Low Wood Bay sits right on the northern shore of Windermere, a short drive from Ambleside, with its own bay, jetty and lawns running down to the water. It is a resort rather than a small country house, with a large main building, many bedrooms and a lot going on, and that scale is part of the appeal for families, groups and friends who want activity and amenities in one place. The setting is the draw: from the lakeside bars, restaurants and many of the rooms you look down the length of Windermere to the fells on the far shore, with the Langdale Pikes visible in clear weather. A spa with treatment rooms and pools gives a reason to stay in on wet days, and a water sports centre on the shore rents boats and kayaks and offers paddleboarding and sailing in the warmer seasons. Dining ranges from casual lakeside bars to a more formal restaurant, and afternoon tea on the terrace is a popular winter treat when there is a fire inside. Rates are mid-range to upper mid-range and vary a lot by room view and season.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the main road along the lake, about a mile and a half from Ambleside and a short drive from Windermere and Bowness, so a car is useful, though buses stop nearby and taxis are easy to find. The lake path leads along the shore, and the Brockhole visitor centre, a family favourite with its gardens and adventure playground, is a short drive away. Windermere Lake Cruises and the Windermere Jetty Museum are within easy reach, and Ambleside is the place for outdoor shops, pubs and the start of Loughrigg and Wansfell walks.
The rooms
Categories range from classic rooms to lake-view and suite options, and the price difference is mostly about the view. A lake-view room is worth it in any season, because the window becomes a moving picture of cloud, light and water. Family rooms and interconnecting rooms are usually available, and many rooms are well suited to guests who prefer the convenience of a larger hotel to the intimacy of a small one. Rooms facing the road or car park are cheaper but lack the main attraction, so ask for a lake view in writing.
Things to do
The water sports centre is the most distinctive feature, with boats, kayaks and paddleboards available in the warmer months and guided sessions for beginners. The spa suits a winter stay, and the hotel is a popular choice for celebrations, with spa and dining packages. Entertainment and activities vary by season, so check what is on when you book.
Good to know
Because the hotel is large, expect a busy breakfast room, groups and weddings at weekends, and a hotel-style rather than boutique atmosphere. Parking is on site, which is a real advantage in the busy central Lakes. It suits families, groups of friends, couples who want a spa and active visitors who want a lakeside base. If you want a quiet woodland retreat, choose Gilpin; if you want to walk to the town and the cruise pier, choose Ambleside or Bowness instead.
Why stay here
- ✓Windermere lakeshore setting
- ✓Spa with treatment rooms and pools
- ✓Water sports centre on the jetty
- ✓Lake-view rooms and suites
- ✓Lakeside bars and restaurants
- ✓Afternoon tea
- ✓Family and interconnecting rooms
- ✓Free on-site parking
Good questions
Is Low Wood Bay on the lake?+
Yes. It sits on the northern shore of Windermere with its own bay, jetty and lawns, and many rooms and the bars and restaurants look over the water.
Can I try water sports from the hotel?+
The resort has a water sports centre on its shore that offers boats, kayaks and paddleboards in the warmer months. Check availability and any winter restrictions before you book.
Is it close to Ambleside?+
It is about a mile and a half along the lake road, a short drive or taxi ride, and bus services stop nearby. Parking at the resort is on site.
