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5-star hotels in Penrith
This shortlist gathers Penrith's 5-star hotels, from lakeside retreats on Ullswater to country houses and town guest houses. It is for travellers who want the top-rated stays around Penrith and the northern Lake District, whether for a romantic break, a family holiday or a walking base.
Staying in Penrith
Penrith is a historic market town and a gateway to the Lake District, with the northern lakes like Ullswater only a short drive away. The town centre has shops, restaurants, cafes and the ruins of Penrith Castle, and the surrounding countryside offers walking and cycling routes in the Eden Valley and the North Pennines. The 5-star hotels on this list spread beyond the town into the villages and fells around it, so a car is useful for reaching them.
The addresses show where these hotels sit: Waterfoot Park at Pooley Bridge, at the northern end of Ullswater; Waternook and Glenridding House by Ullswater; Roundthorn Country House and Beacon View on Beacon Edge and at Langlands, close to the town; Brooklands 5 Star Guest House on Portland Place in Penrith; and others at Brougham, Culgaith, Staffield, Watermillock and Orton Road. That spread suits couples seeking lake views, families wanting space and gardens, and business or short-break visitors who prefer a quiet country base within easy reach of the town.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Waterfoot Park
Waterfoot Park Pooley Bridge, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereWaterfoot Park sits 3.1 km from Penrith at Pooley Bridge, with lake and river frontage on the doorstep. Families and pet owners settle in easily: kitchens with ovens and dishwashers, plus patios, a garden, a playground and table tennis keep everyone occupied. The 4.6 rating from 456 reviews reflects how consistently guests rate it.
See Waterfoot ParkWaternook Lakeside Accommodation
Waternook Howtown Ullswater The Lake District Penrithcumbriathe Lake District Ca10 2Nd, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Sauna
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereWaternook Lakeside Accommodation is the pick for guests who want Ullswater itself, 8.2 km from Penrith, with a private beach and fishing on site. A spa, sauna and jacuzzi suit slower days, while bicycle hire and horse riding cover the active ones. Just 26 reviews, but they average 4.8 out of 5.
See Waternook Lakeside AccommodationLlamas Pyjamas
Brougham Penrith Ca10 2Ab Uk, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Internet access
Why stay hereLlamas Pyjamas offers a 5-star base 6.8 km from Penrith with breakfast included, parking and internet access, and a babysitting service for guests travelling with children. A straightforward choice for those who want the essentials covered near town.
See Llamas PyjamasRoundthorn Country House and Luxury Apartments
Beacon Edge, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Family rooms
Why stay hereRoundthorn Country House and Luxury Apartments stands 6.3 km from Penrith at Beacon Edge, pairing a restaurant, bar and room service with apartments that include kitchens and kitchenettes. Family rooms, babysitting and special diets make it work for groups and longer stays.
See Roundthorn Country House and Luxury ApartmentsLaurel House
Culgaith Penrith Culgaithpenrithcumbria, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereLaurel House is a 5-star retreat at Culgaith, 12.9 km from Penrith, with free parking, free Wifi and a garden, plus lunch and special diets for guests with particular needs. Best for travellers who want quiet countryside and a non-smoking house.
See Laurel HouseStaffield Hall Country Retreats
Staffield Nr Kirkoswald Penrith Kirkoswald Ca10 1Eu United Kingdom Kirkoswald, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereStaffield Hall Country Retreats at Kirkoswald, 16.9 km from Penrith, offers suites with a garden, terrace and picnic area, and pets are welcome. Free parking and free Wifi, with laundry service for longer visits.
See Staffield Hall Country RetreatsGlenridding House
Glenrridding Lake Ullswater, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Sauna
- Car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereGlenridding House looks over Ullswater at Glenridding, 13.7 km from Penrith, and pairs a restaurant and lounge with a spa, sauna and jacuzzi. Breakfast is included, the beach is nearby, and bicycle hire and horse riding are on hand. Wheelchair accessible.
See Glenridding HouseLake View luxury home with Lake Ullswater view & 2 ground floor bedrooms ideal for 2 families
Brackenrigg Cottage Watermillock Penrith Ca11 0Lp, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThis Lake View luxury home at Watermillock, 4.9 km from Penrith, is built around its Ullswater view and its 2 ground floor bedrooms, which make it practical for 2 families. Free parking, free Wifi, a garden and non-smoking rooms.
