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The best budget hotels in the Lake District for hearty food, good walks and cosy rooms at an affordable price

The Cuckoo Brow Inn - one of the best cheap hotels in the Lake District
The Cuckoo Brow Inn - one of the best cheap hotels in the Lake District

These are unusual times, and the state of affairs can change quickly. Please check the latest travel guidance before making your journey. Note that our writer visited pre-pandemic.

As Britain’s most popular National Park, the Lake District understandably experiences huge demand for its hotels, inns and b&bs. And, yes, they can be pricey – and some are flashy with Michelin stars, hot tubs and spas. But while you might not think it's possible to find a cheap hotel in the Lake District without sacrificing luxury, it’s not all country-house grandeur or boutique-chic. If you’re content with a comfortable warm bedroom, a fuel-filled breakfast and a cheery welcome, prices can be affordable. Many of these budget places are run by their owners, some have staggering views and, often, they’re dog and family-friendly, too. Here’s our pick of the best budget hotels in the Lake District.

A mile north of Grasmere, this family-run farmhouse, originally part of a sheep farm, has been smartly converted using lots of wood, slate and light, creating a cool-rustic feel inside. The seven rooms, squeezed onto two floors above the bistro, have wonderful views of the surrounding fields with fells opposite and to the rear and come with sofa beds and en-suite bathrooms. Food is above-average modern European fare with classic dishes given a tasty twist and packed lunches are available. Dogs are allowed in one room for £20 per stay, plus there’s a drying room and bike storage. There’s a guest sitting room, a small south-facing terrace and a pub five minutes’ walk away.

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With 17th-century origins the inn has determinedly kept its traditional character (think low-beamed bars and a whitewashed exterior). The hotel is geared to lovers of the outdoors; there are maps to borrow, walking routes from the pub, a drying room and dogs are welcomed for £10 per night. Traditional pub entertainments – folk, poetry, open-mic sessions – happen on regular weeknights and it’s almost inevitable that you'll end up joining in the bar banter. The star feature is the huge, grass-terraced beer garden with dreamy views down the valley to Windermere. The 12 rooms have all a weary walker needs: a hot bath, comfortable bed and an uplifting view to get you going the next morning.

The best hotels in the Lake District

This family-friendly roadside inn, just a mile from the western shore of Lake Windermere, has been transformed from a former stables and courtyard into a sprawling mish-mash of styles: think old oak staircases, big bay windows and a welcoming mix of faded rugs on wooden floors. The 14 rooms all have the same contemporary-country style with large wool headboards and simple painted wooden furniture. There’s cycle storage and fireplaces for drying boots, plus a hose for cleaning down dogs, a blackboard with information on local events (guided walks, country shows), a small shop and a separate bar and beer garden that's ideal for families and larger groups. Food is above-average pub fare.

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Although only three miles from the southern end of Lake Windermere, this is a little-visited area of the Lakes and has a quiet setting with sensational views and all the right ingredients - cosy snugs, toasty fires, low-beamed ceilings, plus handsome cooking and decent ales. Rooms are simple: there are five two-level suites and two cottages, the latter sleeping four or six and both offering a self-catering option. All rooms have a simple, contemporary-rustic style of stripped-wood floors, chunky wooden furniture, tartan throws and curtains, and battered leather chairs. Decorations are sparse; bathrooms small and simple; all rooms have a patio (private or shared); and all but two have uninterrupted views over the Winster Valley.

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Though the original Georgian private house has lost much of its handsome symmetry through later extensions, inside the style is warm and cheery with traditional-patterned carpets, an oak-panelled and beamed bar busy with gilt-framed paintings and horse brasses, a smart lounge and 1980s-style conservatory dining room plus a merry warren of corridors and staircases. The feel is comfortably traditional but welcoming with generously sized rooms, most with a bath and shower. This place knows its guests well, offering good-value, classic pub dishes – steak and ale pie, gammon and egg – in the friendly bar plus more refined food in the smarter Garden View restaurant.

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This typical Lakeland coaching inn, all whitewashed walls and black window mouldings, dates back to the 1600s and is deceptively large, stretching back from the road along on a grassy river bank. Inside, there's a series of cosy bar areas, a decent fire, a smart dining room and plenty of horse brasses, copper kettles and sepia photographs of countryside activities. Food is handsomely presented and designed to fuel you up for the day or replenish batteries in the evening. Smallish rooms are simple, though comfortable; most have wake-you-up views of the striking Melbreak fell. Bathrooms are bright but functional.

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The laidback, breezy atmosphere at this environmentally principled Grasmere b&b hits as soon as you enter, with a huge hallway, tiny reception counter and – if you arrive between 3pm and 6pm – help-yourself teas, coffee and homemade organic cake. Guests can borrow the washing machine or use the kitchen to make packed lunches, warm up food or pop wine in the fridge (there's also a small range of organic wine for sale). Dogs are welcome (£20 per stay) plus there's a drying room, cycle storage and print-outs of local walks. The large breakfast-cum-sitting-room is a little stark but great for people-watching passing tourists.

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The prime spot in Keswick is in the centre of The Heads, a curving road that overlooks the park at the northern edge of Derwentwater, and with views up Borrowdale. Howe Keld is at one end of that road with uninterrupted views from the front to the fells on the far shores of the lake and beyond. This is Laura and her Swiss-chef husband's home, together with their two children, which makes for a relaxed, unstuffy atmosphere. Both are outdoorsy and will happily advise on walks, lend maps and cycle routes, dry clothes and boots, and store bikes. They can also arrange discounted tickets for both the lake launches (boat trips) and Keswick's Theatre by the Lake. It's breakfast-only here (cold buffet and cooked dishes).

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The Woolpack is an Eskdale landmark (practically the last building in the valley) and resolutely a traditional pub that happens to offer accommodation. It may be primarily a walkers' inn but it doesn't stint on extras to make a stay comfortable: free transfers from Dalegarth station; drying room and bicycle storage; packed lunches; and free bathroom use (to refresh if you've checked out but had a day on the fells). Guests qualify for a discount at the next-door West Lakes Adventure activity centre, and dogs are welcome (£5 per night). For chilling out, there are plenty of little corners, a pool table, board games and a beer garden plus regular live music nights and festivals. The food is where this place shines, offering creative and unexpected cooking.

All prices cited are from Booking.com subject to change during popular holidays and events.

A complete guide to the best places to stay in the Lake District