Lake District’s Gilpin Hotel named among Britain’s best for 2025

The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House in Windermere has been ranked among the very best in Britain after being crowned the ‘Best in the North’ at the prestigious Good Hotel Guide César Awards 2025.
Often described as the “Oscars of hotel keeping,” the César Awards honour outstanding hotels, B&Bs and inns across the UK and Ireland, with winners selected through reader reports and expert editorial reviews.
In its glowing assessment, the Good Hotel Guide praised Gilpin as offering ‘Lakeland luxury at its finest’, highlighting its Michelin starred dining, private hot tubs in most rooms, and attentive, thoughtful service.
The hotel is known for its standout accommodation, including its spectacular glass cube spa suites built over a pond, each featuring a private garden, spa room and circular bath. Guests can also choose from cedar clad spa lodges or Scandi style garden suites complete with hot tubs and saunas tucked into the wooded grounds.
Inside the main Edwardian house, smart country house rooms come with spa access, while the nearby Lake House around a mile away offers six elegant rooms with a shared indoor pool and tranquil woodland spa.
Food is a major draw at the Gilpin, with its Michelin starred restaurant, Source, serving dishes such as smoked eel with dashi and cucumber ketchup, and aged Herdwick hogget with sheep’s yoghurt. Guests can also enjoy Pan Asian flavours at Spice, sip drinks in the modern cocktail bar, or relax in the expansive sofa filled sitting room.
General manager Thomas Ferrante said the team was “truly honoured” by the win, praising the Good Hotel Guide’s reputation for honest and independent reviews.
“This recognition means a lot to us,” he said. “It reflects the dedication of our wonderful team. Luxury, to us, should always feel personal we want guests to feel welcomed, relaxed, and cared for, as if they are staying with family.”
Ferrante added that whether visitors come for Michelin starred dining, spa experiences or peaceful moments in a private hot tub, the aim is to create “unique, thoughtful and unforgettable” stays.
“This award reinforces our commitment to offering exceptional hospitality in the heart of the beautiful Lake District,” he said.