See Lake View luxury home with Lake Ullswater view & 2 ground floor bedrooms ideal for 2 familiesBeacon View
Langlands Pallethill, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereBeacon View, 4.3 km from Penrith at Langlands Pallethill, is an apartment-style 5-star stay with full kitchens, family rooms and express check-in. Patios, a garden and picnic area extend the living space, and free parking keeps arrival simple.
See Beacon ViewLake District Cottage in 1 Acre Gardens Off M6
Lake District Holiday Homes Orton Road Primrose Court, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereSet in 1 acre of gardens off the M6, 25.6 km from Penrith, this cottage suits guests who want space and sport: a tennis court, fishing, canoe and ski access, plus a jacuzzi and spa after. Pets allowed, with family rooms and full kitchen facilities.
See Lake District Cottage in 1 Acre Gardens Off M6The Barracks
Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Barracks is a 5-star house 10.6 km from Penrith with a fireplace, kitchen and washing machine, plus a garage and garden. Pets are allowed, making it a workable stay for guests travelling with a dog.
See The BarracksThe Laburnums
Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Laburnums shares the same formula 4.1 km from Penrith: kitchen, fireplace, washing machine and garage, with a garden and non-smoking rooms. A dependable house for guests who want to self-cater close to town.
See The LaburnumsBrooklands 5 Star Guest House
2 Portland Place, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereBrooklands 5 Star Guest House at 2 Portland Place, 4.7 km from Penrith, adds extras to the guest-house format: bike rental, diving, fishing and horse riding, with a garden and parking. Special diets are catered for and smoking areas are provided.
See Brooklands 5 Star Guest HouseLake District cottage in 1 acre gardens off M6
Lake District Holiday Homes Orton Road Primrose Court, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereThis Lake District cottage in 1 acre of gardens off the M6, 25.6 km from Penrith, offers a tennis court, jacuzzi, fishing and family rooms, with wheelchair access. Pets allowed, and full kitchen and laundry facilities for longer stays.
See Lake District cottage in 1 acre gardens off M6Nurses Cottage
Nurses House_X000d_Helton Road_X000d_Askham_X000d_, Penrith, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereNurses Cottage at Askham, 4.3 km from Penrith, is a 5-star house with a fireplace, kitchen, washing machine and garage.
See Nurses Cottage
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfoot Park | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 3.1 km |
| Waternook Lakeside Accommodation | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 8.2 km |
| Llamas Pyjamas | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 6.8 km |
| Roundthorn Country House and Luxury Apartments | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – | 6.3 km |
| Laurel House | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 12.9 km |
| Staffield Hall Country Retreats | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 16.9 km |
| Glenridding House | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 13.7 km |
| Lake View luxury home with Lake Ullswater view & 2 ground floor bedrooms ideal for 2 families | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 4.9 km |
| Beacon View | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 4.3 km |
| Lake District Cottage in 1 Acre Gardens Off M6 | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 25.6 km |
| The Barracks | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 10.6 km |
| The Laburnums | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 4.1 km |
| Brooklands 5 Star Guest House | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 4.7 km |
| Lake District cottage in 1 acre gardens off M6 | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 25.6 km |
| Nurses Cottage | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 4.3 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These hotels have the facilities families ask for. Waterfoot Park and Roundthorn Country House and Luxury Apartments offer family rooms, cots, high chairs, playgrounds or picnic areas. Beacon View and the Lake District cottages on Orton Road provide kitchens, washing machines and gardens, while Nurses Cottage adds a fireplace and garage.
Waterfoot Park · Roundthorn Country House and Luxury Apartments · Beacon View · Lake District Cottage in 1 Acre Gardens Off M6 · Lake District cottage in 1 acre gardens off M6 · Nurses Cottage
For couples
Waternook Lakeside Accommodation has a private beach, jacuzzi, sauna and spa, and Glenridding House offers a lounge, restaurant and lake setting. Staffield Hall Country Retreats provides suites and terraces, and The Barracks and The Laburnums have fireplaces and gardens for a quiet two-person stay.
Waternook Lakeside Accommodation · Glenridding House · Staffield Hall Country Retreats · The Barracks · The Laburnums
Closest to the centre
The Laburnums, Beacon View, Nurses Cottage and Waterfoot Park are all within a few kilometres of the centre, making them handy for the town's shops, restaurants and railway station. Brooklands 5 Star Guest House on Portland Place is the most central address, with free Wifi and parking.
