Dale Head Hall, Keswick (Lake District)

16th Century three star hotel on the shores of Thirlmere, with superb views of the lake and of Helvellyn to the rear.

Summary 16th century buildings Breakfast included Free car parking (on site) No smoking Facilities Free broadband access Shared gardens Self-catering facilities Woodland walks Food and Drinks Restaurant Self-catering facilities English breakfast (included) Dinner available (at additional cost) Bar

Nearby recreations Recommended walks Pub (walking distance) Museums (a short drive) Historic houses Gardens Golf course (a short drive) Tennis courts (a short drive) Recommended restaurants (walking distance) Recommended restaurants (a short drive) Theatre (a short drive)

Introduction

Dale Head Hall is now a luxury three star sits alone on the shores of Thirlmere, with superb views of the lake to the front and of Helvellyn to the rear, perhaps the most well known mountain in the Lake District. You can wander down through mature gardens to the lake shore. Look at the splendour of the fells across the lake, turn around and view the majestic slopes of Helvellyn.

From the hotel travel north towards to the bustling popular market town of Keswick or meander south towards Grasmere, popular with artists and home to the Wordsworth Trust. This Lake District Hotel is ideally situated for walking, cycling or touring the Lake District and is close to all the major Lake District attractions.

History to the present day

The oldest part of the main house dates back to the early 16th Century. In 1577 Adam Leathes bought Dale Head Hall for £477 and brought his bride to live here. Successive generations of the Leathes family lived at Dale Head. During this period various extensions were added to the original building, the most important of which was the part that is now the entrance to the hotel, with lounge and bar overlooking the lake.

In 1877, on the death of Thomas Stanger-Leathes, the then Lord of the Manor of Legburthwaite and Wythburn, the entire estate, which included the valley and large parts of the fells on either side of the 2 small lakes, was purchased by Manchester Corporation. Their interest in the valley was to change the two lakes into one large reservoir, to provide the growing city of Manchester with clean drinking water. In 1879 the Corporation was granted Royal permission by Queen Victoria and work started on the building of the dam on the north side of the lake. Simultaneously the construction of an underground pipeline began. In 1894 the first water started its 100 mile journey to Manchester. There is now a plaque on the dam commemorating the centenary celebrations. Today the lake still provides the City with approx. 50m gallons each day.

In the meantime, the Hall was transformed into the Summer residence for the Lord Mayor of Manchester and served this purpose until 1985. By this time the Hall was severely run down and it was decided by the City Council to sell the property. In June 1990 the hotel transferred into private ownership and the long process was started to restore the property to its former glory. In September 1999 the old drying room and boiler house were demolished, to make way for the next stage in the development. On 1st July 2000 a new extension was opened adding 4 Superior Lakeside hotel rooms and 2 Lakeside Suites.

Food and Drinks

The hotel's restaurant has attained an AA Red Rosette for excellence of cuisine and service.

Other facilities

Complimentary wireless broadband internet access is available both in the hotel common areas as well as guest bedrooms.

The hotel was recently granted a licence to hold civil ceremonies and the first ever wedding to take place at the Hall was held in March 2010.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel, Lake Thirlmere, Keswick, Cumbria, Lake District, CA12 4TN, United Kingdom

Address: Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel, Lake Thirlmere, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4TN

Directions: From the South: Leave M6 at Junction 36 (Kendal/South lakes) onto A590. At the big roundabout take A591 (Windermere). Follow A591 through Windermere and Ambleside. After Grasmere keep on A591 for another 5 miles (Keswick). Turn left onto local road at Hotel sign

From the North: Leave M6 at Junction 40 (Keswick/North Lakes) onto A66. Turn left at Threlkeld onto B5322 (St. John's in the Vale). Turn left onto A591 (Thirlmere/Windermere). Turn right onto local road at Hotel sign.

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