Forest Side Hotel

Hotels
8.9 (40 reviews)
Forest Side , Grasmere , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Terrace
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Facilities for disabled guests
Ironing service
Packed lunches
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Location
Food Quality
Helpful Staff
Cons:
Overpriced
Service Issues
Room Layout

Categories

Cleanliness
8.54
Concerns about the room's layout affecting the overall feeling of space and comfort.
Service
9.01
Some staff were helpful, but overall service fell short during a special occasion.
Location
9.55
Excellent location, with convenient access to the surrounding area.
Room Quality
8.5
Spacious but had a claustrophobic feeling due to limited windows.
Amenities
9.03
Good amenities, but lacking certain comforts like AC and lawn seating.
Value for Money
7.99
The hotel is perceived as overpriced given the experiences and services provided.
Food and Beverage
9.54
Excellent food quality was noted, especially at the restaurant.
Overall Experience
9.01
Mixed feelings due to high expectations not fully met, despite many positives.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 08:28

Property Description

Unique Victorian Stately Home
Forest Side, a secluded Victorian stately hotel nestled in the Lake District, offers a unique experience in a wooded estate. The traditional stately home, once owned by the Earl of Lonsdale, exudes elegance and charm, reflecting the era's style and seclusion.

Magnificent Views and Tranquil Setting
Surrounded by wild deer, red squirrels, and a badger set, Forest Side boasts stunning views and a tranquil ambiance. Guests can unwind and de-stress in the midst of nature, with the staff dedicated to ensuring a relaxing stay.

Ideal Location for Exploring
Conveniently located near Grasmere village, guests can explore the picturesque surroundings and enjoy leisurely walks in the estate grounds. Whether seeking creative inspiration or outdoor adventures, Forest Side offers a perfect retreat for all.

Book your stay at Forest Side for a serene getaway amidst Victorian elegance and natural beauty.

Important information:

Please contact the hotel in advance for arrivals after 21:00.

Please note the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for evening meals.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 16 years old stay for £50 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for £50 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.9
Based on 40 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.54
Service: 9.01
Location: 9.55
Room Quality: 8.5
Amenities: 9.03
Value for Money: 7.99
Food and Beverage: 9.54
Overall Experience: 9.01
E
Emelle • couple • gb
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
V
Venetia • family_with_children • gb
8
Beautiful hotel but certainly overpriced
Pros:

Location was excellent. Excellent breakfast.Helpful staff.
The bathroom was lovely with a spacious shower and bathtub. We had lunch at the Michelin star restaurant and it was great, but we have certainly had better food experiences for the price.

Cons:

There is no lift and we had to take our own suitcases all the way up to the third floor whilst carrying a 2yo upon arrival, as they only person who could potentially help us as per the receptionist, was someone from the restaurant and we did not want to bother them as they looked really busy. Now when you pay these prices for a deluxe room, this is unacceptable.

The second is a matter of preference. The deluxe room appeared to be a spacious room with large windows and very bright. Our room turned out to be very spacious indeed but in the loft, so we only had 3 tiny windows and it felt a bit claustrophobic. As said, that’s a matter of preference cause some people may like this, but it was a shame cause the scenery outside was beautiful and we couldn’t really see it.

2025-11-11 • via Nuitee
A
Aaina • couple • gb
10
2025-11-07 • via Nuitee
S
Steve Gildert • family_with_children • gb
8
Tranquil delightful stay
Cons:

Beautiful, bucolic, setting in a classic Lakeland building

2025-09-28 • via Nuitee
R
RAJESH RUPCHAND • couple • ae
7
2025-09-14 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • family_with_children • sg
8
Lack of follow up
Pros:

There are a few trails just off the hotel

Cons:

We left an AirPod in the room, the Find My app confirmed it. We called the hotel many times since the day we checked out. Somehow they missed it and we traced it to the laundry facility. The frustrating part was that we had to keep calling for updates but in the end, no one came back to us to confirm that it’s lost.

2025-09-11 • via Nuitee
M
Maria • solo_traveller • us
9
2025-09-10 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • couple • gb
6
Pros:

Excellent food in the restaurant, which was a tasting menu.

Cons:

We stayed here as part of our 40th wedding anniversary weekend but, sadly, the experience fell short of what we were hoping for. From the moment we arrived, we didn’t feel a warm welcome. The staff did not seem attentive, and there was little effort to make us feel comfortable or valued on what was a very special occasion for us.
In the restaurant, the lady who took our food order made us feel as if we weren’t welcome. We asked if it was possible to have one 8-course menu and one 4-course menu, but were told we had to choose either one or the other. This was disappointing, especially as we then noticed a table of four people next to us ordering three 4-course menus and one 8-course menu without issue. It left us feeling singled out and rather uncomfortable.

2025-08-18 • via Nuitee
S
Sagar S Ballari • couple • in
10
2025-08-17 • via Nuitee
K
Kenyon • couple • us
10
2025-08-14 • via Nuitee
K
Katherine • extended_group • us
8
Pros:

Gorgeous. Well located. Amazing staff. Michelin restaurant.

Cons:

Pillows/beds not as comfortable as the property deserves. Seats on lawn would have been enjoyable. Very hot at night due to unseasonably warm temps with no AC.

2025-07-14 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • couple • za
10
Lovely hotel with very comfortable beds
Pros:

Beautiful hotel. Surprised to see the two Michelin stars!!

Cons:

Could have been more forthcoming with the baggage assistance

2025-07-08 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • young couple • gb
10
Exceptional
2025-06-07 • via Nuitee
E
Ed • young couple • gb
10
Great
Pros:

Michelin starred restaurant. Overall ambience. No children

Cons:

People leaving the terrace door open.

2025-04-27 • via Nuitee
G
Gill • young couple • gb
9
Very enjoyable. Food very good
Pros:

High standards. Food good…excellent

Cons:

Small room hardly any hanging

2025-04-27 • via Nuitee
J
James • young couple • gb
9
Superb
2025-02-21 • via Nuitee
S
Simon • young couple • gb
8
Very good
2025-01-13 • via Nuitee
A
Andy • young couple • gb
1
Bad
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Been asked to move at the bar to a different table even though bar was empty.

2024-11-04 • via Nuitee
R
Ray • with friends • gb
10
Excellent and looking forward to next time
Pros:

Superbly clean, equipped and comfortable.

Cons:

Nothing to dislike

2024-07-04 • via Nuitee
Y
Yury • family with young children • gb
5
Passable
Pros:

Beautiful location

Cons:

Inability to dine with small child at dinner

2024-05-28 • via Nuitee