Leathes Head Hotel

Borrowdale, Cumbria

Many regard Borrowdale as the Lake District’s most picturesque valley, and this comfortable Edwardian country house has one of its finest locations. More

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Good Hotel Guide Review

Many regard Borrowdale as the Lake District’s most picturesque valley, and this comfortable Edwardian country house has one of its finest locations. Set back from the road it’s ‘quiet with splendid views of the hills’, says a reader who also admired the gardens, ‘the bird life a delight’. Guests report spotting red squirrels, too. Walks start from the hotel, so it’s popular with hikers who like their creature comforts; a cup of tea by the log-burner in the lounge or on the terrace after a day on the hills. Bedrooms in the rear annexe are light and simple, perhaps with a feature wall; larger rooms in the original part are traditional with big windows. All have been recently refurbished, and boast views and modern bathrooms, some a bath under the window. The daily-changing set menu, with most items made from scratch, offers ‘inventive dishes’ such as butter-poached lobster claw with pickled beets, and wild mallard with hibiscus kombucha. Lamb from nearby Yew Tree Farm is always popular. ‘Varied and very good breakfasts’ set you up for the day. Staff are ‘cheerful, efficient; nothing was too much trouble’. (Sir William and Lady Reid)

Hotel details

Address

Borrowdale
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5UY
England

Telephone

01768 777247

Bedrooms

11. Some on ground floor,  1 suitable for disabled.

Open

all year except 24–26 Dec, restaurant closed Sun, Mon.

Facilities

lounge, bar, conservatory restaurant, in-room TV (Freeview), drying room, terrace, 3-acre grounds, EV charging, public rooms wheelchair accessible.

Background music

in public rooms.

Children

not under 15.

Dogs

not allowed.

Credit cards

Amex, MC, Visa.

Prices

B&B doubles from £160. Set 4-course dinner £65, tasting menu £95. 1-night bookings refused Sat May–Sept.

Comments about Leathes Head Hotel

The new owners have changed quite a lot. The former dining room is now the lounge. Dining takes place in a room like a conservatory plus an inner room. The outer room has fine views and perhaps four tables have the pleasure of these views. One often saw red squirrels prancing on the wall opposite. If the outer room is full then one has to eat in the inner room. The disadvantage here is nasty music blaring in this room. The food was good but the menu was short,with only four main items. That could be a problem if staying for several days. - John Barnes - June 2019

There was a nice relaxed atmosphere about the hotel. The staff were all delightful, attentive but not overdoing it. We enjoyed the food but apart from the ravioli, it remained the same throughout our stay. When we asked as we left the hotel, we were told it changed ‘seasonally’. In our room there was a sofa and a chaise longue so plenty of room to relax and watch the birds and red squirrels. The bathroom was small but modern, and everywhere was clean and well presented.t - Sara Price - July 2018

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