Ennerdale Country House Hotel - Cumbria (county)

I chose this hotel because I wanted to be in a more remote countryside location. This place did not dissapoint. We had a beautiful view from our room and the breakfast room. It was also not too far away from some small towns for food and activities. The room was comfortable and clean though the bed was a little too soft for us. With the exception of that, everything else was wonderful. The breakfast was also very good and they had options. Something I was very apreciative for as the full English breakfast is a bit heavy for me in the morning. Owners were very nice and helpful with great suggestions for food and driving directions. Would recomend this location to others and we plan to stay here again.

We liked the room; very spacious with a great bathroom. Just barely out of comfortable walking distance to the pier & village w/ our two young children. The staff was properly polite, but we felt out of place having our kids with us. We didn't know about the evening dinner dress code until after we arrived. Judging by some of the guests waiting, we felt unwelcome & went out for dinner. Breakfast was good, but we had to wait quite a while before our order was taken. There should have been more than one person able to take an order when guests arrive close to each other. I think it's perfect for travelling with friends or as a couple.

The owners have done an amazing job making your stay a pleasant one. The room was modern and well equipped, and very clean. The location is quiet and stunningly beautiful. The family that run this place are really friendly and helpful. I highly recommend staying here.

My wife and I stayed at the Swan for three days of walking/hiking in the Grasmere area. We were a bit concerned by previous reviews noting that the hotel was a bit run down but we needn't have been. The hotel has undergone some refurbishment (as noted by the manager in replying to the reviews) and all is quite nice and invitingly comfortable. Our standard room was spacious, well maintained and had a magnificent, unobstructed view of Helvellyn Massif and Helm Crag (northwest facing) - one advantage of not being in the center of Grasmere (which is still just a short walk down the road, however). Our bed was superbly comfortable and the period decor fit the setting nicely. The staff were very helpful with all our inquiries and all were extremely friendly, including the house cleaning staff. We did not take any meals in the hotel, however, as we like to try different places. One restaurant in Grasmere that we recommend highly is Potted Out: delicious Mackerel pate and rabbit casserole. For some challenging but not killer hikes (we are 60 and 55 years old but fit and hike often) of 5-6 hours each including stops for lunch we recommend, 1) Fairfield, which goes out directly behind the Swan and ends back there as well, even if you descend via Rydal Fell by making a traverse back past Alcock Tarn, and 2) Sergeant Man via Silver Howe and Blea Rigg between Sickle Tarn and Easedale Tarn, with a return directly down past the latter. Incredible views from the summits of both.