The Ullswater Inn is a lively, walker-friendly base in Glenridding, the village at the southern end of Ullswater, often described as the most beautiful of the lakes. It is rated four stars and has 56 rooms in six categories, recently refurbished, so you get fresh bedrooms with free WiFi, an in-room safe, a flat-screen television, a kettle with free tea and coffee, and a shower and toiletries, in a building that still feels like a Lakeland inn. The ground floor is the heart of the place, with a bar, a restaurant and a terrace for the long summer evenings, and an English breakfast is available each morning to set you up for the fells. The lake is a three-minute walk away, the Glenridding Sailing Centre two minutes, and the steamers that call at the pier connect you to Howtown and Pooley Bridge. Helvellyn and its famous Striding Edge ridge, and the waterfall at Aira Force, are within easy reach, and Place Fell is four minutes away by car, so you can start a walk almost from the door. Dogs are welcome for a nightly fee, which is a big plus for walkers with a four-legged companion. Windermere is about forty minutes away by road, which makes this a good base for exploring the northern and eastern lakes at the quieter end of the national park.
Location and getting around
Glenridding sits on the A592 below Helvellyn, with a village shop, cafes and an outdoor shop within a few steps. The nearest railway station is at Staveley, over twenty minutes away by car, so a car is by far the best way to arrive. Public buses run along the lake in the summer months, and you should check the timetable before relying on them.
The rooms
Rooms vary in size and layout, as is usual for an old inn. Larger rooms suit families and groups. Ask for a lake or fell view if you want to wake up to the scenery, and ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper.
Who it suits
Walkers and climbers who want to start from the door, couples seeking a lakeside weekend without a luxury price, families, and dog owners. It is an inn rather than a spa hotel, so look elsewhere if you want a pool or leisure facilities.
Good to know
Check-in runs from the afternoon until late evening and there is no after-hours arrival, so tell the hotel if you will be late. Check-out is early. Breakfast is charged as an extra on many rates. Free cancellation is offered on some rates. Book early for the summer holidays and autumn weekends, and check when you book for current prices.
Why stay here
- ✓Four-star inn with 56 rooms
- ✓Bar
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Terrace
- ✓Free WiFi in rooms
- ✓In-room safes
- ✓Dog-friendly rooms
- ✓English breakfast available
Good questions
How far is The Ullswater Inn from the lake?+
Ullswater is about a three-minute walk away, and the Glenridding Sailing Centre is two minutes.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes, dogs are welcome for a nightly fee per pet. Check the current policy when you book.
Is it a good base for Helvellyn?+
Yes, Glenridding is one of the classic starting points for Helvellyn and Striding Edge. Check the weather and your route before you set out.
