The Stay Journal: Storrs Hall, Lake Windermere

This article includes affiliate links. If you choose to book through them, you’re directly supporting the free content we create, and we’re so grateful for your support.

Deciding where to stay in the Lake District can shape your entire trip, and Storrs Hall is one we’d recommend again and again. With direct access to Lake Windermere, storybook grounds, and suites designed for both comfort and views, it brings together everything that makes the Lakes so special

First glimpse of Storrs Hall

From the moment we turned onto the long drive leading to Storrs Hall, we knew we were in for something special. The late-summer English sun lit up the tall grass along the pathway, while the fells of the Lake District rose faintly in the distance. At the entrance, an elegant sign marked our arrival at the historic property.

A Mansion Steeped in History

Standing proudly on the shores of Lake Windermere, Storrs Hall is a striking 18th-century Grade II listed Georgian mansion with a rich and varied past. Built in the 1790s by Yorkshire landowner Sir John Legard as a reflection of the Swiss lakeside retreat he left behind, the hall has played host to a glittering array of guests over the centuries — from literary icons such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter to statesmen like Winston Churchill.

Seamless Check-In

Although our stay at Storrs Hall was just one night, we were determined to make the most of it. We had a night booked in one of the sumptuous Lakeside Hot Tub Suites, but our first stop was the main hall to check in. The front of house team welcomed us warmly and guided us through a quick and seamless process.

We were also handed a breakfast card to select our hamper for the next morning. The choices ranged from fresh pastries, fruit, coffee, tea, and juice to a hot English breakfast, salmon benedict, or avocado with poached eggs. Ticking the boxes felt like planning tomorrow’s indulgence, and I could hardly wait for it to arrive at our suite.

The Lakeside Hot Tub Suites

The Lakeside Suites sit about 50 metres from the main hotel, each with uninterrupted views across Lake Windermere. Surrounded by woodland and wild gardens, they feel completely private — a rare find so close to one of the Lake District’s most visited spots.

We were fortunate to be hosted in one of the six suites, each individually named and styled. Ours, ‘Teal,’ carried a nightly rate of £650–700. The question is: does it live up to the price tag? From the moment we stepped inside, the answer seemed clear.

Inside ‘Teal’

The front door opened to a small boot room that doubled as a temperature control hub and storage area, with plenty of space to tuck away luggage before entering the main living space. The suite itself felt less like a hotel room and more like a self-contained guest house, with thoughtful details at every turn.

It was the perfect space to really retreat and take in the peace and picturesque surroundings of the grounds of Storrs Hall and Lake Windermere.

The living area opened up with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed Lake Windermere in all its late-summer light. A large sofa faced an eco-living flame fireplace, while a small dining table with chairs sat neatly by the glass doors. A dressing table with an illuminated mirror added a touch of practicality alongside the sense of luxury.

The super king-sized bed dominated the bedroom, positioned so the view of the lake was the first thing we would see each morning. Soothing tones of cream and green, along with a thoughtful use of natural materials and finishes, gave the whole space a calm and understated feel. Air conditioning made the suite comfortable throughout the day, reinforcing the impression that every detail had been carefully considered.

The fridge was well stocked with beer, a bottle of wine, soft drinks, and both still and sparkling water. There were also jars of jelly beans and lemon shortbread biscuits, which felt like a fun extra touch. A Nespresso machine with fresh milk and a good selection of teas rounded it out. The way everything was laid out gave the suite a homely feel, only with the kind of extras that make it feel special.

Luxury Touches That Stand Out

Next up, something you should know about me is that I am happiest when I am soaking in hot water, whether that means losing myself in a book or simply taking in the view. When I discovered our suite had not only a huge bathtub with a waterproof TV I had never even heard of, but also a Japanese-style cedar hot tub on the patio, I was completely sold. With leafy greenery on one side and the lake stretching out on the other, I spent hours here, letting the late summer breeze and steaming water turn the whole stay into a retreat.

A Night of Retreat

We had dinner at a local pub, The Mason Arms at Strawberry Bank, but made haste on the return, eager to savour every moment back in the suite.

Once inside, we lit the in-room fireplace, settled in front of the TV to catch up on our favourite shows, and closed the shutters to create our own cocoon of calm. The night ended in the best way possible, with a deep and restful sleep.

Breakfast in “Bed”

While we were sad to start packing up and leave the suite, we had one last thing to look forward to — our freshly cooked hamper breakfast delivery. Right on time, it arrived beautifully presented in a big straw hamper stamped with the Storrs Hall logo.

The food was just as good as it looked. My full English breakfast was honestly one of the best I’ve had, while Maria’s scrambled eggs and avocado toast hit the spot. We also had hot French press coffee, creamy porridge, buttery pastries, and yogurt with house-made stewed plums. What made it even better was being able to enjoy it in our room, with the doors open to the fresh morning breeze and the two of us eating cosy on the lounger. It was the perfect slow start to the day.

Although we ate dinner out during this stay, the quality of breakfast alone showed us how good the food is here. Next time, we’ll definitely plan to dine in their restaurant as well.

Before leaving, we took some time to wander the grounds of Storrs Hall. Walking down to the lakeshore, with the gardens behind us and Windermere stretching out in front, it truly felt like stepping into a storybook or a painting. The setting alone is reason enough to linger here, and it perfectly rounded out our stay.

Final Thoughts

While the price point for the Lakeside Suites is undeniably high, I would highly recommend them if it is within your budget, even just for one night. It is a truly memorable experience that feels indulgent yet restorative. That said, the hotel itself is beautiful and full of character, and we plan to stay in the main house on a future visit to see another side of Storrs Hall.