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FAQs

To help answer any queries we have put some answers to questions we are frequently asked. If you don’t find the answer please do get in touch and we will be delighted to help, or download the Gilpin App where you will find more details of everything Gilpin. 

BEDROOM FACILITIES

Absolutely! More than half of the rooms at Gilpin Hotel have their own private hot tub, and at Gilpin Lake House there are two hot tubs between six rooms, which can be booked privately.

At Gilpin Hotel:

The six Garden Suites each have a cedarwood hot tub, whereas the five Spa Lodges and the 5 Spa Suites each have a huge sunken hot tub, as well as other private spa facilities. Hot tubs have also recently been installed in our 6 Junior suites.

At Gilpin Lake House:

Just six bedrooms at Gilpin Lake House exclusively enjoy 100 acres of grounds, including a cedarwood hot tub overlooking the lake, a hydrotherapy hot tub looking towards Morecambe Bay, sauna and a heated indoor swimming pool; these can be privately booked for you at any time during your stay at the Lake House, at no charge.

Please explore our rooms here for more details of the room types.

The Garden Suites, Spa Lodges and Spa Suites each have a feature fireplace.

All rooms are equipped with: Sky TV, digital safe, minibar, tea and coffee tray with home-made biscuits, fresh milk and a flask of iced water, complimentary WiFi, radio, telephone, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.
The hotel’s rooms already have shampoo, conditioner, soap, pillows, blankets, hair dryer, and bath towels. We recommend you remember to bring your toiletries such as toothbrush and toothpaste but if you do forget don’t worry we have you covered!
Standard UK 3 pin plugs with voltage for electronic devices is 230 V.
Unfortunately we do not have cribs, as we can only accommodate children 7 years and older.

ROOM TYPES

At Gilpin Hotel, a 21 acre estate, all of the bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens, many with their own private hot tubs and some also have private spa facilities. This is also where you will find the restaurants.

If on the other hand you are staying at Gilpin Lake House, a 100 acre estate (1.3 miles from Gilpin Hotel), you will be staying in one of just 6 rooms that exclusively enjoy the private grounds and lake, with a swimming pool, two hot tubs and two saunas exclusively for the use of Lake House guest. The Lake House can also be booked for exclusive use. All meals are served at the Lake House.

Please see below for more detailed information on each room type.

Just a mile away from Gilpin Hotel you will find Gilpin Lake House, a sanctuary where just 12 guests enjoy 100 acres of private grounds, with its own lake, boat house, hot tubs, saunas, and swimming pool. The Lake House has the feel of a country house with all the services of a hotel.

Quiet, untouched, and devoid of traffic or people, whether sitting by the fire in the lounge, or in the cedar wood hot tub, Champagne in hand, or in the swimming pool, the view instils a sense of peace and calm.

Six individual rooms share a fully staffed boutique hotel with breakfast that can be served to your room or to your table in the conservatory, and lunch and afternoon tea can be taken wherever you prefer. In the evenings, we look to welcome you to dine in our newly opened Knipe Grill or our complimentary chauffeurs ferry guests to and from the main hotel to dine at our Michelin Starred SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel or Gilpin Spice.

Designed as the ultimate private spa sanctuary for two, these 100m2 suites have a beautiful ‘outdoors / indoors’ spirit, themed décor and a lush display of live plants suspended from a lightwell to create each suite’s own atrium.

The main living space is made up of two areas: to the right, a lounge and dining area with a hanging fireplace in the corner window, a fully equipped cocktail bar and wine fridge, and to the left, a beautiful huge circular stone bath, a stunning cedar wood double walk-in shower, and a standout vanity area with inlaid ferns held up by tree trunks. At the western end of the suite, the separate bedroom ‘floats’ over the pond with views to the mountains, whilst at the eastern end the spa room has a steam room, sauna, infrared lounge bed, and a state-of-the-art automated massage chair.

With views to the mountains to the west, and tranquil woodlands with a stream to the east, each nestles into its surrounds with delightful planting behind a beautiful curved Lakeland stone wall, every room has floor to ceiling windows and patio doors opening out onto a gorgeous south facing decked garden with fountain water features, living wall of ferns, and – of course – a stunning 2 metre square stone-built hot tub, all alongside a huge pond.

Detached 75m2 open plan lodges at Gilpin Hotel, each cedar-clad with king size beds, gorgeous bathrooms and a fabulously private en-suite spa along with mood lighting, fires, electric blinds and a state-of-the-art music system – invigorating all of the senses.

The Spa Lodges each have a convertible treatment area, steam room, rain maker shower, free standing oval stone bath, outdoor sauna and hydrotherapy hot tub surrounded by a walled garden – and wonderful views over the gardens to the Lake District moors.

