Rothay Manor: Ambleside’s boutique hotel and restaurant

Rothay Manor is a very rare and special find, hidden in the heart of the Lake District, yet within easy reach of Windermere and the fells beyond. Ambleside’s boutique hotel and restaurant has wonderful charm and history, with the beautiful interiors that were fully renovated by owners, husband and wife team, Jamie and Jenna alongside Dynargh Design.

The hotel has 23 beautifully appointed bedrooms, split between the main house and a contemporary pavilion, each individually designed in a chic country style, with a fell-and-forest colour scheme to make you feel right at home in your surroundings. Check into Colwith, which is simply stunning. The walls of this spacious superior plus room are wrapped in the whimsical ‘Folk Tales’ wallpaper by Melissa White and Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink, with French windows, a balcony overlooking the fells and a vast rolltop bath.

Rothay Manor, Ambleside, Lake District The Pavilion Suites opened in 2022 and bring a modern twist to the country house aesthetic. This contemporary building houses eight exquisite guest suites, each individually designed featuring enormous beds, ample space to relax in and stylish en-suite bathrooms.

Dining at Rothay Manor is something to be savoured. Head chef Aaron Lawrence, who joined the team in winter 2023, has already been awarded three AA rosettes for culinary excellence and is really making his mark on the Ambleside dining scene. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, with the feel of a private members’ club. Glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and rich Lewis & Wood curtains frame the peaceful view out onto the terrace and gardens. This is a country house with contemporary style.

Rothay Manor, Ambleside, Lake District Taking inspiration from the wild local landscape, Lawrence crafts plates that showcase the best of local, seasonal ingredients. Meat is sourced from Lake District Farmers, seasonal fruit from the Lyth Valley and lobster from Ulverston.

Guests can feast from three different menus – the a la carte, the lighter all day dining and the new signature tasting menu, fondly considered a love letter to the delicious seasonal produce created and grown in the north of England.

The wine list is worthy of a mention too, as there is a wide choice of wines by the glass and some very special serves from UK vineyards – it is varied, and the friendly team are on hand to help advise and share recommendations.

Rothay Manor, Ambleside, Lake District Rothay Manor is also renowned for its excellent afternoon tea, which is served in the restaurant, outside on the terrace or in the gardens when the weather is fine. Guests are treated to a wonderful array of finger sandwiches and delicate sweet treats, including an amazing selection of Jing Teas and Farrer’s coffee. On Sundays, a traditional-style lunch is available providing the perfect excuse to gather friends and family together for a leisurely afternoon with a roast to remember.

Surrounded by the serene beauty of the Lake District, the hotel’s location is midway between Windermere and Ambleside town centre, which makes for the perfect bolthole for hikers, cyclists, swimmers, shoppers and those simply wanting to ditch the car and explore on foot. Big fans of outdoor adventure, Jamie and Jenna and the team at Rothay are always on hand to help you book one of the endless adventures accessible from their doorstep including guided hikes, off road driving, paddleboarding and cold-water swimming.

Rothay Manor, Ambleside, Lake District Beyond the majestic waters of Windermere Lake and Ullswater, Ambleside is also a gateway to picturesque villages like Hawkshead and Grasmere, each of which exudes charm with cobbled streets and historic cottages.

It’s also a perfect canine playground and Rothay Manor do love their dogs. After hours of running around, muddy paws can be rinsed off in the hotel’s dedicated dog washroom, complete with Ruff and Tumble dressing gowns. Along with many suites allowing furry friends – all of which come with cosy George Barclay dog beds, towels, bowls, treats and poo bags – dogs are also allowed in many areas throughout the hotel, including the Drawing Room and in the snug Brathay Room, where dinner can be served.

For further information or to make a reservation please visit rothaymanor.co.uk,

call 015394 33605 or

email hotel@rothaymanor.co.uk