The Old England Hotel Address: 23 Church Street, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3DF
Website: https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/old-england
Phone: 0344 879 9144
Email: general.oldengland@macdonald-hotels.co.uk
Facebook: @MacdonaldOldEngland
Watch the video of The Old England Hotel
Georgian Charm
My recent stay at the Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa in Bowness-on-Windermere was exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed.
As soon as I walked through the revolving doors, I felt a refined elegance. The hotel has retained its Georgian charm — think high ceilings, ornate cornicing and a warm, inviting atmosphere that only a building with this much history can possess. Yet, it never feels like you have to put on any airs and graces.
Warm and intuitive Service
Without a doubt, the staff are the heartbeat of the place. From the effortless check-in with the concierge, who seemed genuinely happy to welcome me, to the friendly bar and restaurant team, the service was consistently warm, helpful and intuitive. It felt like being welcomed into a grand house, rather than just another hotel.
Lake View Suite
My suite was one of the highlights of my stay. As I opened the door, I was stopped in my tracks by uninterrupted, panoramic views of Lake Windermere. I needed a moment just to take it all in. It really was something else watching the sun rise and fall over the water, each day bringing a new, living picture that I could admire from my bed.
The room was decorated to complement the character of the building as well as the landscape outside. Thoughtful touches such as fluffy robes, Penhaligon’s toiletries, Nespresso coffee machine and Egyptian cotton bed linen brought the luxury.
Prime Location
One of the greatest advantages of The Old England Hotel is its prime location. Being right on the water’s edge in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, meant the entire town was on my doorstep. I wandered around the shops, watched the boats come and go and popped into one of the local bars. If you’re looking for things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere, you can cruise along the lake to Ambleside, visit the World of Beatrix Potter or walk along the shoreline to Bowness Bay. I chose to walk up to Orrest Head, a panoramic viewpoint that takes in Windermere and some of the area’s most iconic fells.
Lakeview Restaurant and Terrace Lounge
After my 6-mile hike, returning to the hotel felt like I was in some kind of heavenly oasis. With a glass of chilled wine in hand, I sat in the Terrace Lounge and took in the views across the water, before heading down to the Lakeview Restaurant for dinner.
Now, let me talk about the food. On my first evening, I started with the ham hock croquette -perfectly crisp on the outside and wonderfully tender inside. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! For the main, I opted for the braised Scottish beef, served with the silkiest creamed mash, honey roast carrots and a rich shallot jus.
The second night, I indulged in the duck breast. The meat was cooked to perfection and paired with crispy duck spring rolls and a plum jus that gave a bright, fruity contrast to the deep, charred notes of the meat. To finish, I couldn’t resist the cheese platter, which showcased some excellent local produce.
ELEMIS Spa
When I wasn’t eating or exploring, I chilled out in the spa. Swimming and moving between the thermal suites, I felt my stresses melting away. The pool area is a tranquil sanctuary, and you can step outside onto the terrace for a breath of fresh air between dips. You can also treat yourself to one of the Elemis treatments. The therapists take the time to tailor the experiences to your skin, making it feel like a totally bespoke experience.
What struck me most about The Old England Hotel is how it balances luxury with a laid-back vibe. It’s grand enough to feel like a treat but relaxed enough that you can completely be yourself.
It isn’t just about the stunning views or the delicious food, though they’re certainly reasons enough to stay here. It’s about the feeling of being somewhere special, where life feels slower and calmer. This is by far my favourite of the Bowness-on Windermere hotels.
