The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa Windermere Room photo The photo shows a cozy and elegant bedroom with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The focal point is a large bed with a plush, light-colored quilted bedspread. The bed has a deep burgundy velvet headboard and is adorned with several pillows in shades oThe Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa Windermere Exterior photo The photo shows a charming, stone building with the name "Howbeck" prominently displayed on a black sign. The building has multiple windows, some adorned with vibrant flower boxes overflowing with red and purple blooms. 

The architecture suggests a The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa Windermere Interior photo The photo shows a cozy and inviting bedroom with a warm, rustic feel. The walls are covered in a dark, textured wallpaper with vertical stripes in shades of burgundy and brown. 

In the foreground, there are two comfortable-looking armchairs upholste
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From185US$ /night
Check-in
21Apr2026Select date
Check-out
22Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

New Rd, Windermere, United Kingdom
-
Steps from the Lake
Perfect
9.1
9.4
/10
4.6
4.5
/5

Rooms and Accommodations

The Howbeck & The Retreat offers 11 en-suite guest rooms, including the Retreat Suite with a luxury air bath and separate wet room shower. Rooms feature Egyptian cotton bed linen, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary mineral water. Some rooms include four-poster beds, corner spa baths, or patio access. All rooms are named after Lake District becks and offer views of surrounding fells or the village.

Dining and Breakfast

The hotel serves a hearty Cumbrian platter breakfast with Cumberland sausage, bacon, sauté potatoes, and eggs. The cold table includes cereals, fresh toast, local preserves, croissants, continental meats, cheeses, and fresh fruit. Guests receive a 15% discount at sister establishments including The Yewdale Inn in Coniston, Tap Yard in Ambleside, and Bowness Tap Rooms, which serve wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and craft beers.

Leisure and Health Club

Guests receive a free 2-hour pass to Choices Health Club, featuring a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, and gym with cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel provides private parking with an EV charging point. The location offers access to Lake Windermere (5-minute walk), Coniston village, and numerous walking routes throughout the Lake District.

Location and Transportation

The hotel is 400 meters from Windermere village center and 900 meters from Windermere Railway Station, which connects to Manchester Airport, London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh via First Transpennine and Virgin West Coast services. Taxis are available at the station. Nearby attractions include Lake Windermere (2 km), Windermere Jetty Museum (1 km), and Beatrix Potter's World.

Services and Accessibility

Services include complimentary breakfast delivery to rooms, assistance with vehicle unpacking, and arrangements for local medical visits. The property has a front entrance with 4 steps and handrails, ground-floor rooms accessible via 3 steps, and mixed-use public toilets with sensor-driven taps. Fire evacuation assistance is available for guests who require it.

“Settled between Windermere and Bowness, this charming spot stands out with uniquely styled rooms-each named after local landmarks-plus an award-winning Cumbrian breakfast that sets the tone for a day exploring the Lake District. Beyond the expected comforts, complimentary access to a nearby health club adds an unexpected touch of wellness, along with discounts at local eateries. Romantic packages and bespoke arrangements elevate it beyond the ordinary, making it a solid choice for couples.”
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Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Superior Double or Twin En Suite
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Luxury Room Spa Bath
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Retreat Suite Stunning Spa Bathroom
2 persons
250 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Suite
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Perfect
9.2/10Review 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

