LINTHWAITE HOUSE

WINDERMERE

The fleeting hour of life of those who love the hills is quickly spent, but the hills are eternal. Always there will be the lonely ridge, the dancing beck, the silent forest; always there will be the exhilaration of the summits. These are for the seeking, and those who seek and find while there is still time will be blessed both in mind and body.” 

― Alfred Wainwright

Linthwaite House sits above Lake Windermere and all the tourist attractions ,The town is walkable if you don’t mind a bit of an uphill walk on the way back. I am mid range fitness and huffed and puffed my way back up the hill after a day of exploring. More of that later !

We visited Linthwaite House prior to the renovations that have now been completed, transforming an already beautiful house into a top notch spot if Cumbria is your thing.

Which Room ? – This house has now been refurbished and there are only three pet friendly rooms, All three are deluxe rooms and have an access to outdoors directly from the bedroom for those last minute loo visits and an early morning leg stretch. Book early if you like to take your dog with you as space is limited.

Access all Areas ? – When we stayed here prior to the renovations you could sit in the sun room in the evening and take your dog with you to soak up the views and enjoy a gin or two , Alas this is no longer the case since the refurb. And so something to be aware of. Dogs are not allowed in any areas other than the bedroom and on the patio.. A bit chilly maybe in the winter months , while beautiful in the summer months.

The grounds are stunning , with oriental and manicured gardens , circular walks with beautiful views. The Pointer Dog and Foxy Roxy did have a little gallop around the Croquet lawn at dusk , rabbits all around ! Also just off the drive is lots of walking through rolling fields on public footpaths , however be aware there are sheep in most of the fields and dogs need to be kept on their leads. In some instances there may not be access at lambing time .. something to consider.

Further afield … You can walk down to Lake Windermere easily , it is just a winding road down the steep incline of the hill, approx 1 mile , remember you need to climb back up again later on ! maybe a taxi if you don’t fancy it .. Parking is a nightmare in Windermere so walking is preferable. Once in Windermere you hit the tourist areas , very busy, however you can walk around the lake ( to the left as you look onto it ) and there are some great little beaches where your dog can swim, there is also a little ferry further on around the lake that can take you over to the West Shore. On your return trip it does get busy and you may need to wait for a ferry or two before you get on it , the ferry also takes horses ! I have attached the link – https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/roads-transport/highways-pavements/windermereferry.asp. It is well worth a trip , in all the years I had been to Windermere prior to taking the dogs , we had not been to this part , it was a lovely little gem of a surprise . We had a super day. Be aware there are free ranging cows here .

It is a great little trip and the other side of the lake could not be more different than the bustle of the Windermere side . Lots of little beaches for your dog to swim in and large areas of ground to picnic , play ball or just sit and watch the ferry crossing all day long .

There is also a viewing point at Claife , I have attached the link ..

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore.

Well worth the walk up , it is beautiful , there is a little cafe at the bottom , it was a bit grubby when we went but the food was good . The viewing point is stunning. We had good weather to start but the rain poured a little later and so we got drenched , it remained beautiful in either setting, However Foxy Roxy got very cold and was shaking .. so pack for all eventualities ! Another MUST if in this area is to go to BOOT – Via the Wrynose and Harknott pass – it is one of THE most amazing drives you will ever do , not for the faint hearted but worth every moment … more of that in another blog …

Whats in it for the Humans ? – The food in the restaurant is out of this world , more recently Simon Rogan has taken over the food and beverage section and is the mentor to the Head Chef Brian .. It is a very romantic setting with fabulous and enthusiastic staff to cater for your every need . Dogs can be left in the room ( if they are happy to be left ) while you while away an afternoon for late lunch or a romantic dinner or indeed a leisurely breakfast with superb service with local produce being served up to the table.

In warm weather you can sit with your dog on the terrace and enjoy lunch while soaking up the views of the lake. Please note this hotel is on a hill above Windermere and so if you are planning walking a lot into town this may need to be considered.

Packing List ? – Walking clothes, good walking shoes or trainers if you want to venture out , otherwise cosy clothes to relax and unwind at the House , play croquet or something a little more fancy for evening dinner , It is not formal but smart Casual would go down very well in this setting.

Budget £££ – Currently they have an offer on ( November) that is £340.00 per night to include £45 towards dinner PP – rooms without dinner are £240.00 today.

Would we return again ? – I am not so sure since the changes in the dog access , As much as we certainly do not expect our dog to eat in any restaurant ( apart from when in France ;-)) in any way , we do like them to come to the bar so we don’t have to worry about them being left for long periods of time. Plus the Pointer Dog is like a magnet to people , everyone stops to talk when he is around and we have met many interesting people since we have taken him away with us. Maybe we will visit again when we have a dog free weekend, just to enjoy the food and the new refurb elements.