Rothay Manor
Country chic with genuine warmth. Fell-and-forest colour palettes, crackling fires, squishy sofas, and free-standing baths. Smart without being stiff.
Book a Pavilion Garden Suite for the most privacy — private courtyard gardens give you the feel of your own little hideaway
Why It Matters
4 AA Red Stars, Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, Michelin-starred chef Simon Ulph leading Rowan restaurant, and one of the few truly boutique hotels in the Lake District with a dedicated dog washroom and Ruff-and-Tumble dog dressing gowns. Virginia Woolf once stayed here.
A Grade II listed Regency manor house built in the 1820s, Rothay Manor sits just outside Ambleside town centre with the fells right outside the door and Lake Windermere a 15-minute walk away. Husband-and-wife owners Jamie and Jenna Shail — who spent 13 years running ski chalets in France — took over in 2016 and gave it a proper refresh, adding a contemporary Pavilion wing with eight new suites. The result is 23 individually designed rooms, a Michelin-starred chef in the kitchen, and an easy-going atmosphere that feels more like staying with friends than checking in to a hotel.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Buttermere Suite (Pavilion Garden Suite with Hot Tub)
The top-of-the-range Pavilion suite. A large wraparound window looks out onto the private courtyard garden where a cedar wood hot tub awaits. Earthy tones, sumptuous furnishings, double monsoon shower, free-standing bath and twin sinks inside. Dog-friendly. This one books up fast — especially on weekends.
Classic Plus Rooms (Nan Bield, Gatescarth, Hardknott)
Stylish and spacious rooms in the main house, individually designed with chic country interiors. Good size upgrade from the Classic, with more space to spread out.
Classic Room (Kirkstone)
The only Classic Room, Kirkstone sits on the ground floor with a small private terrace for getting a bit of fresh air. Compact but well-appointed in the hotel's signature country style with fell-and-forest colour palette.
Crummock Suite (Pavilion Junior Suite with Balcony)
Dual-aspect Pavilion suite with a full balcony — not just a Juliet balcony — with views toward Wansfell Pike. High ceilings give it an airy, elegant feel. Double monsoon shower and free-standing bath in the stylish bathroom.
Fairfield Suite
One of the hotel's signature rooms. A private staircase leads up to a lounge area with whimsical Melissa White wallpaper and soft blue tones, sofa and two armchairs. The bedroom above has exposed beams, a super-king or twin bed and long views down the River Rothay toward Lake Windermere. Free-standing bath in the bedroom itself. Dog-friendly. Sleeps up to three.
Super-king or twinPavilion Garden Suites (Blelham, Esthwaite, Grisedale)
Three larger suites in the Pavilion with sliding doors opening onto private terraced courtyard gardens. All have two sofas or sofa plus armchairs, enormous beds, free-standing baths and twin-sink bathrooms. Dog-friendly. Blelham is also fully accessible and can accommodate an extra bed.
Pavilion Junior Suites (Moss Eccles, Easedale, Codale)
Three individually designed suites in the contemporary Pavilion building. Each has a Juliet balcony with garden views, free-standing bath, twin sinks and a large rainfall shower. Slightly smaller than the Garden Suites but beautifully finished and very private.
Red Screes Suite (Garden Suite with Hot Tub)
Located in the Fairfield wing, this is a standout room. The conservatory-style seating area has a gas-fired stove, and French doors lead to a private courtyard with a Jacuzzi. Melissa White wallpaper, soft cream tones, and a handmade Yorkshire super-king bed. Dog-friendly and can accommodate a family with an extra bed.
Super-king or twinSuperior Courtyard Rooms (Scandale)
Dog-friendly superior rooms with direct access to private courtyard areas. Wooden floors and practical outdoor access make these a practical favourite for guests arriving with dogs.
Superior Plus Rooms (Colwith)
On the first floor of the main house, these are among the most popular rooms for couples. All have balconies looking out over the gardens and the fells — the kind of spot where a G&T at dusk becomes compulsory.
Superior Rooms (Aira)
A step up in space and outlook. These rooms either have a private balcony overlooking the gardens and fells or access to a courtyard garden — good for a morning coffee outside.
The Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
E-bikes delivered directly to the hotel door by E-Bike Safaris, with curated route cards and panniers included. A good way to cover more ground without getting completely wrecked on the hills.
Fully private experiences on the 5,000-acre Graythwaite Estate near Windermere, including clay pigeon shooting, archery, axe throwing, bushcraft, and seasonal RIB tours on the lake. All private, no groups.
Private and group guided hikes arranged through Ambleside Adventure, covering routes from classic horseshoe rounds like Fairfield to the exposed ridges of Striding Edge. Takes the navigation stress out of big days in the hills.
Off-road driving experiences with Kankku, who take guests to lesser-known corners of the Lakes in 4WD vehicles. Good for beginners and experienced drivers alike.
Private and group tours collected from the hotel door. Options range from a Beatrix Potter half-day to the full-day Ten Lakes Spectacular. Operated by Mountain Goat, established 1972.
Lake Windermere is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel can point guests in the direction of local operators for water sports on England's largest lake.
Five walking routes personally tried and tested by owners Jamie and Jenna Shail, covering everything from gentle ambles into Ambleside to bigger fell expeditions. Guides are placed in every bedroom.
Guided wild swimming in the Lake District's lakes and tarns via Swim The Lakes. Suitable for beginners learning cold-water acclimatisation or experienced swimmers on adventure swims. The hotel has a dedicated dog washroom for post-swim muddy dogs too.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and in all rooms.
The Brathay Room lounge and bar — the social heart of the hotel. Dogs welcome here. Pre-dinner drinks, afternoon coffees, and evening drinks served throughout the day.
Mini-fridge in all bedrooms and suites. Some suites include Nespresso machines with fresh milk.
Limited-hours room service available.
Full-size luxury toiletries from Bath House (a local brand) in all bathrooms.
In-room safe in all bedrooms and suites.
All rooms have flatscreen TVs with Sky subscription included.
Mature landscaped gardens surrounding the original manor house, with a sunny terrace for outdoor dining and drinks. No immediate neighbours, giving the property a very private feel.
Dedicated dog washroom with doggy shower for rinsing off muddy paws after fell walks. Ruff and Tumble dog dressing gowns provided. Dogs pay £25/night (max £75/stay). Welcome treats on arrival.
Concierge desk with knowledgeable local recommendations for walks, activities and restaurants beyond the hotel.
Dry cleaning and laundry service available for guests.
24-hour front desk staffed throughout the day and night.
Free parking available for all resident guests. Note: some parking was more limited during recent redevelopment works but sufficient spaces exist for all guests.
Electric vehicle charging points on-site.
BUILD YOUR ROTHAY MANOR PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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