Guests recommend The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club
Spa bath in rooms
Honesty bar
Warm welcome
Pre-bookable breakfast
Complimentary sherry
"The spa bath is an Extra gem which we used after a long day of hill walking."
Phil B from United Kingdom
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"The room was cosy, clean and sumptuous and the bed and pillows were very comfortable."
SuffolkEssexGirl from United Kingdom
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"Brilliant breakfast served at the table."
Steve from United Kingdom
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"Great location, extremely comfortable beds in beautiful rooms."
Kelly from United Kingdom
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"Great central location. Walking distance to both Windermere & Bowness."
Samantha from United Kingdom
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AA 5-Star Guest House with Free Access to Choices Health Club & Spa, 5 Minutes from Lake Windermere
Complimentary Wellness Club Access
The hotel offers guests a free 2-hour pass to Choices Health Club, located a short drive or 30-minute walk away. The club provides a swimming pool, spa, sauna, and steam room, along with a cardio suite, weights centre, group classes, and an outdoor training area. This off-site benefit is included in the stay and gives access to facilities beyond a typical guest house.
Award-Winning Accommodation & Dining
The Howbeck holds a 5-Star Guest House rating from the AA and also received the AA Breakfast Award for its Cumbrian breakfast. Breakfast is cooked to order with locally sourced ingredients, including a full Cumbrian cooked option, and pre-ordered each evening for efficient service. Rooms are named after local geographical features such as Caplecrag, Mickledon, and Deepdale, with some including spa baths or four-poster beds.
Location & Local Partnerships
The hotel sits on the main road between Windermere village and Bowness-on-Windermere, a 5-minute walk to the lake and town restaurants. Guests receive exclusive discounts at local dining options, including Hooked Restaurant and The Flying Pig, which is a sister pub. The location provides direct access to hiking routes, the Lake District National Park entrance, and public transport stops.
On-Site Amenities & Parking
Free on-site parking is available at the rear of the property, along with an electric vehicle charging point for guests with EVs. The hotel has a shared lounge with an honesty bar offering wine, champagne, and other drinks charged to the room. CCTV covers both common areas and the exterior, and luggage storage is available for early arrivals or late departures.
Romantic & Special Occasion Packages
The hotel offers specialized romantic packages and bespoke arrangements for guests celebrating occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays. The Retreat Suite includes a private entrance, a sleigh bed, a double jacuzzi bath with TV, and breakfast served to the room at a chosen time. Romance packages can include champagne on ice, chocolates, rose petals on the bed, and a late checkout of 12pm.
Highlights
Rating: AA 5-Star & Breakfast Award
Wellness: Free 2-hour pass to Choices Health Club (pool, spa, sauna, steam room)
Location: 5-minute walk to Lake Windermere and restaurants
Rooms: Themed rooms named after local features; Retreat Suite with jacuzzi bath
Dining: Award-winning Cumbrian breakfast; exclusive discounts at partner restaurants
Parking: Free on-site parking & EV charging point
Must-do experiences
Stroll along Bowness Pier and take a scenic boat trip on Lake Windermere.
Visit the quaint shops of Windermere Village for unique local crafts.
Savor the famous sticky toffee pudding at The Brown Sugar Café.
Explore the hidden gem of the Windermere Jetty Museum and its exhibits.
Enjoy a peaceful walk around Orrest Head for stunning views of the lake.
