A Stay at The Penn in Windermere, Lake District
Earlier this month, I returned to my favourite place in the UK - the Lake District. I used to visit almost every year for a while, but hadn’t been back since 2022 so I was SO excited for a long weekend surrounded by the stunning landscapes and lakes. My previous Lake District guides are still some of my most read on my blog (I’ve linked them below if you’re planning a trip), and I’ll also be sharing an updated 3-day Lake District itinerary soon.
For this visit, I stayed at The Penn Hotel in Windermere (I was kindly gifted two of my three nights). I was particularly excited about this stay because a lot of the hotels in Windermere are uninspiring, feel dated or lack character. The Penn, however, is genuinely a breath of fresh air and exactly what the area has been missing in my view. With colourful interiors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it feels both stylish and cosy. During my stay I was able to experience two different room types: “The Penn Suite” and a “Cosy Room” - both equally charming!
How to get to The Penn
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know I love hotels and places to stay that are easily accessible by public transport and The Penn definitely is. Windermere has a direct train from London (around 3.5 hours), and from the station it’s just a short walk to the hotel. If you are driving, it’s worth noting that there are only 7 free parking spaces on-site. Spaces are limited and it’s first-come, first-served, and you may need to find alternative parking nearby - we only found this tricky on the weekend when it was busier.
Things to know about The Penn
The smallest room (The Tiny Penn) is the cheapest and prices starts from £123 per night (£61pp) and the largest room (The Penn Suite) starts from £168 per night (£84pp). I think the prices feel reasonable given the central location and boutique feel.
The hotel is completely self check-in so there is no reception. You’re given a code to access the front door and your room before you check-in. Overall, the process was super smooth and hassle-free.
I was lucky enough to stay in both a Cosy Room and The Penn Suite. Both were equally cosy and well designed, with super-comfy beds and bathrooms stocked with gorgeous local products.
The Penn Suite is spacious, with a luxurious freestanding bath, a mini Smeg fridge and views of the fells from the top floor.
The Cosy Room is much smaller (as the name suggests!) but the one we stayed in had a fun red colour scheme and felt really warm and cosy.
The hotel is room-only so there’s no on-site restaurant or breakfast service. Luckily, central Windermere is just a short walk away with plenty of cafes and restaurants. I recommend visiting Homeground Coffee + Kitchen - it’s probably the most popular brunch spot in Windermere, known for great coffee and delicious breakfasts. You should expect a long queue on weekends although it’s definitely worth it!
From the hotel, you can walk to central Windermere, reach Bowness-on-Windermere in about 25-30 minutes, or hop on buses to explore other parts of the Lake District without needing a car.
Staying in Windermere
Windermere is one of the most convenient and central bases for exploring the Lake District. With its direct train connections from London, Manchester, and other major cities, it’s one of the easiest areas of the Lakes to reach without a car. The town itself has a relaxed feel with plenty of independent shops, cafes, and pubs to enjoy between adventures. From here, you can hop on local buses that connect you to Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick, and beyond. If you’re travelling by car, Windermere also makes a great base to explore both the northern and southern Lakes without long drives each day.
Lake District guides to help plan your trip
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