The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club – Family Hotel in Windermere | From 185$/Night

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The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club Windermere Exterior photo

The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club Windermere Interior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

New Rd, Windermere

Steps from the Lake

Perfect

9.0

9.4

/10

4.7

4.5

Loved by The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club guests

Tidy rooms

Helpful staff

Comfortable bed

Spacious bathroom

Lovely breakfast

"It is a beautiful building in a great location, a short stroll down to the lake where you can take a cruise with stunning views."

Steven K from United Kingdom

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"The spa bath is great, and the bathroom is nice."

Siu Kei

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"It's a Very comfortable and quiet place to stay for a weekend."

Jessie from China

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AA 5-Star Guest House with Free Hydro Wellness Club Access & Lake District Location

AA-Rated Guest House with Free Wellness Club Access

The Howbeck & The Retreat is an AA 5-Star Guest House that also holds the AA Breakfast Award. Guests receive a free 2-hour pass to Choices Health Club, a short drive or 30-minute walk away. The club's facilities include a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, cardio suite, weights centre, group classes, and an outdoor training and relaxation area.

Accommodations and Dining

Each of the 11 rooms is named after local geographical features and offers private outdoor spaces or spa baths. The on-site restaurant serves a hearty Cumbrian breakfast, with options like eggs florentine and porridge, using quality local ingredients. Guests also receive exclusive discounts at a range of local restaurants and pubs, including The Flying Pig.

Location and Nearby Attractions

The guest house is a 5-minute walk from Windermere's shops and restaurants and a 25-minute walk down to Bowness-on-Windermere and the lake. Beatrix Potter's World and the Lake District National Park entrance are within easy reach. Windermere Steamboats and Museum and the market towns of Kendal and Keswick are among the many places to visit in the area.

Guest Services and Packaged Offers

The hotel offers special romantic packages for special occasions, including champagne on ice, chocolates, rose petals on the bed, and a late checkout of 12pm. A comfortable guest lounge has an honesty bar with a selection of drinks. Free on-site parking and an electric vehicle charging point are available for guests.

Outdoor and Local Activities

Canoeing, cycling, fishing, golfing, hiking, and horse riding are all available nearby, offering guests direct access to the Lake District's outdoor pursuits. The hotel is just over a mile from Bowness-on-Windermere, where boat trips and lake views are available. Guests can also walk across the road to a path that leads down to the lake past large houses with colourful gardens.

Highlights

Rating: AA 5-Star Guest House & AA Breakfast Award

Location: 5-min walk from Windermere, 25-min walk from the lake

Wellness: Free 2-hour pass to Choices Health Club (pool, spa, sauna, steam room)

Dining: Award-winning Cumbrian breakfast with local ingredients & local restaurant discounts

Rooms: 11 rooms named after local features, some with spa baths or private patios

Parking: Free on-site parking & electric vehicle charging point

Packages: Romantic packages with champagne, chocolates, rose petals & late checkout

“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.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingParking Peace!

Private parking at the back offered direct access. No stress about finding a space, a real plus!

Robert from Canada

Review on

Spa & LeisureSpa Bonus

Free access to a nearby gym and pool with sauna, hot tub and jacuzzi? Fabulous!

Mei Lin from Singapore

Review on

DiningBreakfast Bliss

Breakfast served in my room was wonderful. The made-to-order meals were promptly prepared.

Rajesh from India

Review on

BathroomBath Heaven

My room had a deep air bubble bath and a TV. The bathroom was large and spacious.

Olivia from Australia

Review on

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
16 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Luxury Room Spa Bath
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Retreat Suite Stunning Spa Bathroom
2 persons
23 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

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

August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

Facilities: Perfect

9.0/10Review 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

The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club Location

New Rd, Windermere

Explore Windermere

Local Highlights

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
Windermere 8 min · 2000 ft
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 122 min · 50.5 mi
Blackpool International (BLK) 149 min · 61.7 mi
Bus
Bus stop 8 min · 2000 ft

Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway

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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:

Former name

the howbeck & the retreat 5min to lake, restaurants & to the free spa

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

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 395 verified reviews

9.2 /10

Perfect

95 %

Recommend

Breakfast

9.7/10

Staff

9.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Free WiFi

8.5/10

Pros

Perfect location

Convenient parking

Friendly staff

Cons

No cot

Poor breakfast quality

Poorly maintained patio

Oliver from United Kingdom

Single

Luxury Room Spa Bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 07, 2026

9.0/10

Excellent Stay with Minor Hiccup

convenient access friendly staff nice selection

the location provided convenient access to local attractions. the breakfast offered a nice selection and quality ingredients. the staff were friendly and efficient, especially the one who helped arrange a takeaway breakfast when i had an early departure. the room was clean and well kept.