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

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 Spa Location

New Rd, Windermere, United Kingdom
Map view
New Rd, Windermere, United Kingdom
Nearby
Gallery
Cook House Gallery
1200 ft
Gallery
Thuline Studio
1300 ft
5 High Street
High Street
1800 ft
Gallery
North South Gallery
700 ft
Queen's Park
1900 ft
3 Victoria St
Lakes Hospitality Association
2000 ft
Church
Windermere Methodist church & District Foodbank
2000 ft
Restaurants
Hooked
400 ft
Tudor House Ellerthwaite Square Tudor House
Cafe Italia
800 ft
37 Main Road
Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
800 ft
Main Road
Francine's
900 ft
27 Main Road
Tapios
800 ft
43 Crescent Road
The Brookside Pub
1300 ft
Lake Road
Brew Room
800 ft
31-33 Crescent Road
Prince Of India
900 ft
27A Crescent Road
The Pig
1200 ft
13 Crescent Road
Sugar&Spice Cafe and Bistro
1100 ft
11 Main Road
Cantina
1200 ft
Jester Court Birch Street Jester Court
Magic Wok
1300 ft
2A Crescent Road
Explore Windermere
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Lake Windermere
25 minutes' walk
Scenic views and boat trips await at Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
16 minutes' walk
An immersive experience featuring historic boats and exhibitions celebrating maritime heritage, ideal for history enthusiasts.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
18 minutes' walk
A magical journey into Beatrix Potter's tales with interactive displays, enchanting for families and literary fans.
Orrest Head
25 minutes' walk
Breathtaking panoramic views atop Orrest Head, a popular hiking spot that caters to nature lovers and photographers.
Hiking Trails
25 minutes' walk
Explore scenic trails around Windermere and Orrest Head, perfect for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Spa Services
5 minutes' drive
Relax at local spas offering massages and wellness treatments, available by appointment for a rejuvenating experience.
Cafe Italia
3 minutes' walk
Charming Italian eatery offering pasta and pizza with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for casual meals.
Hooked
2 minutes' walk
Fresh seafood restaurant renowned for its catch of the day, providing a casual dining experience with local flavors.
Francine's
4 minutes' walk
Modern dining spot with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring locally sourced dishes, great for family meals.
The Old Laundry Theatre
15 minutes' walk
Offering diverse performances from theatre to comedy, this local venue ensures a delightful night out for all ages.
The Fun Factory Bowness
25 minutes' walk
Family-friendly entertainment center with activities for children, perfect for keeping younger guests entertained.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Windermere8 min  ·  2000 ft
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)122 min  ·  50.5 mi
Blackpool International (BLK)149 min  ·  61.7 mi
Bus
Bus stop8 min  ·  2000 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-17:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP14.95 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
11
Former name
the howbeck & the retreat central location, incl off-site health club and parking ev point available, great deals on

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the convenient location of The Howbeck & The Retreat, noting its proximity to both the town center and Lake Windermere, with Bowness-on-Windermere also within walking distance. The availability of spacious parking adds to the convenience for those arriving by car. The rooms are generally described as comfortable and beautifully decorated, many featuring luxurious spa baths; however, some guests have noted that certain rooms could benefit from updating, and some have reported thin walls affecting noise levels. Breakfast receives high marks for its variety and quality.
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Review score
Based on 362 verified reviews
9.2/10
Perfect
96%
Recommend
Staff
9.6/10
Location
9.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Pros
Perfect location
Convenient parking
Friendly staff
Cons
No cot
Poor breakfast quality
Poorly maintained patio
Guest reviews
based on 684 reviews
9.1/10
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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FAQs
About The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa
What is the distance from the The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel to Windermere city centre?
Windermere city centre is reachable within a 10-minute walk from the The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel.
What popular attractions are closest to the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel?
Guests of the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel can visit Cook House Gallery (around a 5-minute walk from the accommodation), or High Street placed 7 minutes' walk away.
Can we park our car at The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel?
Guests of The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel can take advantage of street parking.
What is the earliest I can check-in at the Windermere guest house?
At the Windermere guest house, you can check in from 15:00 till 17:00 on the day of arrival.
What is the earliest and the latest I can check-out at the hotel?
At the hotel, you can check out from 08:00 till 11:00.
How much does a room at the The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel cost?
The price for a room in the The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel starts at £185.
What payment methods are available in the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel?
At the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel, guests can pay using Visa, Solo, and JCB as well as other payment methods.
What are the room types offered by The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel?
The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel provides such room types as Small Double Room, Luxury Queen Room, and Superior King Room.
Which facilities does the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel provide?
Top locations of the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Spa hotel include a luggage room, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a luggage locker.

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Check-in
21Apr2026Select date
Check-out
22Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room