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The setting
Wild Boar Estate is nestled in the midst of a private woodland, in the heart of the idyllic countryside of the Lake District, between Kendal and Bowness-on-Windermere. Here you’ll find expansive rural landscapes and a peaceful setting; hiking trails begin right at your doorstep, and Lake Windermere is just a few minutes’ drive away. The estate charms guests with its traditional and cozy atmosphere. A crackling fireplace, a cozy living room, and spacious rooms invite you to relax and unwind after a day spent outdoors.
What to expect
Enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional country inn, warm hospitality, and spacious accommodations where you can fully relax and feel right at home. At “The Grill & Smokehouse,” the hotel serves British cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, smoked in the on-site smokehouse. The menu features hearty, soul-warming dishes. The fireplace and cozy lounge form the heart of the common area, and you can take a stroll through the woods on the hotel grounds at your own pace.
Things to do nearby
The towns of Bowness-on-Windermere and Kendal are nearby and offer easy access to shops, pubs, and boat rides on the lake. From the hotel, you can step right onto the hiking trails that wind through the hotel’s private forest, or play a round of golf at the nearby course. Lake Windermere is just a few minutes’ drive away, where you can go for a boat ride, go kayaking, or simply spend a peaceful day by the water.
Best for
This hotel is ideal for couples and hikers who want to enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the forest, as well as end the day by a fireplace fueled by real firewood. Foodies will truly appreciate the “Grill & Smokehouse.” This accommodation is also perfect for water sports enthusiasts and golfers, as both are nearby. It’s also perfect for families looking to spend a peaceful holiday in the lake district, and is especially recommended in the summer, when the hiking trails are at their most picturesque.
How to get to the hotel
The nearest airport is Manchester, roughly a 90-minute drive north up the M6. Oxenholme Lake District station is the closest mainline stop, about 15 minutes away by car, with direct trains from London Euston, Manchester and Glasgow. From Oxenholme, guests continue by taxi or hire car. Drivers can reach the estate directly via the M6 (junction 36) and the A591 towards Windermere.
Choose your room
✓ Your selectionStandard Double room
Cosy room with a comfortable bed, tea and coffee making facilities and an LCD TV.
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+£60Standard Double room with garden view
Room with a garden view that feels like waking up in a forest.
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+£120Luxury Double room
Spacious room with a king-size bed, a coffee machine and luxury toiletries.
View room →- Parking on Premises
- Golf сourse
- Indoor Pool
- Fitness facilities
- Sauna
- Picnic area
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews
Family wedding
We were there for a wedding. Stayed over 2 nights. Everything was perfect. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms were spotlessly clean and the bed was… Read full review on ZenHotels →
First time in the Lake District
I have never left a review for anyone on Trip Advisor before, but I just had to for The Wild Boar. My partner and I stayed here over the weekend for his birthday and our… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Good food, not good staffing
We were bought an alternative afternoon tea voucher as a present, and decided to use it. We turned up on spec without booking and the pleasant lady behind the bar went… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Your 4 days, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Arrival and woodland wander
Upon arrival at the estate, drop off your luggage and take a stroll along the cozy private forest path leading from the hotel. Then return to the hotel, enjoy a drink by the wood-burning fireplace, and head to the “Grill & Smokehouse” restaurant for dinner. After all, smoked meat is the main reason people come here. If you still have some energy left, take a stroll around the grounds as dusk falls. At this time of day, silence descends on the forest, and wild animals begin to appear.
A day on Lake Windermere
Drive the short hop to Bowness-on-Windermere and spend the morning on the lake. Hop on a cruise between the piers, or hire a rowing boat or kayak if the weather plays along. Stop for lunch at a lakeside café in Bowness, then browse the shops along the waterfront. Head back to the estate mid-afternoon for a quiet hour by the fire before dinner.
Kendal and the market town trail
Point the car towards Kendal for a change of pace. Wander the old yards and lanes, pick up mint cake from one of the shops, and take a look at Kendal Castle's ruins on the hill above town. Grab lunch at a local pub, then swing back via a quieter fell walk or a round of golf nearby. Evening is for the smokehouse menu and an early night.
Slow morning before the drive home
If you still have time, consider stopping by the village of Windermere on your way back to admire the view of the lake once more, or pulling over at the overlook along the A591 to take a few photos. After having lunch in Bowness and recharging your energy, head south on the M6 and make your way back home.
Where you'll be
Windermere, UK
FAQ
Is Wild Boar Estate a good pick for a summer trip?
Yes. Late July and early August are prime Lakes weather, with long days for walking the estate's woodland trails and getting out on Lake Windermere. Book activities like cruises and boat hire ahead where possible, as Bowness gets busy in peak summer.
Can children stay at the hotel?
Yes, families are always welcome here. With its idyllic scenery, forest trails on the hotel grounds, and easy access to Lake Windermere—where you can go boating—it’s the perfect place for children who love spending time outdoors. Since this is more of a traditional country hotel than a dedicated family resort, the hotel recommends that you bring rubber boots and include outdoor walks in your daily plans.
What's the food like on site?
At the hotel’s “Grill & Smokehouse” restaurant, the hotel primarily serve British cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, as well as dishes smoked in the own smokehouse. In the cozy atmosphere by the fireplace, you can enjoy hearty and generous dishes, including smoked meats and classic grilled dishes.
What can guests do on the estate itself?
You can wander private woodland trails straight from the hotel, settle in by a roaring log fire in one of the lounges, or eat at the Grill & Smokehouse. Golf is available nearby, and Lake Windermere is a short drive for time on the water.
Is a car useful for this stay?
It’s very convenient to get around by car in this area. The estate is in the middle of a wooded area between Kendal and Bowness-on-Windermere. By car, you can easily reach the lake, towns with markets, and even explore the entire Lake District. Guests arriving by train at Oxenholme can take a taxi to the estate and rent a car there.
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