The Cottage In The Wood

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Ian Jones

The Cottage In The Wood sounds like something from a fairytale, and well, it is. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel in Keswick in the heart of the Lake District, near some of the region’s most picturesque lakes and mountains. 

If things couldn’t get even more fantastical, you’ll find it on a place called Magic Hill. Beatrix Potter, eat your heart out. 

There are four different types of rooms: Mountain View, which gives incredible views across the forest valley to the Skiddaw mountain range, plus there’s the Cottage itself, with rooms that date back to the coaching inn days. 

As for one-off rooms, choose between Treetops, based up high, with velux windows that give awe-inspiring views of the stars. Or the room we stayed at: the Garden suite, a stunning and secluded space down a flight of steps with a private garden. 

The style is exactly what you want from a trip to the Lakes, original rustic features with all-important modern touches. That means a gloriously comfortable bed, spacious bathrooms and a cosy ambience that’s never too warm, never too cold. There’s even a TV, but if you’re coming to the most breathtaking part of the country and staying in to watch Homes Under The Hammer, then you need to have a word with yourself. 

Then there’s the red squirrel. Forget those ten-a-penny grey scruffs, a bona fide family of red squirrels live in the trees next to the cottage and regularly come out to put on a show (well, eat some nuts) for guests. We spotted one while having breakfast, and yes, that’s another childhood wish come true. 

Speaking of breakfast, here, it’s the stuff of champions. Alongside some hearty, healthy options, such as seasonal fruits and sea trout, you’ll find the ultimate Lake District breakfast. It’s all about local sourcing, meaning free-range eggs from Scales Farm (based on the slopes of Blencathra, one of the most beautiful of the Cumbrian Mountains), and traditional sausage and bacon reared and prepared in nearby Wabethwaite village.

And we haven’t even mentioned the accompanying Michelin-starred restaurant, headed up by husband and wife team Beth and Jack Bond. The food is worth a detailed review in its own right, so we’ll cover the tasting menu in next week’s review (spoiler: unmissable). 

Once upon a time – 1640 to be exact – The Cottage In The Wood was a coaching inn on the Whinlatter Forest pass. Four centuries later, it’s one of Cumbria’s standout places to stay. This is the kind of holiday destination that lives long in the memory.

Magic Hill, BraithwaiteKeswick CA12 5TW View map
Telephone: 017687 78409 Visit Now

What's on near The Cottage In The Wood

Craft Beer Tour Around Manchester
Until
ActivityManchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse range of pints.

from £35
Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00

Where to go near The Cottage In The Wood

 Patrick, SpongeBob and Squidward at the UK's only Nickelodeon Land.
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Nickelodeon Land

Combine the thrill of an amusement park with the colourful world of Nickelodeon at the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, located within Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

Leeds
Restaurant
Archive

Archive serving up speciality coffee and bespoke events to the people of Kirkstall, including craft fairs, vintage pop ups and exhibitions.

Ego Death
Manchester
Restaurant
Ego Death

Ego Death is a speakeasy-style secret bar in the Northern Quarter with a cocktail menu as good as its atmosphere.

Flat Iron Leeds
Manchester
Restaurant
Flat Iron Manchester

Relaxed restaurant in the centre of Manchester, serving impressively high-quality steaks at an affordable price point.

hotel2
Hotel
Hilton Liverpool

The riverside location of Hilton Liverpool makes it one of the most centrally placed hotels in the city, close to the all attractions, big and small.

hotel
Baltic Triangle
Hotel
Maldron Hotel

The Maldron Hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Baltic Triangle and offers comfortable stays and luxurious breakfasts.

hotel4
Liverpool
Hotel
The Halyard

The Halyard is one of Liverpool’s newest hotels, with top floor suites offering sweeping views of the city and delicious treats in the restaurant.

shop
Liverpool
Shop
COW Liverpool

Cow Liverpool is one of the city’s favourite vintage shops, with clothing, accessories and homeware in a spacious shop on Bold Street.

Liverpool
Shop
Pop Boutique Liverpool

Pop Boutique houses Vintage, clothing, homeware and vinyl. This bold street shop is in the centre of the ropewalks area of Liverpool which is fast becoming the indie centre of Liverpool.

cafe
Lark Lane
Café or Coffee Shop
Press Bros

Press Bros is one of Lark Lane’s best coffee spots, with coffee made from locally roasted beans and delicious breakfasts.

Culture Guides

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

Olaf Falafel
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.