Macdonald Leeming House

Hotels
•
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.9 (1393 reviews)
Watermillock , Watermillock , GB

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Business center
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Stunning location and lake views
Attentive and friendly staff
Beautiful grounds and walks
Dog-friendly
Pleasant lounge/meeting areas
Cons:
Dated rooms and interior — needs refurbishment
Breakfast limited and extra charges/supplements
Some cleanliness issues (mould, stained grout, dog muck)
Bar/restaurant perceived as pricey; variable food quality
Maintenance concerns (unsafe/tired garden stairs, noisy extractor fan)

Categories

Cleanliness
7
Mixed reports — several guests praised cleanliness, but specific issues were mentioned (mould in a bathroom, stained grout, dog muck in grounds), so overall slightly above average.
Service
10
Consistently praised — staff described as fantastic, attentive, polite and trying hard; reception staff noted positively and special touches (anniversary card) reported.
Location
10
Outstanding — repeatedly described as superb, magical, stunning lake views and beautiful grounds; location is the strongest positive in the reviews.
Room Quality
6.5
Below-par in places — several mentions of dated rooms, worn furniture, mould in bathroom, noisy extractor fan and tired interiors; some rooms had great views but fabric condition is lacking.
Amenities
7.9
Generally good — lovely grounds, lounge and lake access, dog-friendly facilities and pleasant outside areas; some safety/maintenance issues noted (garden stairs) but amenities add clear value.
Value for Money
6.8
Questionable — guests complained about extra charges (breakfast supplements, pricey bar/restaurant) and limited included options, reducing perceived value despite fair base rates.
Food and Beverage
7
Mixed to disappointing for some — several reports of poor breakfast (limited continental, supplements), weak tea/undrinkable coffee and variable dinner quality, though some diners enjoyed specific meals.
Overall Experience
8
Generally positive but mixed — exceptional location and excellent staff elevated stays, though dated rooms, some cleanliness and food/value issues left a number of guests feeling disappointed.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-07 20:34

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation
Experience the charm of a Regency house at Macdonald Leeming House overlooking Ullswater. Each en-suite bedroom is elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities, some boasting balconies with stunning lake views.

Dining Excellence
Indulge in award-winning cuisine at the Regency Restaurant, offering a taste of modern British dishes. For a more relaxed dining experience, enjoy the conservatory and terrace with picturesque views of the Cumbrian Fells.

Unmatched Facilities
With 22 acres of grounds, guests can enjoy activities like croquet and private fishing. Relax indoors in the drawing room or by the log fires in the sitting room. Don't forget about the private helipad for convenient access.

Book now to discover the perfect blend of luxury and nature at Macdonald Leeming House!

Important information:

The credit/debit card used to book a pre-paid rate must be presented to reception on arrival at the hotel. Please note that failure to do so will result in an alternative payment method being required.

Please contact the property in advance before booking a dog-friendly room.

Please note that certain rooms in the room category you have booked do not have views.

Please note that the hotel doesn't accept any cash payments.

When booking 7 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

The dinner and bed and breakfast rate includes a GBP 65 allowance toward food per person per night for the dinner
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LBA

Location

Guest Reviews

7.9
Based on 1393 reviews
Cleanliness: 7
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 6.5
Amenities: 7.9
Value for Money: 6.8
Food and Beverage: 7
Overall Experience: 8
D
Dale • couple • gb
10
excellent stay, must have a lake view room
Pros:

Everything was excellent but i would especially like to say that the staff and mangement were excellent, very polite and very professional. Cant fault them at all

Cons:

It was all great

2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • couple • ca
10
Pros:

The grounds were stunning and the staff were all wonderful!!

2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
O
ouillma • couple • us
10
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • couple • gb
10
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • couple • gb
9
Beautiful scenery.
Pros:

Love this hotel for a little getaway and the chance to go to a quiet part of Ullswater at the back, with great grounds in general. Great for dogs and really friendly staff. We have stayed before and would again.

Cons:

Dated decor in the dining areas.

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
Y
Yvonne • couple • gb
9
Great food Friendly staff and great location
Pros:

Location was great

Cons:

Really Satisfied with everything

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
K
Kasia • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Beautiful view from the garden, exceptional breakfast and absolutely lovely staff. A huge thank you for Monika who made us feel so welcome and to the reception staff for their professionalism. We wish every hotel had such a lovely staff. We will definitely be back soon ❤️

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
M
MICHAEL • couple • gb
8
2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
P
Paula • extended_group • gb
9
Super friendly, comfortable hotel with breath-taking views
Pros:

The greatest asset of Leeming House is its staff - every single person I came across was friendly, smiling and welcoming. In particular Az and Abbie in the restaurant and Basil on reception were outstanding. Our bedrooms were spacious and comfortable with a fabulous view over Ullswater that would be hard to beat. It also had a balcony which was such a pleasure. Dinner was superb - there was plenty of choice for someone who doesn't eat meat and original dishes rather than the usual tired fare like wild mushroom risotto.

Cons:

Breakfast was rather uninspired for the price, but I'm often disappointed by hotel breakfasts.

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
P
Paula • extended_group • gb
9
Beautiful hotel with amazing staff
Pros:

This is a beautiful property is sweeping grounds leading to the lake. I really enjoyed sitting by the water and relaxing. The hotel itself has a country house vibe and its greatest asset is its staff - every single person I came across was friendly, smiling and welcoming. In particular Az and Abbie in the restaurant and Basil on reception were outstanding.

Our bedrooms were spacious and comfortable with a fabulous view over Ullswater that would be hard to beat. It also had a balcony which was such a pleasure. Dinner was superb - other reviewers have commented on the prices, but we ate at other nearby places and the prices were comparable.

Cons:

The wifi wasn't great - it hardly stretched to my room.

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • couple • gb
9
2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
L
Lastmin Traveller • extended_group • gb
7
2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
E
Erik • couple • gb
8
Pros:

View from room was fab

Cons:

Expensive food and drink menu

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
W
Wolsey • couple • gb
3
2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
L
Leonard • couple • gb
6
Shorter stay would have been preferable
Pros:

Breakfast and bar meals v. Good
Great views facing the lake and grounds to walk in
Helpful reception staff who organised a change of room after first unsatisfactory night

Cons:

Did not get a luxury room as described.
The bathroom plumbing. Plus high bath only suitable for fit persons. But was provided with step aid in new room

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
D
Diane • couple • gb
9
2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • couple • gb
7
A beautiful location in a wonderful house that could be beautiful. In need of some TLC.
Pros:

The location is fabulous with amazing views.

Cons:

Needs some updating, a lick of paint and deeper cleaning. Shocked at extra charges at breakfast.

2026-09-17 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • couple • gb
10
2026-09-17 • via Nuitee
M
Matthew • couple • gb
8
2026-09-17 • via Nuitee
J
Jill • couple • gb
9
Glorious views of Ullswater, beautiful gardens, comfortable hotel and superb staff.
Pros:

Glorious location and gardens. Lovely staff - nothing was too much trouble. Extremely comfortable.

Cons:

Morning coffee !!

2026-09-15 • via Nuitee