Facilities

9/10

onsite parking was complimentary, a definite advantage. the honesty bar and lounge area offered a nice touch. there is a health club off-site, accessible , though transport needs consideration.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast required pre-ordering, providing efficient service. the menu included a variety of choices, meeting different dietary needs. the food quality was high. Dishes were prepared to order and well-presented.

Rooms

8/10

my room included a spa bath, though it was on the smaller side. the bed was comfortable. bottle water was provided, this showed great hospitality.

Location

10/10

The location was convenient. It allowed easy walking access to restaurants. public transport was nearby, it offered alternative travel options. several shops were within a short walking distance, really accessible.

0 Helpful

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Evelyn from United Kingdom

Single

Luxury Room Spa Bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 06, 2026

9/10

nice stay

friendly face spa bath

Aga greeted me upon my arrival. She was a friendly face . the room was cosy and clean. It was quite sumptuous too. i was lucky to have a room with a spa bath. It was wonderful after a day of walking.

0 Helpful

Jessie L from United Kingdom

Single

Luxury Room Spa Bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 02, 2026

9.5/10

Wonderful and Nice Getaway

friendly face cosy room comfortable bed

I picked well with this accommodation. Aga welcomed me upon arrival and was friendly. Another lovely lady was there too, she was also lovely. The room was cosy, clean and the bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was delicious and there was a huge choice pre ordered upon arrival.

The off site health club was not easily accessible if you don't drive. The spa bath in the room was tiny. It was impractical to use. this was a minor inconvenience.

Dining

10/10

Breakfast was excellent, with options and quick service. Pre-ordering made the mornings efficient. I enjoyed the cooked breakfasts, toast, cereals, pastries, yoghurts and fruit. Coffee, cereal and juices were plentiful.

Facilities

9/10

There is plenty of parking at the back of the hotel, very useful. The location is a short walk from local amenities. I found this very convenient . The area is easily accessible, though the health club is not convenient without a car.

Rooms

9/10

My room was spacious with a clean bathroom and coffee facilities. The bed was a Super King and comfortable. Extra pillows were in the large wardrobe. A big TV was also a great addition for evening relaxation.

Service

10/10

The staff offered a great welcome and were very helpful. They were knowledgable about walks and the local area. The team quickly addressed any questions I had, providing useful assistance. I felt very looked after. It was a really good standard.

0 Helpful

Cliff from United Kingdom

Couple

luxury room spa bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 31, 2026

9/10

friendly face short walk

aga greeted me upon my arrival i found her friendly throughout my stay. the location is great a short walk to shops and restaurants.

the mattress felt too soft

0 Helpful

David from United Kingdom

Luxury Room Spa Bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 10, 2026

6/10

mixed feelings about this stay

blocked view uncomfortable mattress

the room i booked claimed a mountain view, but trees completely blocked it. also, i believed there was a double spa bath, seeing the pictures online. instead, there was a single spa-bath, which wasn't clear. i had problems with wifi in the room, and each day i needed to ask for a breakfast form, so disorganized. the mattress was too deep, therefore caused me to sleep uncomfortably.

0 Helpful

Jennifer from United Kingdom

Couple

Retreat Suite Stunning Spa Bathroom

1 night in November 2025

Reviewed: December 20, 2025

9/10

Fantastic Anniversary Getaway

modern decor comfortable bed lovely addition

I stayed in the Retreat Suite with a fine spa bathroom! The room featured modern decor. The bed was huge and very comfortable! Breakfast delivered to our room was a lovely addition, and the food was fantastic.

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club

What is the distance from the The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club 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 Hydro Wellness Club hotel.

What popular attractions are closest to the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club hotel?

Guests of the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club 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 Hydro Wellness Club hotel?

Guests of The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club 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 Hydro Wellness Club hotel cost?

The price for a room in the The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club hotel starts at £175.

What payment methods are available in the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club hotel?

At the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club 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 Hydro Wellness Club hotel?

The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club hotel provides such room types as Luxury Room, Queen Suite, and Deluxe Suite.

Which facilities does the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club hotel provide?

Top locations of the 5-star The Howbeck & The Retreat 5Min To Lake, Restaurants & To The Free Hydro Wellness Club hotel include a storage room, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a luggage locker.