Company info
Scale Hill Hotel sits at the head of Crummock Water, between Loweswater and the Buttermere Valley, in one of the quietest and most unspoilt corners of the Lake District. Dating from the 1600s, it began as a coaching inn, providing shelter to travellers crossing the western valleys and serving as a natural base for explorers, artists and early tourists.
For centuries it has offered comfort amid dramatic scenery, with Crummock Water a short walk away through Lanthwaite Woods. The valley was frequented by the Lake Poets, and William Wordsworth knew the area well, often walking through Loweswater and Buttermere. Samuel Taylor Coleridge also explored these fells, helping shape the Romantic view of the Lakes as a place of reflection and inspiration.
During the Victorian era, Scale Hill was owned by the industrialist John Marshall of Leeds, who had first visited the valley as a guest alongside Wordsworth. Inspired by the area’s beauty, Marshall helped maintain Scale Hill as a welcoming retreat. Under his care, it became a quiet base for painters, writers, early mountaineers and explorers visiting Crummock Water, Buttermere and the surrounding fells, reflecting its place within the literary and artistic circles of the time.
In 1966, the hotel came into the care of the Thompson family, and the building evolved gently, with parts later converted into cottages whilst retaining the character of the original house and grounds. Today, the hotel and cottages remain family-run, offering simple comfort and a genuine sense of place. Guests can experience the landscape much as early visitors once did, on foot, at a slower pace, with many of the North Western Wainwrights accessible directly from this location, as well as lakeside walks, local pubs, and easy access to cycling and hillwalking routes across the Western Fells.
For full details of all accommodation, more images and further information, please visit our website.
Property info
Scale Hill Hotel offers peaceful, comfortable accommodation in the Lake District National Park, beautifully located at the head of Crummock Water between Loweswater and the Buttermere Valley. Ideal for couples and guests seeking a quiet base for walking, exploring and relaxing, we provide both hotel bedrooms in the Main House and independent self-catering cottages set within our private grounds.
All of our accommodation is uniquely designed with period features, original artworks, crisp cotton sheets, high-thread-count linen and Noble Isle toiletries, creating a warm and luxurious place to return to after a day on the fells. Our huge oak four-poster beds are located in the cottages Shell, Brackenthwaite and Barty’s, offering an extra special Lake District stay.
Our individually styled Coaching Inn bedrooms are located in the Main House and combine traditional charm with modern comfort.
Each cottage is fully self-contained with a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living area and private bathrooms. The cottages are private and independent, yet benefit from attentive hosts nearby. During the season (April - December) cottages may also be booked on a Bed & Breakfast rate, subject to availability and additional charge.
We are Dog friendly and we welcome dogs in Lanthwaite or Howe House for an additional charge. It is essential that you are in touch with us directly when booking to arrange this.
We are family friendly and have two cottages, Howe House and Sheila's (each sleep 4) which are perfect for families. One additional child (up to 15 years) may stay with two adults in Lanthwaite, Brackenthwaite and Barty’s for an additional charge. Please message us for availability or details.
Scale Hill is set within extensive gardens, with Crummock Water and classic Wainwright walks directly from the door.
For full details of all accommodation, more images and further information, please visit our website.
Neighborhood info
Scale Hill Hotel is set in a quiet corner of the Lake District, making it an ideal location for couples, families, and anyone looking to relax amidst unspoilt natural beauty. The surrounding area is perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring, with Crummock Water just a short stroll away through Lanthwaite Woods and numerous footpaths leading into the Western Fells. Many of the North Western Wainwrights are accessible directly from the hotel, allowing guests to enjoy classic fell walks without long drives.
The cottages are particularly popular for midweek breaks, winter stays, and off-season holidays, when the lakes and fells are at their most tranquil. Guests often return year after year to enjoy the peace of the area, take refreshing swims in Crummock Water, or simply unwind in the stunning scenery.
The nearby villages of Buttermere, Loweswater, and Lorton offer charming local pubs, a village shop, local Parish Churches, perfect for sampling regional produce or enjoying a leisurely afternoon. For those interested in culture, our local Market towns of Cockermouth and Keswick are just 8 miles away, with a local cinema and theatre, as well as various shops. The area has inspired generations of artists and writers, from the Lake Poets to Victorian painters, and the landscape remains largely as it was when they visited.
There are opportunities for wild swimming and fishing on Crummock Water and Buttermere, as well as cycling routes suitable for all abilities. The quieter back lanes and trails make for scenic family walks or energetic hill climbs, and wildlife is abundant, from red squirrels to otters and a variety of birdlife.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, tranquil lakeside moments, or simply a peaceful retreat, the Scale Hill neighbourhood offers the perfect base to explore the western Lakes at your own pace, in a location steeped in history and natural beauty.