Sixth visit in two years and standards remain top notch every time, friendly, warm, helpful. Could not stay more than a few days at a time as the food is too good for the waist line in spite of marvellous local ( straight out the door) walking etc.

We have just had 3 nights at Swinside Lodge. The food was excellent, beyond our wildest dreams for the price. Kath, Mike and Laurent were attentive and did everything to make our stay perfect, even giving me a lesson on how to walk with poles. It was certainly not a problem that dinner was a set menu. It was beautifully served, varied and every course was delicious. The bedroom was comfy and the setting wonderful. We will go again, hopefully sooner rather than later.

We have just returned from a fantastic 2 nights at Swinside Lodge. This is a beautiful property only 2 miles outside Keswick in the most beautiful rolling hills. It's a small country house hotel owned and run by a small team of 4 people and it runs like clockwork without feeling regimented in any way. The lounges and dining room are beautifully and tastefully decorated whilst remaining cosy, The rooms are very comfortable indeed - ours had a lovely bay window at the front, with plasma TV with inbuilt DVD player and films on loan if you want them. The overriding reason to come here though is the food. The resident chef produces amazing, inspirational 4 course dinners every evening - a set menu - but this is no detriment at all because the dishes are so imaginative using high quality local produce and are stunningly presented - we loved this mystery tour. The chef even produces lovely canapes for everyone to enjoy in the lounges before dinner. The wine list is extensive with around 200 to choose from. I don't understand the few comments I have read here about the prices of the wines - certainly there is a full range including some expensive ones - but we chose a very modestly priced merlot at £18.50 and it was excellent. We met a selection of interesting, like minded people, so don't get put off by the fact that this is a small hotel with only 7 rooms. Breakfasts are amazing too with 4 or 5 hot dishes to choose from, all cooked to order. The team who own and run the hotel are extremely friendly but in an unobtrusive way. If you want advice on walks, they are full of ideas and gave us 3 fantastic walks to do, complete with an idiot proof map. We loved our stay here !

The forecast said that a good weather slot was coming up and reviews said that Swinside Lodge was worth a visit.
We were fortunate to be able to book one of two available rooms, for an exceedingly pleasant and relaxing two-night stay.
The welcome was just right, the room equally so, and dining was a relaxing smart casual pleasure.
As we were there for only two nights we ordered our wine by the (large) glass, being past the age of finishing a bottle per night between two. Both the white Chenin and the Rioja were very palatable, and decently priced.
Dinner and breakfast were of high quality, and enjoyed.
The hotel is ideally situated as a base for many walks in the area. Derwentwater is ten minutes, on foot, away and Catbells is within easy walking reach, for instance.
In short, this was a very pleasant and truly relaxing short break, which we look forward to repeating at some time in the not too distant future.