Book here and pay
10% less
than on Booking.com!
Check rooms and rates
From146US$ /night
Check-in
08Dec2025Select date
Check-out
09Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Church Street, Bowness-on-Windermere, United Kingdom, LA23 3DF
-
Close to Lake Windermere
Perfect
7.5
7.6
/10
3.5
3.7
/5

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, a 4-star Bowness-on-Windermere hotel, offers luxury accommodation with scenic views of Lake Windermere and a full-service spa. The property is equipped with a restaurant, terrace lounge, and extensive leisure facilities, including a gym and swimming pool.

Rooms & Amenities

The hotel features 106 elegant bedrooms, traditionally furnished with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and luxury toiletries. Guests can opt for spacious balcony suites that provide unrivaled views of the Lake District.

Dining & Lounge

Dining options include the Lakeview Restaurant, known for its modern British fine dining menus and seasonal ingredients, alongside a terrace lounge offering afternoon tea. A bar is available for post-dinner drinks and relaxation.

Spa & Leisure

The spa offers a range of ELEMIS treatments, access to thermal facilities, and leisure amenities such as a 20-metre pool and gym equipped with Life Fitness equipment. A variety of spa days are available to promote relaxation amidst the stunning Lake District landscape.

Location & Activities

Situated near the bustling Bowness-on-Windermere, the hotel is in close proximity to several attractions, including Blackwell The Arts and Crafts House and Windermere Steamboat Museum. Guests will find marinas and water sports facilities nearby, catering to various levels of experience.

View all

Choose your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Family Room
2 persons
21 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
21 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Twin Room
2 persons
21 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Balcony Room
2 persons
21 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • Handicap parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Dryer

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's buffet
  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage

Room features

  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Dryer

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, dining options showcase the rich flavors of local produce while framed by stunning views of the Lake District. Enjoy a delightful blend of culinary craftsmanship and serene surroundings across various inviting venues, perfect for a relaxing getaway or special occasion.
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa Bowness-on-Windermere Restaurant photo
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa Bowness-on-Windermere Restaurant photo
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa Bowness-on-Windermere Restaurant photo

Lakeview Restaurant

Contemporary British
Ambiance
Elegant, with panoramic views of the Lake District
Key Offerings
Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available; emphasizes locally sourced ingredients in a stylish setting.
Reservation
Recommended
Open for breakfast and dinner; offers two-course lunches.

Seagrave Bar

Casual dining and drinks
Ambiance
Sleek and modern, ideal for socializing or private gatherings
Key Offerings
Variety of fine wines and spirits; suitable for private dining or breakout sessions for events.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary

Lakeside Restaurant

Seasonal dishes with local influences
Ambiance
Relaxing atmosphere with breathtaking views of the Cumbrian countryside
Key Offerings
Delicious two-course lunches featuring fresh local produce; perfect for a midday retreat.
Reservation
Recommended
Open for lunch only

Terrace Bar

Light bites and refreshments
Ambiance
Open terrace overlooking the scenic landscape, perfect for warm evenings
Key Offerings
Casual setting for enjoying cocktails and light fare, great for unwinding after a day of activities.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary

