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Macdonald Swan Hotel, the Lake District

The Swan

The Lake District, The UK

The Swan

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The Swan hotel provides a quiet retreat in the heart of the Lake District National Park. This inviting hotel was built in 1650, making it one of the oldest in the Lake District. It has played host to the famed poets Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth, the latter mentioning it in his 1805 poem The Waggoner: ‘Who does not know the famous SWAN?’. Its log fires are welcoming in winter, and in summer the views extend far across the gardens to the local landmark of Helm Crag. 

The rooms at the Swan are comfortable and infused with character. The restaurant features in-season ingredients and traditional dishes.

OUR OPINION:

Although the decor is a little tired in places, this is a wonderfully warm and welcoming pub-style hotel, offering great value.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Photos of The Swan

  • Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere
    Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere
  • Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere
    Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere
  • Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere
    Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere
  • Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere
    Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere

Rooms

The Swan offers four types of comfortable rooms, with the option to choose a garden view or a four-poster bed. All the rooms have en suite bathrooms and come with complimentary Wi-Fi and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The executive and feature room categories also offer a bathrobe and slippers, as well as a fruit bowl in the feature rooms. Interconnecting rooms are also available.

Location

In the heart of the Lake District National Park, the Swan is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding fells (hills) and lakes. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the picturesque village of Grasmere, and a 15-minute drive from the town of Ambleside.

Food and drink

The Waggoner’s Restaurant offers traditional food made with modern flare, and creates its dinner menu using in-season ingredients. The hotel’s traditional English breakfast is also served here. The relaxed Walkers’ Bar offers a lunch and dinner menu of British dishes as well as afternoon tea. Both places are happy to cater for any dietary needs.

Facilities and activities

Although there isn’t a pool or spa at the hotel, the spa at its sister property, the Old England Hotel & Spa, is open for guests to use as they please. It’s a 20-minute drive away, located on Lake Windermere.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

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    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

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    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

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    The Lake District and nearby places