If you’ve ever fancied feeling like you’re on the set of The Notebook (sadly with no Ryan Gosling), I’ve got just the place for you.
For Christmas last year, my boyfriend bought me a weekend stay at Gilpin Hotel and Lake House which is a luxury retreat with spa treatments set in the countryside of the Lake District – not too far from Windermere.
The Resort
There’s a hotel with roughly 30 rooms and a Lakehouse (which is where we stayed) which is much smaller, with only 6 rooms. We shared a communal lounge and dining room and had our own huge bedroom and bathroom.
The hotel and lake house are about a five minute drive from each other.
Food
There’s a Michelin starred restaurant called Hirishi on site at the hotel which we dined in on the Saturday evening.
They offer a vegan tasting menu or an a la carte menu.
There’s also an Indian restaurant called Spice which we ate from on the Friday evening (we had the food delivered to the dining room of the Lake House). Both of the restaurants offered vegan options. It’s not a vegan paradise by any means but you can get by. I thought the vegan options at all restaurants were just alright but they did the job.
Breakfast, which is included in the cost, has a few vegan options including toast with spreads, cooked breakfasts including beans, mushrooms, tomatoes and sausages, fresh fruit and cereals (they offer vegan milks).
The Spa Package
At the Lake House, they offer a spa package which we took part in. Firstly, we had a half hour massage in one of the most beautiful venues I’ve ever seen, then we were taken to the boat house for an hour where we relaxed with soft drinks. My boyfriend had some cream and scones and I had a fresh fruit platter while we overlooked the lake in complete serenity.
After an hour here, we were taken to the indoor pool which we had exclusive use of for another hour (as well as mocktails).
We then finished the tour with an hour in the hot tub with champagne. It’s important to note that you can swim in the lake if you’re feeling brave enough but we felt it was a little too bold for March!
Transport
In terms of transport, it took us three hours to get a train from London Euston to Oxenholme station. It was then a £30, 20 minute taxi ride to the resort.
The Area
If you do have a car, it might be nice to drive up as it’s not too far from Windermere and there are some nice places to drive to including Beatrix Potter’s house but we didn’t get bored at the venue for two days without a car at all.
I’m not sure what the price is as this was a gift for me but if you look on the website, you’ll be able to grab the full details on the pricing.
I was also asked about whether they serve gluten free options and if it’s dog friendly. I can’t confidently answer either so best to check those with the venue for certainty.
Let me know if you go, would love to know what you think!