Business Details
Luxury Country House Hotel in the Lake District
Established in 1840, Hazel Bank Country House Hotel Country House has been a cherished landmark in the Borrowdale Valley for over 180 years. Our family-owned hotel combines historic elegance with modern comforts, offering guests an immersive experience in the heart of the Lake District. With 4 acres of private woodland, beck-side walks, and panoramic fell views, we provide a tranquil base for exploring Cumbria's natural beauty. Our award-winning team, led by Donna MacRae and Chef Earl Aggrey, delivers exceptional hospitality through individually designed rooms, locally sourced gourmet dining, and personalized service.Recognized by The Good Hotel Guide and Conde Nast Johansens, we maintain rigorous standards through continuous staff training and adherence to industry best practices. Our commitment to sustainability includes dark sky preservation and wildlife conservation, ensuring our guests enjoy both luxury and environmental stewardship. With 11 consecutive years of repeat guests and a 98% satisfaction rate, we remain dedicated to refining our offerings while preserving Hazel Bank Country House Hotel Country House's timeless character.
Services
Award-Winning Dining
Luxury Accommodation
Guided Walks
Wildlife Watching
Wedding Venue
Conference Facilities
Local Tours
Spa Treatments
Photography Packages
Cultural Experiences
Highlights and features
- We offer 180 years of hospitality expertise in the Lake District's heart
- Our team includes award-winning chef Earl Aggrey and local culinary expert Donna MacRae
- We provide direct access to 20+ walking routes from our doorstep
- Our menus feature 100% Cumbrian-sourced ingredients with seasonal variations
- We maintain 4 acres of private woodland for exclusive guest exploration
Associations and certifications
- The Good Hotel Guide
- Conde Nast Johansens
What people say
Breathtaking views
Exceptional service
Award-winning food
Perfect walking base
Personal attention
Services
Award-Winning Dining
Our four-course gourmet meals showcase Cumbrian produce with seasonal variations. Chef Earl Aggrey and Donna MacRae create elegant dishes using local ingredients, served in our historic dining room with fell views. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options available with advance notice.
Luxury Accommodation
Individually designed rooms feature handmade furniture, L'Occitane toiletries, and panoramic views. All rooms include king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, and tea-making facilities. Superior and deluxe options available with additional amenities like four-poster beds and rain showers.
Guided Walks
Local expert Anna Lawford offers guided walks from our doorstep. Routes cater to all abilities, from gentle riverside strolls to challenging fell ascents. We provide detailed maps, walking poles, and packed lunches for self-guided explorations of Borrowdale's scenic trails.
Wildlife Watching
Our 4-acre grounds host red squirrels, deer, and native birds. Guests enjoy wildlife from our lawns and woodland paths, with feeding stations visible from breakfast areas. We provide binoculars and identification guides for optimal viewing experiences during any season.
Special Occasions
We host weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events in our historic setting. Our team coordinates bespoke menus, floral arrangements, and venue styling. With 11+ years of experience in milestone celebrations, we ensure memorable events with personalized attention to detail and scenic backdrops.
People
Donna MacRae
Co-Owner & Culinary Director
Local-born hospitality expert with 20+ years at Hazel Bank Country House Hotel Country House, specializing in Cumbrian cuisine. Recipient of multiple food awards, Donna oversees menu creation and guest dining experiences while maintaining regional culinary traditions.
Gary MacRae
Co-Owner & General Manager
Third-generation hotelier managing operations since 2014. Gary ensures service excellence across 11 consecutive award-winning years, focusing on guest satisfaction and sustainable hospitality practices in the Lake District's challenging environment.
Earl Aggrey
Head Chef
Award-winning chef with 15 years in fine dining, creating seasonal menus that have earned multiple culinary accolades. Earl specializes in transforming local ingredients into innovative dishes while maintaining Hazel Bank Country House Hotel Country House's reputation for exceptional cuisine.
Questions
What dining options are available at Hazel Bank Country House Hotel Country House?
We offer a set four-course dinner with canapés, using 100% locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options available with advance notice.
Are there walking routes directly from the hotel?
Yes, 20+ trails start from our doorstep, ranging from gentle riverside walks to challenging fell ascents. We provide maps, walking poles, and guided options with local expert Anna Lawford.
What room amenities are included?
All rooms feature king-sized beds, handmade furniture, L'Occitane toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and tea-making facilities. Deluxe rooms include additional amenities like four-poster beds and rain showers.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable, but we'll waive fees if rooms can be re-let. We recommend cancellation insurance for flexibility during our busy seasons.
How accessible is the hotel for guests with mobility needs?
Castle Crag room is ground-floor accessible with walk-in shower. We provide assistance for guests with mobility requirements - please contact us for specific arrangements.
What wildlife can guests expect to see?
Our grounds host red squirrels, deer, pheasants, and various bird species. We maintain feeding stations visible from breakfast areas and provide binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing.
Reviews (5)
Harriet Macrae
Nov 08, 2020
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Beautiful place, great hosts and fantastic food. Can't wait to go back! Would recommend for an idyllic countryside break.
Terri Hatfield
Oct 12, 2020
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Fabulous place! You are a house guest. The food is exquisite and the vegetarian food is not a lessor option, it is equally good. Hope the 'Jaffa cake' is for dessert when you stay as it is divine. Your wet soggy walking clothes are whisked away and returned to you dry which is a real bonus in the lake District. I can't fault the place.
Craig Hulse
Dec 23, 2019
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WHAT A PLEASURE TO FIND THIS 5 STAR COUNTRY HOUSE. EVERYTHING WAS JUST PERFECT AND NOTHING TO MUCH TROUBLE! A CREDIT TO THE FAMILY THAT OWN IT.
THANKS
THANKS
Kate Driskell
Nov 26, 2019
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Stunning views. Very friendly house cat - he comes to visit the lawn in time for pre-dinner drinks. The rooms are lovely too, but the evening meals are stunning! Extremely good value dinner if you're a hotel guest; different every night and not once were we disappointed in the three nights we stayed. We're fussy, London food snobs and we were impressed.
Dave Griffin
Oct 16, 2019
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Had a wonderful stay at this incredible hotel. Truly deserves the 5 star rating. Absolutely everything was exceptional. The quality of furnishings/fittings, even the cutlery. The attention to detail is superb along with the food and the service. We will be going back and would whole heartedly recommend Hazel Bank.
