The Langdale Hotel and Spa lies in the Langdale valley, near the village of Elterwater, in a wooded setting beneath the dramatic profile of the Langdale Pikes. Great Langdale is the heart of Lake District walking, with the paths to Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags starting almost at the door, and a base here puts you on the fell before most visitors have left Ambleside. The hotel combines that serious walking location with the comforts of a leisure hotel, including a spa and swimming pool, comfortable bedrooms and a restaurant and bar, so it works equally well for hikers who want to ease aching legs and for couples who want a quiet, green retreat. Elterwater itself is a pretty hamlet around a village green, with a pub, a lake and waterfalls nearby, and the road to the head of the valley passes farms, becks and some of the best scenery in England. Rates are mid-range and vary by season and room type.
Location and getting around
Elterwater is about four miles west of Ambleside, and a bus service links the valley with the town, so it is possible to stay without a car, though the timetable is limited in winter and a car gives more freedom. Parking at the hotel is usually available for guests. The valley road is narrow, so drive carefully, especially at dusk and in icy weather. Little Langdale, the Tilberthwaite Fells and Skelwith Force are close, while Grasmere and Coniston are a short drive.
The walks
This is why you come. Short options include the riverside path from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge and the walk to Loughrigg Tarn, both suitable in poor weather. Medium walks climb Lingmoor Fell, which gives a classic view of the Langdale Pikes. Serious walkers can tackle the Langdale horseshoe, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags, but these are serious mountain days that need navigation skills, proper kit and a close watch on daylight and weather, especially from late autumn to spring. If conditions are poor, a lower walk or a spa afternoon is the wiser choice.
The rooms
Rooms range from standard to larger and spa-style categories, and views are of woodland or fell. Some rooms may suit families, so ask when you book. The spa and pool are the main extras, a welcome reward after a wet day on the fells, and the restaurant and bar serve hearty meals suited to walkers. Pubs in the valley also offer good food and a traditional atmosphere, so you are not limited to the hotel at dinner.
Good to know
It is a leisure hotel rather than a luxury country house, so the atmosphere is relaxed and practical, with muddy boots expected. Ask about drying facilities when you book, and about dogs, as policies vary. It suits walkers, climbers, couples and anyone who wants a quieter alternative to Windermere. If you want to be beside the lake, choose Low Wood Bay or Bowness; if you want a town base, choose Ambleside.
Why stay here
- ✓Spa and swimming pool
- ✓Woodland setting in Langdale
- ✓Walks from the door
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Views of the Langdale Pikes
- ✓Close to Elterwater village
- ✓Bus link to Ambleside
- ✓On-site parking
Good questions
Is the Langdale Hotel a good base for walkers?+
Yes. It lies in the Langdale valley beneath the Langdale Pikes, with many walks starting close by, from gentle valley paths to serious mountain days.
Does it have a spa?+
Yes, it has a spa and swimming pool, which are popular after a day on the fells.
Can I get there without a car?+
A bus links Langdale with Ambleside, but the timetable is limited, especially in winter, so check it before you rely on it.
