“We have stayed twice at the Swan at Newby Bridge. This is definitely the best family hotel I have stayed in. It is located in a small village at the very bottom of Lake Windermere. It is a large, old building positioned right next to the beautiful river Leven.
Whilst it is reasonably expensive to stay there, it is good value for money and the service is excellent. The rooms are decorated to a very high standard, with plenty of character; we stayed in a suite the second time which gave us ample room for a family of 4.
The hotel has a good sized pool, along with sauna, steam room and jacuzzi and spa treatments. It also has an ice cream parlour, a lovely bar which has real ales on tap and great pub food. The separate restaurant is also excellent and very child friendly whilst still allowing the adults to have a great meal (if the kids behave!)
There are a number of snugs and seating areas as well as a big playroom for the kids. The hotel also offers a listening service and offers free warm milk and cookies at bedtime. There is a woodland walk in the grounds of the hotel which is quite nice to let off some steam, they also have a good playground.
The hotel is ideal for a 2 or 3 nights stay to explore Windermere. There are plenty of attractions around Windermere for toddlers and younger children. In our two trips, we have visited the World of Beatrix Potter, the aquarium, the steam railway, Treetop Nets at Brockhole, took a ferry along the lake and went for some short walks.
Highly recommended for a short break anytime of the year. We visited in February and September. Pack your waterproofs, it’s the Lakes! There is plenty to occupy you in the hotel if the weather is so bad that you can’t face outside activities!”
Mumbler recommends CB ’17