Huge open plan suites at Gilpin Hotel with super king size bed and large bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and sumptuous baths. The open plan lounges have feature fireplaces and patio doors, which lead to your own decked garden and huge cedarwood hot tub.

What better way to round off a crisp wintry walk than by sinking into your hot tub – especially fabulous in the winter!

Lovely large rooms with open plan lounge areas, patio doors leading directly onto the gardens, and a patio area with outside table and chairs from spring to autumn. Hot tubs have also recently been installed in our 6 Junior suites.

Situated in the main hotel, and more traditional in style than the Spa Lodges and the Garden Suites, the Junior Suites have king size beds* and large bathrooms with separate bath and walk-in showers. * except Thirlmere, which has an antique moroccan queen size four poster

Mostly on the first floor of the original house, our Master Bedrooms are large bedrooms with queen or king size beds, small sitting areas (usually a couple of comfy arm chairs and a coffee table) and garden views.

Most are on the first floor of the original house, with great views and many features characteristic of a Georgian house.

Classic Bedrooms are our most modest rooms by size, but they are still very comfortable, and each still has room for one or two armchairs or a sofa.

Whilst we distinguish these rooms by size, the same love and attention is given to all rooms in the quality of the furnishing and fabrics, and all have lovely bathrooms. The Classic Bedrooms overlook the courtyard, moors and gardens.

RESERVATIONS

If you wish to make a booking then the quickest way to do this is online via our website, where you will see the exact availability that our team sees. If you’re wanting to add some specific details then we recommend booking online first to secure the date and room type that you want, then we can add any specific requirements later.

In some cases we block the availability on other websites, but we always keep them available for direct reservations with ourselves and via our website. If you wish to make a booking then usually the quickest way to do this is online at thegilpin.co.uk as you will see the exact availability that our team sees. If you’re wanting to add some specific details then we recommend booking online first to secure the date and room type that you want, then we can add any specific requirements later.

We offer bed and breakfast and half board (our tariff page), and we also have special packages which we put together for birthdays, celebations and escapes (our magical escapes page). You will also see available packages for the dates you are looking for via our booking engine at thegilpin.co.uk.

You will always find the best rate by booking directly with us via thegilpin.co.uk, where you will see the exact availability that our team sees. Any special promotions we run are exclusively to guests on our records if you would like to be in the know please sign up here
Yes, we have our special Magic Moments packages which we put together for birthdays, celebrations and escapes, that are particularly good value in the winter months – for more information see visit our Magical Escapes page

We do not have adjoining rooms, but please do ask the team when booking as we may be able to offer nearby or adjacent rooms.

There is one room at the Lake House, ‘Beatrice’ which has a single annexe room and is therefore suitable for a family of three.

We recommend booking 2 of our Junior Suite rooms which subject to avaiability can be next door to each other. One of the rooms can be provided with an additional bed which is suiteable for children up to age of 12. Alternatively, our Beatrice room at the Lake House accommodates 3 people and the room next door this is Maud which will accommodate 2 people.
We accept children 7 years and older in the same room as their parents (if the room can accomodate them) at £70 bed and breakfast.

For personalised details of exclusive use of the Lake House, please contact Emily Walling , our Events Sales Manager via email at events@thegilpin.co.uk.

DEPOSITS:

Booking deposits are £250 per room per stay for all rooms except Spa Lodges and Spa Suites, which are £400 per room per stay.

CANCELLATIONS:

We require 14 days notice for cancellations of standard reservations involving 1 or 2 rooms, or 28 days notice for 3 or more rooms; any deposits paid will be fully refunded. Non-arrivals and reservations which are cancelled or amended within the above cancellation periods will be charged 80% of the booking value. If we are able to re-let cancelled accommodation we would, of course, not charge cancellation fees except for any shortfall.

All cancellations must be confirmed in writing to hotel@thegilpin.co.uk.

Please note that for all APR bookings full non-refundable pre-payment is required and bookings are not transferable; any changes to the reservation will be subject to availability and rate differences.

Please note there are differing cancellation policies for exclusive use of the Lake House, which will be outlined on booking.

INSURANCE:

We do recommend insurance against cancellation.

We accept all major credit and debit cards: ?Visa, Master and American Express. We take a £200 deposit to secure your room reservation and if you wish to pay more prior to arrival this can be organised with our reservations team.
Yes, we accept bank transfers. Please email hotel@thegilpin.co.uk to arrange this.
We can note your request for a particular room but we cannot guarantee it.

EAT & DRINK

SOURCE:

Ollie Bridgwater and his team at SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel brings incredible technical skills along with a passion for sourcing exquisite ingredients. They make the most of special ingredients that aren’t around all the time, with menus that focus on beautiful local produce, distinct flavours, seasonality and sustainability – and precision; the detail really matters. 

Gilpin Spice:

The laid-back Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving pan-Asian dishes inspired by countries along the spice trail – spanning the Philippines, the Indian sub-continent, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and China. You can also order Room Service from Gilpin Spice.

Chef Tom ‘Westy’ Westerland’s food philosophy revolves around food being fun, and there is always a bit of a story behind it. 

For guests staying at the Lake House
We provide transport for guests to and from the main hotel to dine at either the Michelin Starred SOURCE or Gilpin Spice.

Our bars are open from 10:00 to 24:00 serving an extensive list of wines, champagnes, drinks, beers, as well as non-alcoholic options. You can check prices in our online menus. Our room service can bring you any drink available at our bar to the comfort of your room. Drinks are all paid separately.
BREAKFAST: 08:00 – 10:00 LUNCH: 12:00-15:00 (Gilpin Spice only) DINNER: 18:00 – 21:30

All our restaurants are open to non-residents.

All of our menus include plant based dishes.
Wake up to our delicious and complete breakfast which is cooked to order and served to your table (no buffet!) or via room service if you prefer. The breakfast is already included in your room rate if booked directly with us and is served daily from 8 am to 10.30 am.

From the comfort of your room you can order room service between 8am – 10 pm, with drinks and delicious meals and snacks available from our room service menus.

We clearly mark all of the major allergens on our menus.

As we offer three restaurants and room service menus, food & beverages from outside of Gilpin cannot be brought in.

Unfortunately we do not have an exclusive space for babies, as we only accept children 7 years and older.

Please note the dress code is smart casual.

SPA

For Gilpin Hotel guests we provide complimentary passes to Choices Health Club in Troutbeck Bridge. There is also a pool and other facilities, but please be aware that this is a fitness centre, not a hotel spa.
Please note children’s swimming lessons take place Mon/Tue/Thu: 14:15-18:30 and Sat: 09:30-12:30, so it gets very busy.

For Gilpin Lake House guests the private facilities on the estate include a swimming pool, saunas, hot tubs and spa. Please note that due to the small size of the Lake House we are unable to invite Gilpin Hotel guests to use the facilities; the house is also frequently booked for exclusive use.

For guests staying at Gilpin Hotel we provide complimentary passes to Choices Health Club in Troutbeck Bridge, which has a large gym, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna & steam room; please note this is a fitness centre, not a hotel spa.

For guests staying at Gilpin Lake House there is an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs and saunas; please note that these spa facilities are only available for residents of the Lake House, so please book your stay at the Lake House if these facilities are important to you.

Unfortunately we do not have a gym at the hotel. For hotel guests we provide complimentary passes to Choices Health Club in Troutbeck Bridge. The facilities includes a large gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and indoor hot tub. Please be aware that this is a fitness centre, not a hotel spa.

Whilst we don’t have a public sauna at Gilpin Hotel, the Spa Lodges and Spa Suites each have their own sauna, steam room and hot tub.

For guests at Gilpin Lake House (on a separate estate a mile away) there is a pool, saunas and hot tubs. Please note that due to the small size of the Lake House we are unable to invite Gilpin Hotel guests to use the facilities; the house is also frequently booked for exclusive use.

You can book a massage service at an additional cost. Please book in advance with our team on our spa page.

LOCATION

Our hotel is located 5 minutes away by car to the nearest town Windermere, or 3 minutes to the nearest village Bowness-on-Windermere.
Cumbria’s average annual temperature is 58°F. During summer the average maximum temperature ranges from 65 to 70 °F and during the coldest months the minimum temperatures are between 45 and 50 °F. In order to enjoy Cumbria’s fells, it’s usually is better to do so between March and October, occasionally November. It is common to get brief showers in the summer, so an umbrella is recommended. Beyond the summer, cold can sometimes show up unexpectedly, so it is a good idea to bring a coat.
Have you got a year to spare? You’ll need that amount of time and more if you want to make a real dent in the list of incredible activities available in the Lake District, Cumbria. Below are a just few favourite suggestions but there are so many more, please just ask!

Yes – the Beatrix Potter Walk is around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the villages of Sawrey and Hawkshead to take in the sights and sounds that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter.

Along the way you will be able to walk through the lovely woods of Cockshott Point that she bequeathed to the National Trust and to visit her house, Hill Top in Near Sawrey. You can make the walk as long or as short as you like by making use of either the shuttle bus or the ferry bus to suit your own itinerary.

Length of route (miles) – 13 Typical duration of route – 5 – 6 hours

There are a few! Sizergh is an imposing house that stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden.

Still lived in by the Strickland family, Sizergh has many tales to tell and certainly feels lived in, with centuries-old portraits and fine furniture sitting alongside modern family photographs. The exceptional wood panelling culminates in the Inlaid Chamber, returned here in 1999 from the Victoria and Albert Museum. The 647-hectare (1,600-acre) estate includes limestone pasture, orchards and semi-natural woodland. Contains some of the finest Elizabethan carved overmantels in the country.

