Saint John's Castlerigg and Wythburn Hotels with Parking

"I have grave misgivings about hotels in the busiest parts of the Lake District, especially at holiday times. Obviously they will be relentlessly overcrowded, with harassed and unfriendly staff. I’ve wanted to go back to the Proper Lake District for a while though so took a risk on the King’s Head. It’s easy to find on the ear popping main road up from Grasmere, just beyond the impressive hulk of Steel Fell, close to Thirlemere. Parking anywhere in the Lakes is hideous and expensive. Not here. Relaxed and plenty of room. It’s a long building with a pleasant bar restaurant area and beer garden. I found a rather pleasant residents lounge where a lady called Jo checked me in and made me feel welcome. It does get busy with passing trade but the staff look after their residents. They flogged me decent real ale and Jura whisky (the proper stuff). Breakfast is briskly table served from a menu and is well presented. I didn’t eat otherwise there but the food is popular and well priced. The road outside is busy and a bit of a racetrack, and the occasional fighter jet roars between the mountains on low altitude practice, but the relentless bleating of the sheep opposite soon returns things to normal. I was a little sorry to depart, but the manager said he hoped I would come again. I believe I will, and will even bring my wife."

"Before arriving at keswick, the entrance was small and easy to miss. The hotel was rebuilt from an old house of 5-600, and some rooms were old. But the scenery outside is good, the boss is very friendly, and the breakfast is good."

"We drove here with our dog, and it was a fantastic stay! The hotel is about a 10-minute drive from the town centre, but the scenery is stunning, and both breakfast and dinner were absolutely delicious. The room was small but cosy, and they allow dogs for a very small extra fee, which was great. Every member of staff was incredibly friendly, and the food at the partner restaurant really impressed me—it even made me fall in love with British food all over again! For the price and experience, this trip felt absolutely perfect. I loved every moment of it!"