One of the Lake District’s most iconic hotels is about to receive a welcome revitalisation, as major investment from new owners reveals plans designed to offer more to Cumbrian residents, visitors, and those working in the local economy.
Occupying unmissable views of the lake from its elevated position at the head of Windermere town, The Windermere Hotel is one of the area’s oldest hotels, opening in 1847 to coincide with the construction of the local railway. Nearly 180 years on, 21st century upgrades are due to breathe new life into the Victorian landmark.
The hotel was acquired last year by BH Group, a specialist group focussed on providing quality, welcoming hospitality, their portfolio includes venues in Falmouth, Blackpool, and Manchester. Well-known in the Lakes for re-establishing the Swan Hotel at nearby Newby Bridge as a luxury boutique hotel and spa following a £7.5 million refit, excitement has been building that the Windermere Hotel could benefit from similar investment.
Wasting no time and closing its doors at the end of autumn half term, work has begun to restore and refit the hotel, with the contract awarded to renowned building specialists Marshall’s Building Contractors from Elland in Yorkshire.
Plans have been unveiled to transform and upgrade the hotel to include a vibrant new reception area, bar, lounge and restaurant. The 75 bedrooms are being given a complete luxury refit, while the new spa and health club are designed as must-visit destinations in their own right, including a spa garden and pool overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Care extends from sympathetically preserving and enhancing the Grade I listed property’s traditional Lakeland Slate visage to offering benefits for locals as well as visitors, such as the regular supper clubs and off-peak spa offers enjoyed at The Swan.
James Houlston from BH Group says: “We love the Lake District, having invested heavily in the Swan Hotel and Spa five years ago. The Windermere Hotel is so iconic for the town and region, with lots of potential waiting to be fulfilled, so we are delighted to award the contract to Marshalls, one of the best contractors in this field, whom we have worked with for many years.”
With all hands to the deck to minimise the time the hotel is closed, the group hope to celebrate the first phase of reopening in early summer 2026. On completion the project is expected to offer the local economy a significant boost, creating up to 130 year-round full and part-time jobs, plus extensive supply chain support.
Occupying an elevated position at the head of Windermere town, The Windermere Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Windermere, opening in 1847 to coincide with the construction of the local railway. Built from traditional Lakeland slate, it is Grade I listed by English Heritage, it’s eminent location is ideal for exploring the “heart of the Lake District” around Bowness and Windermere, as well as the beautiful Lake District scenery.
Founded by James Houlston in 2008, award-winning UK property developer BH Group specialises in providing quality hospitality with keen interests in renewable energy provision. Their select portfolio includes venues in Manchester, Falmouth and Blackpool, as well as The Swan Hotel and Spa at Newby Bridge, which has flourished since their £7.5 million refit. www.bh-group.co.uk/
The multi-million pound renovation project for The Windermere Hotel, awarded to building specialists Marshall’s Building Contractors from Elland in Yorkshire, includes total refurbishment of 75 bedrooms and public spaces, plus a new restaurant, spa, pool and health club. Creating significant employment and supply contracts for the local economy, the first phase is projected to open early summer 2026.
For further media information, photographs or interviews, please contact Kate Bowyer on 07762 322111 or kate@abouttimemarketing.co.uk