Windermere Jetty is a spectacular new museum on the shores of Windermere that showcases the sights, smells and sounds of life on the lake. Steam launches, sailing yachts, motor boats and record-breaking speed boats are exhibited in the boathouse, on the water, and in our exhibition galleries, while live conservation workshop are open every day – where you can see our collection of historic boats as they are painstakingly restored. Hear tales of workers and boat owners, their lives and adventures, and discover the fascinating developments in design and technology that drove boat-building in the Lake District.

With stunning views of Lake Windermere on the private Graythwaite Estate, Graythwaite Adventure is the Lake District’s only purpose-built off-road course with instruction delivered by a qualified team. They’re happy to teach first time drivers and improve the skills of seasoned pros alike. Typically, each vehicle is booked by the hour for up to 4 people and it’s up to your party to decide how you divide your time behind the wheel. If you’d like longer, simply book a two-hour experience or two vehicles for one hour.

RECEPTION & CONCIERGE

Reception is covered 24/7.
Our WiFi connection is free in all areas and rooms of the hotel.
We are happy to look after your luggage before check-in or after check-out.
We have a washing and ironing service and an external dry cleaners; these are an additional cost.
Don’t worry, our reception is available 24/7 so there is always someone to welcome you to Gilpin. If you are arriving after 10pm please kindly call us to let us know on 015394-88818
Check-in is from 3:00 pm, and check-out is by 10:30 am.
Check-in from 3pm, but you are very welcome to arrive earlier and relax in the bar and lounges.
There is an open car park for our guests which is free to use.
The room services and our reception are all 24/7.
The public areas of the hotel and restaurants are accessible with accessible toilet for both restaurants. Unfortunately we do not have a lift at the hotel, but we have adapted one of our Garden Suites for wheelchair users which has designated parking just outside of the room, so guests staying there can drive to and from the public areas.
We understand how nice it is to bring your dog away with you and be able to walk the Lakeland fells and beyond. Dogs are welcome at Gilpin Hotel in two of our Garden Suites (named ‘Cat Bells’ & ‘Sergeant Man’) where we have created secure gardens for them to enjoy during their stay with us, straight from your room. Please note that dogs cannot visit the internal public areas in the hotel, and we don’t have any dog friendly rooms at Gilpin Lake House.

We understand how nice it is to bring your dog away with you and be able to walk the Lakeland fells and beyond. Dogs are welcome at Gilpin Hotel in two of our Garden Suites (named ‘Cat Bells’ & ‘Sergeant Man’) where we have created secure gardens for them to enjoy during their stay with us, straight from your room. Please note that dogs (unless registered service dogs) cannot visit the internal public areas in the hotel or restaurants and we don’t have any dog friendly rooms at Gilpin Lake House.

For recruitment please email your CV to our People Team at careers@thegilpin.co.uk, letting us know what position / department you would like to work in. Good luck!
We are a non-smoking hotel. There are designated areas outside of the hotel and our team will provide you with an ashtray when requested.
No. Gilpin welcomes children from the age of 7 years. Please note that not all of our bedrooms can accommodate an extra bed so we ask guests to contact us directly to ensure the room they wish to book can offer this. Additional charges will apply.

TRANSPORT

Click here for specific directions from the motorway to both Gilpin Hotel and to Gilpin Lake House.

Gilpin is located in between Windermere and Oxenholme (Kendal) railway stations, so either station is handy to get to by taxi. Whilst Windermere is closer, you will most likely have to change at Oxenholme to get there so it’s often quicker and easier to simply take a taxi from Oxenholme.

OXENHOLME (Kendal) – 8.7 miles – this is a national station on the main line between London Euston and Glasgow/Edinburgh. There are regular trains to and from London (approx 2.5 hrs) and Edinburgh and Glasgow (approx 2 hrs).

WINDERMERE – 4 miles – is a local station with some trains going direct to and from Manchester Airport (approx 2 hours).

NEAREST AIRPORTS

Manchester – 88 miles
Liverpool – 93 miles
Glasgow – 160 miles
Edinburgh – 143 miles
Birmingham – 165 miles
London Gatwick – 301 miles
London Heathrow – 268 miles
London Stanstead – 276 miles

From any airport you can hire a car (we recommend organising this in advance), or take a train to Oxenholme which is just 7 miles from Gilpin, and then take a taxi to travel from the station to us. Please let us know if you’d like us to book a taxi for you in advance.
Unfortunately we do not offer a transfer service. You can hire a car from Enterprise.co.uk in Kendal, or we can quote for a private taxi.
Cumbria has not yet embraced transportation apps! But we can recommend a couple of local taxi firms.

GUESS WHO’S BACK….

FIND THE GRINCH COMPETITION

Join us this December to hunt for everyone’s favourite cynical Christmas character and be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize!