. Hop on and off the cruises at different piers, allowing you to explore different towns, attractions and lakeside walks. Alternatively, you can hire a self-propelled powerboat to take the helm of your own adventure.

As well as the whole of the Lake District being your playground, nearby attractions include the National Trust’s Fell Foot site at the southern tip of the lake, as well as the Lakeland Motor Museum, Lakes Aquarium, Stott Park Bobbin Mill and Blackwell, just to name a few within a very short drive of the hotel.

cost

Lake view rooms start from £141 per night, including continental breakfast.
The Windermere Suite starts from £394 per night, including continental breakfast.

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The best bit

The great appeal of the Lake District is, of course, its scenery, and the location of the Beech Hill on the eastern shore of Windermere does not disappoint in this respect, with the most enviable and dramatic views across the lake to the Western Fells which are constantly changing and evolve with prevailing weather conditions. Being able to enjoy all this from the Windermere Suite was an added bonus.

The final verdict

Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or just a moment of tranquility amidst beautiful scenery, the Beech Hill Hotel can provide it all. With its charming ambiance, delicious cuisine and intimate spa, you’ll discover a haven here that will stay with you long after you say goodbye.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Beech Hill Hotel and Spa.