Select your room type
The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Superior Double or Twin En Suite
2 persons
16 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Luxury Room Spa Bath
2 persons
18 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Retreat Suite Stunning Spa Bathroom
2 persons
23 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
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Facilities
The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing
Services
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Dining
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Leisure/ TV room
Sauna
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Dressing area
Patio
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club: Location in England
New Rd, Windermere,
Map view
City landmarks
Park
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
1.45 km
Landmark
Lake Windermere
2.09 km
Landmark
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
1.26 km
Landmark
Orrest Head
1.96 km
Landmark
Windermere Steamboat Museum
830 m
Church
St Martin's Church
1.58 km
Landmark
St Mary's Church
790 m
Landmark
Queen Adelaide's Hill
920 m
Landmark
Windermere and Troutbeck
1.64 km
Theatre
The Old Laundry Theatre
1.43 km
Landmark
St Michael and All Angels Church
1.48 km
Store
Love the Lakes
1.54 km
Landmark
Orrest Head Viewpoint
1.98 km
Landmark
The Fun Factory Bowness
2.03 km
Garden
Holehird Gardens
2.59 km
Landmark
Bowness Bay
1.75 km
Square
The Glebe
1.96 km
Landmark
Belle Isle
2.35 km
Landmark
Brant Fell Viewpoint
2.07 km
Landmark
Aquarius Amusements
2.21 km
Landmark
Cleabarrow Tarn
2.31 km
Landmark
Cockshott Point
2.37 km
Landmark
Windermere
6.5 km
Nearby
Gallery
Cook House Gallery
340 m
Gallery
Thuline Studio
380 m
5 High Street
High Street
530 m
Gallery
North South Gallery
210 m
Queen's Park
550 m
3 Victoria St
Lakes Hospitality Association
580 m
Church
Windermere Methodist church & District Foodbank
590 m
Restaurants
Hooked
120 m
Tudor House Ellerthwaite Square Tudor House
Cafe Italia
230 m
37 Main Road
Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
220 m
Main Road
Francine's
260 m
27 Main Road
Tapios
220 m
43 Crescent Road
The Brookside Pub
380 m
Lake Road
Brew Room
240 m
31-33 Crescent Road
Prince Of India
270 m
27A Crescent Road
The Pig
340 m
13 Crescent Road
Sugar&Spice Cafe and Bistro
330 m
11 Main Road
Cantina
340 m
Jester Court Birch Street Jester Court
Magic Wok
370 m
2A Crescent Road
Explore Windermere
Explore the Best of Windermere
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
18 minutes walking
A charming exhibition dedicated to the beloved author, featuring life-sized scenes from her stories.
Lake Windermere
25 minutes walking
England's largest lake offers scenic views, boat rentals, and picnic spots perfect for a relaxing day.
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
16 minutes walking
An engaging museum showcasing the history of boating on Lake Windermere with interactive exhibits.
Orrest Head
25 minutes walking
A viewpoint that provides stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding fells, popular for hikes.
Hiking at Orrest Head
25 minutes walking
Hiking to Orrest Head offers a thrilling trek and breathtaking views of Lake Windermere.
Relaxation at Hydro Wellness Club
5 minutes driving
Access to a serene wellness club, featuring spa treatments and wellness therapies for rejuvenation.
Water Sports on Lake Windermere
25 minutes walking
Engage in thrilling activities including kayaking and paddleboarding at the lake during the summer months.
Bowness Bay Exploration
20 minutes walking
Take leisurely walks along the bay, enjoy boat rides or have a picnic with scenic waterfront views.
Hooked
2 minutes walking
A seafood restaurant known for fresh fish dishes crafted with local ingredients; casual yet lively ambiance.
Cafe Italia
3 minutes walking
An Italian café offering wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta in a cozy, family-friendly setting.
Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
3 minutes walking
A trendy spot for artisanal coffee and brunch, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Francine's
4 minutes walking
A charming eatery offering modern British cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal produce and a warm atmosphere.
The Old Laundry Theatre
15 minutes walking
A vibrant theatre showcasing local productions and various performances, suitable for all ages.
The Fun Factory Bowness
25 minutes walking
A family-friendly indoor play area offering entertainment and games for children of all ages.
Windermere Evening Entertainment
10 minutes driving
Local bars and pubs offering live music and a relaxed setting for evening gatherings and socializing.
Bowness Bay Events
20 minutes walking
Seasonal events like boat festivals and summer concerts provide entertainment for families and visitors.
Getting around England
City Centre
Windermere 8 min · 600 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 122 min · 81.2 km
Blackpool International (BLK) 149 min · 99.2 km
Bus
Bus stop 8 min · 600 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-17:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 14.95 per person.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
11
Former name
the howbeck & the retreat 5min to lake, restaurants & to the free spa
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club.
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Location
9.2/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.5/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Convenient location
Helpful staff
Cons
Limited breakfast hours
Parking access issues
Inconsistent room amenities
Guest reviews
based on 571 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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