Whitbarrow Village
Resort overview

Whitbarrow Village in Cumbria is conveniently located just fifteen minutes from the M6 motorway and halfway between Penrith and Keswick and only five minutes from Ullswater. The Whitbarrow Village Resort sits beneath Blencathra Fell and offers both luxury and serenity to all who visit, as well as easy access to the delights of the Lake District.

The legendary unspoilt grandeur of the Lake District has proved an inspiration to generations of poets, artists and writers alike, and the areas most famous son, William Wordsworth, declared it ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.’ Such world-famous artists as Turner, Gainsborough, Constable, Sir Walter Scott, Charlotte Bronte and John Keats included the Lakes in their travels, and John Ruskin made his home near Coniston Water.

It was Wordsworth’s dream to preserve the area’s wild, natural beauty forever, and today the Lake District is England’s largest National Park, almost 900 square miles, encompassing 1,800 miles of footpaths through some of Europe’s most glorious scenery.

Within a short drive of the Resort is Aira Force, a favourite beauty spot and eight miles further afield is the ancient town of Penrith, with its narrow streets, lovely gardens and ruined 14th Century Castle.

From the most energetic hiker, climber, cyclist, golfer or watersport enthusiast to those who prefer to meander gently by car or boat, there’s plenty for everyone in the Lake District. Enjoy the breath-taking views from the famous high passes, or visit Wordsworth or Beatrix Potter’s homes, Windermere Steamboat Museum or the steam railway, there’s so much to do and see. And don’t miss the new, £16 million ‘underground’ Rheged Visitor Centre, which gives a fascinating insight into the Lake District and features one of the largest IMAX cinema screens in the UK.
The unique character of the 18th Century Cumbrian farm known as Whitbarrow Hall has been retained as the Resort has grown to 140 cottages and apartments as more of the farm buildings, such as the old Coach House, the Piggery and the Dutch Barn, have been tastefully restored and converted. Many of the one, two and three bedroom apartments feature natural stonewalls and ancient oak beams, each with its own character. The apartments and cottages are furnished with everything you need for the perfect self catering holiday, with fully fitted kitchens, freeview television, dvd players and a dvd library. The reception area and some apartments have been specially adapted for wheelchair access.

A cobbled, flagged ‘village’ street, overlooked by the clock tower, runs between the converted natural stone farm buildings, with paths leading off through pretty archways to flower-decked courtyards, each with its own lawned area. 

The Resort has many onsite facilities including a full equipped leisure club with heated swimming pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room, gym and games room, bar, restaurant, together with access to a wide range of activities such as horse riding, archery, fishing, fell walking, quad biking, mountain biking, climbing, abseiling and canoeing.

There is a duck pond and abundant bird and wildlife, the Resort is one of the few places in the UK that you can still see native red squirrels. There is also a nature trail nearby.

The reception staff are available to help and advise on how to make the most of your day and tips on where to find the most delicious local food. Horse-riding, archery, fishing, fell walking, quad biking, mountain biking, climbing, abseiling and canoeing can all be arranged on request at the Leisure Club. Water skiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, scuba diving, sailing dinghies and boat trips are all available at nearby Windermere.