Location

Church Street, Bowness-on-Windermere, United Kingdom, LA23 3DF
Map view
Church Street, Bowness-on-Windermere, United Kingdom, LA23 3DF
Nearby
Park
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
270 m
Windermere Marina Village Ferry Nab
Lake Windermere
420 m
Church
St Martin's Church
80 m
The Fun Factory Glebe Road
The Fun Factory Bowness
510 m
Store
Love the Lakes
180 m
Station Road
St Michael and All Angels Church
190 m
Bowness Bay
220 m
Theatre
The Old Laundry Theatre
240 m
Square
The Glebe
450 m
Restaurants
Village Inn Bar & Grill
90 m
Lake Road
Jackson's Bistro
150 m
West End
Terrace Coffee Lounge & Cocktail Bar at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
80 m
23 Church Street
Bodega Tapas Bar
120 m
Ash Street
Caffe Riva
110 m
St. Martins Square
The China Boat
70 m
Church St
Villa Positano
170 m
Villa Positano Ash Street
Hyltons
150 m
Ash Street
Lake View Garden Bar
70 m
Saint Andrews
The Albert
180 m
Queens Square
Explore Bowness-on-Windermere
Local Delights Near Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
4 minutes' walk
An enchanting exhibition celebrating Beatrix Potter's life and characters, perfect for families and fans of her work.
Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere
6 minutes' walk
The largest lake in England, ideal for scenic walks, boating, and picnics with beautiful surroundings.
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
11 minutes' walk
A fascinating museum showcasing historical boats and maritime history, with guided tours for a deeper experience.
Blackwell The Arts and Crafts House
Blackwell The Arts and Crafts House
25 minutes' walk
An architectural gem featuring exquisite Arts and Crafts design, surrounded by gardens and offering exhibitions.
Biking at Brockhole on Windermere
10 minutes' drive
Thrilling mountain biking trails in scenic surroundings, with bike rentals available at Brockhole Visitor Centre.
Spa Treatments at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
1 minute' walk
Relaxing spa services offered at the hotel, perfect for rejuvenation after a day of activities.
Canoeing on Lake Windermere
15 minutes' walk
An exciting canoeing experience available through local rentals offering guided sessions for all skill levels.
Jackson's Bistro
Jackson's Bistro
2 minutes' walk
A cozy atmosphere with a menu of locally sourced dishes, perfect for casual dining. Reservations recommended for peak times.
Caffe Riva
Caffe Riva
2 minutes' walk
A warm café serving delectable coffees and light bites, ideal for a quick meal. Vegetarian options available.
Bodega Tapas Bar
Bodega Tapas Bar
2 minutes' walk
Vibrant tapas bar offering a diverse selection of Spanish dishes, perfect for sharing. Great atmosphere, reservations advised.
Aquarius Amusements
8 minutes' walk
Family-friendly arcade with a variety of games and prizes, making it a fun evening for all ages.
The Forum in Barrow
20 minutes' drive
A lively venue hosting live music, comedy shows, and events suitable for all. Check their schedule for current performances.

Getting around
City Centre
Bowness-on-Windermere3 min  ·  200 m
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)124 min  ·  82.4 km
Blackpool International (BLK)150 min  ·  100.0 km
Bus
Bus stop27 min  ·  2.2 km

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.
66%
loved their spa retreat and can’t wait to return.
6.6/10
Nice
Rooms
5.5
Location
9.3
Service
6.8
Dining
5.0
Guest reviews
6.6/10
based on 4 reviews
7.5
7.5/10 based on 2107 reviews
Billy
United Kingdom, February  2025
6.8/10

The hotel has stunning views of the lake, which definitely added to our overall experience. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel welcomed. However, the dining options were rather disappointing as the food didn't meet our expectations and felt overpriced. The overall ambiance of the hotel left something to be desired, particularly regarding the outdated decor and occasional maintenance issues.

Rooms
6.0
The room we stayed in was clean and offered a lovely lakeside view, but it felt dated with chipped paint and uncomfortable furniture.
Service
7.0
The staff was friendly and attentive, but I did notice some inconsistencies in customer service responses.
Location
9.0
The hotel is centrally located in Bowness, perfectly situated for exploring the area.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was underwhelming, with tasteless breakfast and overpriced room service that didn't meet expectations.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities need some refreshing; they felt outdated overall and some maintenance issues were noticeable.
Steven
United Kingdom, February  2025
6.6/10

I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The views of Lake Windermere were stunning, and the staff provided friendly service, but the room I stayed in lacked basic amenities and the dining experience left a lot to be desired. While I enjoyed aspects of my stay, I wouldn't call it overall worth the price I paid.

Rooms
5.0
The room I stayed in was rather disappointing. It had no bath and felt poorly equipped, which was quite the letdown for a hotel of this standard.
Service
6.0
While the staff was friendly and eager to assist, the service seemed overwhelmed during busy times, leading to longer waits and mixed messages about my room's availability.
Location
10.0
The hotel is situated right on the shores of Lake Windermere, providing breathtaking views that are truly a highlight of the stay.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was less than satisfactory. Breakfast options were limited, and my meal was underwhelming, especially considering the price we paid.
Facilities
5.0
The amenities, particularly the spa, were not functioning optimally during my visit, with a cold pool and broken steam room, which was disappointing.
Billy
United Kingdom, November  2024
6.8/10

My experience at the hotel was quite mixed. While the location was excellent with stunning views of Lake Windermere, the overall value felt lacking. I was disappointed with the room accommodations and the dining experience, as both did not meet the expectations set by the hotel's luxurious reputation. However, the attentive staff made the stay more bearable, and they genuinely seemed to care about guest satisfaction.

