Wordsworth Hotel review by Lee Taylor
The Lake District has had its share of turmoil this winter, with flooding and roads only just opening up again to much needed tourist traffic. So a visit to the region was timely, as we hit Grasmere this spring, and found a wonderful haven at the village’s Wordsworth Hotel & Spa.
Arriving at Grasmere straight off the open-top bus from Windermere, we were feeling a touch windswept after the journey in what was not the most temperate of Aprils. Heading straight for The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa, we found just what was needed considering the unpredictable weather of the Lakes; a roaring fire and a friendly welcome from the staff.
Up a short flight of stairs, we were led to our accommodation for the stay (the hotel’s Scott Suite). It was a vast corner room with large windows on 2 sides. You are literally in the centre of the village in this suite, with a view of the (gentle) action and the steep hills surrounding Grasmere. We loved the small terrace where you can step almost into the lower roof-slopes of the hotel, and take in the gardens and countryside beyond. This would be a real asset in Summer. The large Jacuzzi bath was great too, and went down well with the kids.
The Wordsworth is set in a stylish and relaxed country house, that houses a restaurant, bistro, a spa and pool, traditionally furnished lounge areas and gardens all in a perfect location in the midst of Grasmere village, surrounded by the gorgeous landscapes of the Lakes. Standards are high here, but the warm and relaxed feel pervades, and the staff were friendly and helpful. As soon as were unpacked we explored the gardens and enjoyed a quick game of croquet before heading to the pool and spa.
The pool area has a wall of windows onto the garden, so you have that all important natural light and are able to see beyond the confines of the room itself. It make a big difference to the atmosphere of the space. Sometimes you do not want to hang around in a hotel pool as it might be underground, windowless and claustrophobic – so you tend to have a quick swim and you’re out. At the Wordsworth you want to linger and enjoy the space and even more so when you discover the adjoining jacuzzi and the sauna and beauty room.
The hotel had seemed pretty quiet to us so we were surprised the next morning to see how busy breakfast was in the main restaurant. These mystery residents must have all been out walking or sight seeing when we got there the previous day. After a couple of minutes we were ushered to a nice table and were given an extensive menu of hot bespoke items. I had Eggs Florentine both mornings cooked just right. Again the relaxed, friendly but helpful service shone through. We spent the day visiting the Grasmere tourist spots. The hotel is right next to the church where William and Mary Wordsworth are buried, and the famous Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop. It’s a short walk to the Dove Cottage Museum, and of course many walks (both for the novice and the hardened walker) start right here in the village.
The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa has an awful lot going for it. It’s right in the very centre of Grasmere, one of the atmospheric villages in the Lake District, and of course the root of its historic reputation for tourism courtesy of Wordsworth himself. It’s a welcoming, country-house hotel with impeccable service which puts you at ease; and that pool really is a jewel.
For more information go The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa website.
Wordsworth Hotel review by Lee Taylor
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