The Laburnums · Beacon View · Nurses Cottage · Waterfoot Park · Brooklands 5 Star Guest House
Top-rated picks
Waternook Lakeside Accommodation holds the highest guest score, 4.8 out of 5 from 26 reviews, with a spa, sauna, private beach and lake setting. Waterfoot Park follows at 4.6 from 456 reviews, with a long list of facilities including a playground, table tennis and badminton.
Where to stay in Penrith
Pooley Bridge
A village at the northern end of Ullswater, popular for lakeside walks and boat trips, with a selection of inns and hotels. Waterfoot Park sits here, 3.1 km from Penrith centre, with a lake, river, garden and terrace, plus free car parking for exploring the area.
Our picks here: Waterfoot Park
Ullswater
Ullswater is one of the most scenic lakes in the region, and these hotels sit by its shores. Waternook Lakeside Accommodation at Howtown has a private beach, spa and jacuzzi, while Glenridding House at Glenridding offers a lounge, restaurant and sauna, both well placed for lakeside walks.
Our picks here: Waternook Lakeside Accommodation · Glenridding House
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Penrith is on the West Coast Main Line, with direct trains from London Euston, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. The M6 motorway passes nearby, with junctions 40 and 41 serving the town, and Newcastle and Durham to the east are accessible via the A66. For local travel, buses connect Penrith to surrounding villages and towns, including Keswick and Ullswater. Driving is convenient for exploring the Lake District, though some rural roads are narrow. The town is compact enough to walk around, but a car or bicycle is useful for reaching nearby attractions.
When to go
The best time to visit Penrith is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the days are long. Summer brings the most visitors, especially to the Lake District, so accommodation can be busy. Spring and autumn offer quieter conditions and pleasant walking weather. Winter can be cold and wet, with shorter daylight hours, but the town remains open and some attractions are less crowded. Rainfall is possible throughout the year, so packing waterproof clothing is advisable.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to Penrith centre?
Waterfoot Park at Pooley Bridge is 3.1 km from the centre, followed by The Laburnums and Nurses Cottage at 4.3 km and Beacon View at 4.3 km. Brooklands 5 Star Guest House on Portland Place is the most central address, 4.7 km from the centre.
Which hotels have parking?
Parking is available at most, including Waterfoot Park, Waternook Lakeside Accommodation, Roundthorn Country House and Luxury Apartments, Laurel House, Glenridding House and Brooklands 5 Star Guest House. Many specify free car parking; Llamas Pyjamas and Beacon View also list parking.
Which hotels allow pets?
Pets are allowed at Waterfoot Park, Waternook Lakeside Accommodation, Staffield Hall Country Retreats, the Lake District cottages on Orton Road, The Barracks and Nurses Cottage. The other hotels on this list do not state that pets are allowed.
Do any hotels have a pool or spa?
None of the hotels list a swimming pool. Spa facilities are listed at Waternook Lakeside Accommodation and Glenridding House, along with a sauna at both. Waternook also has a jacuzzi and massage, Glenridding House a jacuzzi, and the Orton Road cottages a jacuzzi, adding to the wellness options.
Which hotels are best for families?
Waterfoot Park and Roundthorn Country House and Luxury Apartments list family rooms, cots, high chairs, playground or picnic areas. Beacon View and the Lake District cottages on Orton Road offer kitchens, washing machines and gardens, and Nurses Cottage provides a fireplace and garage.
Do any hotels serve breakfast?
Breakfast is listed at Llamas Pyjamas, Roundthorn Country House and Luxury Apartments, and Glenridding House. Roundthorn also offers breakfast in room, and lunch or restaurant service, while the self-catering cottages and apartments generally provide kitchens instead.
Which is the top-rated hotel on this list?
Waternook Lakeside Accommodation has the highest guest score, 4.8 out of 5 from 26 reviews. Waterfoot Park follows at 4.6 out of 5 from 456 reviews, giving it by far the largest number of guest reviews among these 5-star hotels.
How far are these hotels from Ullswater?
Waternook Lakeside Accommodation is at Howtown on Ullswater, and Glenridding House is at Glenridding on the lake. Waterfoot Park is at Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater, while the Lake District cottage on Orton Road is 25.6 km from Penrith centre.