Cedar Manor seems to have found the perfect balance between B&B and hotel. Like the best B&Bs, it's run - with impeccable service and inexhaustible energy - by its owners Jonathan and Caroline. They know the area inside out, greet guests by name, and are helped by excellent staff. And, like all good B&Bs, it serves a great breakfast, be it the 'full Cumbrian' or healthier options like eggs royale.
But it also has a dash of boutique hotel about it. The bedrooms - 10 of them - come with vivid designer wallpapers, Egyptian cotton sheets, waffle robes, perhaps a canopied (or four-poster) kingsize bed: not your average B&B. The building, a handsome 1850s greystone house with big arched windows and neatly striped lawns, can fairly be called a manor. Certainly, relaxing by the ancient cedar tree and pink rhododendrons, with a classy cream tea and glass of fizz, you feel like the lords of one. Indoors are 2 guest lounges, a well-stocked bar and delicious snacks (brought to your room if you prefer). The result of all this is a truly spoiling Lake-District hideaway with an intimate and attentive atmosphere; a place where discerning guests mingle happily, and return year after year.
Highs
- An excellent location: 5 mins' walk from the town centre and 5 mins' drive from the lakeside (cruises, watersports)
- Beautiful leafy gardens make it feel very secluded and special
- Truly warm welcome and firsthand advice from Jonathan, Caroline and staff, including great hiking and restaurant tips
- Everything is spotlessly clean, and nothing is too much trouble for the staff
- If you want more privacy, there's a smart little 1-bedroom cottage with its own living-dining space (and a very snazzy bathroom!)
Lows
- No children under 10: this is a tranquil place
- Not pet-friendly
- Bedrooms vary: some have better views, others bigger bathrooms (but all have their own character)
- Windermere is one of the Lake District's more touristy towns
Best time to go
The lakes and fells can be stunning at any time of year: we particularly like September-October when it's quieter and the woods are in full colour. May-June can also be lovely, with endless evenings and plenty of bird- and flower life. Summer, of course, is best for watersports on Lake Windermere, as well as garden visits and the best chances of summit views. Don't rule out winter, especially as a romantic weekend away amid snowy summits and crackling fires.
Our top tips
Do yourself a favour and book one of their amazing cream teas. It's not the cheapest, but it is one of the biggest and best we've ever had! Highlights for us were the light crumbly scones, the mini lemon meringue pie, and the raspberry Eton mess.
We were impressed how hard Jonathan and Caroline have worked to promote local craftspeople, and to be as sustainable as possible. The custom-made chandelier in reception has blue teardrops from recycled Bombay Sapphire gin bottles, while the bookshelf wallpaper (designed by Ally Tordoff) has jokey book titles which play on owners' and friends' names.
We were impressed how hard Jonathan and Caroline have worked to promote local craftspeople, and to be as sustainable as possible. The custom-made chandelier in reception has blue teardrops from recycled Bombay Sapphire gin bottles, while the bookshelf wallpaper (designed by Ally Tordoff) has jokey book titles which play on owners' and friends' names.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Our visit to Cedar Manor was excellent. The location is perfect and is a short walk into Windermere village and the train station. There is great parking at Cedar Manor which is off street. Jonathon is an excellent host. The Cedar Manor afternoon tea is delicious. We enjoyed dinner at The Tilly and Tapios a delightful Spanish restaurant. And a must visit is Homeground for the best chocolate brownie. We hope to return for a longer stay next time.
I cannot fault Caroline and Johnathan at Cedar Manor, they go above and beyond and are genuinely lovely people. If you want somewhere cool and modern then this isn’t for you, but if you like lots of soft furnishings, prints, patterns and objects then you will love it. We only ate breakfast at the hotel which I cannot fault.
Excellent hotel, facilities and service first class
A well located, comfortable property with friendly owners. Whilst we have no complaint in respect of our stay, the warm weather (and necessarily open windows), made traffic noise a little intrusive.
Immediately following the COVID-19 closure, Jonathan and Caroline were challenged to satisfy health regulations and, probably, excessive customer concerns about safety. They excelled at everything and exceeded our expectations during our 2 night stay, thank you. The hotel occupies a convenient location that's an easy walk to the town centre of Windermere, where pre planned restaurant reservations are a must. This is a hotel where we found friendly, efficient and always willing service to be their core objectives, we recommend it to others and will aim to return in future.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape