The Royal Hotel Dockray Address: Ullswater, A5091, Dockray, Penrith CA11 0JY
Website: Royaldockray.co.uk
Phone: 017684 82356
Email: hello@royaldockray.co.uk
Facebook: @RoyalDockray
Watch the video of The Royal Hotel
The Location
There’s a special kind of magic that settles over me when I’m driving along narrow, stone-walled lanes in the Lake District. As I headed up Park Brow to The Royal Hotel at Dockray, leaving the hum of the summer crowds behind me, there was a resonant quiet, interrupted only by the sound of sheep and birds.
This is one of those rare places that feels less like a hotel and more like a well-kept secret. Just 1.5 miles from the shimmering shores of Ullswater, The Royal Hotel is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Even at the height of the season, Dockray is a pocket of peace where time seems slower, nudging me to breathe more deeply and be mindful of my surroundings.
The Gardens
One of the first things I noticed as I arrived, was the connection to nature and how the air feels purer. The hotel’s garden is a thriving micro-ecosystem filled with bees and butterflies buzzing and fluttering through the wildflowers. Two hammocks were swinging in the shade of ancient oak trees and a couple of chickens were nonchalantly roaming around a giant chess set.
The History
Stepping inside The Royal Hotel at Dockray, I felt hugged by a quintessential, olde-worlde charm that money can’t buy. You can sense the history of the building in its bones with chunky oak lintels crowning inglenook fireplaces and local artwork depicting the Lakeland landscape. Welcomed by the lovely Bart, I felt as though I was a familiar face and that I’d been here many times before.
Royal Hotel Rooms
My bedroom was a sanctuary in every sense of the word. Sash windows framed the prettiest view of country lanes and exposed wooden beams reminded me of the hotel’s history, which dates back to the 16th century. Even the botanical scent of Pure Lakes toiletries is the perfect nod to the natural landscape. There really is more charm here than you can shake a shepherd’s crook at.
Dining at The Royal
The food at The Royal Hotel Dockray is as honest as the setting. Everything is homemade and showcases the natural flavours of the local produce. Who knew that houmous could be so incredible? It had a delicious zestiness unlike any houmous I’ve tasted before (I eat a lot of houmous!) The baked salmon was melt-in-your-mouth tender and served with new potatoes and salad, so its flavour shone without being overpowered. I also had the pleasure of meeting the hotel owner, Ali, whose relaxed, hands-on and down-to-earth approach reflects the authentic warmth that defines The Royal.
After dinner, I sloped upstairs to my room and enjoyed a great night’s sleep, only to be stirred the next morning by the sound of a local farmer herding his sheep up the lane. It was a magical sight to wake up to and left me beaming from ear to ear.
Greeted by Monika’s infectious smile at breakfast, I tucked into the creamy scrambled eggs and smoked salmon – a hearty start that set me up for the “Gowbarrow Challenge”. This seemed to be a rite of passage for fell walkers staying at The Royal Hotel, so I had to give it a go. Sadly, my tendency to stop for photos every five minutes made it a very a poor attempt. Still, it was a fabulous walk along beautiful country trails to the summit, with far-reaching views over Ullswater.
Things to Do Near Dockray
The famous Aira Force, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Lake District, is also worth a visit during a stay here. Surrounded by ancient woodland, the cascades tumble down moss-covered rocks below a series of Victorian bridges.
There are plenty of outdoor activities and things to do at Ullswater, all within easy reach of The Royal Hotel. I was fortunate enough to be blessed with glorious sunshine, so I made the most of it and went kayaking and swimming in the lake.
Whether you want to tackle the fells, take a dip in Ullswater or sit in the garden and lose yourself in a good book, The Royal Hotel in Dockray is a gentle reminder to slow down and just breathe.
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