Rooms
5.0
The twin room we were given initially was quite depressing, with a view of grimy stonework and no fridge. After moving to a nicer room, it felt much more comfortable and well-fitted, but overall it did not justify the high price we paid.
Service
8.0
The staff were unfailingly lovely and attentive, even amidst a busy schedule. However, some areas, like the night shift, could use a refresh in customer service skills.
Location
9.0
The hotel is located in a picturesque area of Bowness, which provides easy access to the lakes and local attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the Lake District.
Dining
5.0
The breakfast was particularly disappointing; the cooked offerings were subpar, and the coffee was the worst I've had. Overall, it did not meet the standards I expected from a high-end hotel, leading us to avoid other dining options.
Facilities
5.0
Facilities like the restaurant and parking felt lacking, with unexpected charges and mediocre dining options. It seems the hotel could improve on what they offer to enhance the overall guest experience.
Phil
United Kingdom, November  2024
6.8/10

The hotel provides stunning lake views and has an overall clean and inviting atmosphere. However, there were some inconsistencies with the service and dining, which could use improvement. While the spa treatments were enjoyable, some aspects of the hotel could feel outdated, affecting the overall quality of the stay.

Rooms
7.0
The room we stayed in had a fabulous lakeside view, however, it was quite hot with no air conditioning. The ensuite bathroom was a bit cramped with the radiator positioned too close to the toilet.
Service
6.0
Some staff demonstrated excellent service and attentiveness, while others lacked proper communication skills, making our experience inconsistent.
Location
9.0
Located beautifully beside the lake, the hotel is perfect for enjoying scenic walks and accessing various local activities.
Dining
5.0
Dining could be better! Although the dessert was delightful, the main dinner felt rushed, and breakfast options seemed premade rather than fresh.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities were generally good, especially the pool which was clean and family-friendly, but some amenities like the microwaving service were not handled well.
Access exclusive early booking discounts.
Choose your spa escape today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at GBP 25 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Macdonald Old England & Spa guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Hungarian, Chinese, Polish, Arabic, Slovak
Year renovated:
2007
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
106
FAQs
About Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
What are the check-in and check-out times at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Does Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa offer on-site parking?
Private parking is available on-site for £25 per day.
What amenities does Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa offer for relaxation?
Amenities include a full-service spa, sauna, steam room, indoor swimming pool, and fitness center.
How far is Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa from the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction?
The hotel is located 0.5 km from the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.
What dining options are available at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
The hotel features the Lakeview Restaurant and the Terrace Coffee Lounge & Cocktail Bar, both offering local and seasonal dishes.
Are there any nearby attractions to visit when staying at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
Nearby attractions include Beatrix Potter Exhibition (0.3 km), Bowness Bay Marina (1 km), and Wray Castle (5 km).
What room amenities can guests expect at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities, air conditioning, and complimentary toiletries.
Is breakfast available at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £18.
Can guests use the spa facilities at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
Guests have complimentary access to the spa facilities during their stay.
Is Wi-Fi accessible for guests at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What type of environment can guests expect at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
The hotel provides a family-friendly and nature-focused environment with stunning views of Lake Windermere.
What services are provided for children at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa?
The hotel offers a children's buffet, board games, and designated children's swimming times.
How far is Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa from Carlisle Lake District Airport?
The hotel is located 85 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
08Dec2025Select date
Check-out
09Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Need more options?
Check Top hotels near Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
The Cranleigh Boutique Hotel Bowness-on-Windermere Room photo
Mobile-only price

The Cranleigh Boutique Hotel Bowness-on-Windermere

8.5
Great189 reviews
249m from property
USD 195USD 175
per night
The Ro Hotel Windermere Bowness-on-Windermere Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

The Ro Hotel Windermere Bowness-on-Windermere

7.8
Very good4024 reviews
412m from property
USD 111USD 99
per night
Lakes Hotel & Spa Bowness-on-Windermere Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Lakes Hotel & Spa Bowness-on-Windermere

9.2
Perfect5437 reviews
422m from property
USD 519USD 467
per night