Buttermere is one of the most remote places in the Lake District, and owned by the National Trust it is one of the most beautiful and scenic spots to visit. Named after the lake itself, the tiny village of Buttermere is found at one end of the water, and is a lovely spot if you’re looking for scenic, peace and quiet with spectacular views. If you’re looking for places to stay in Buttermere, with it being so small there aren’t many.

The following places to stay in Buttermere are largely traditional lakeland hotels, with grey slate fronts, roaring fires and welcoming rooms. Despite being such a small place, it is hugely popular for its range of walking options, both easy and more advanced, and the natural beauty everywhere you look. Because of this you’ll need to book well in advance.

The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere

The Bridge Hotel is a true lakeland hotel, with 21 en suite rooms – some with a four poster, some with a balcony and all with no TVs or phone signal. They do have wifi, but if you wanted to you can really switch off and relax, with views of the scenery from every window. 

Downstairs is a very welcoming bar, that serves homemade real British pub food, local ales and the portions are huge. There is also a residents lounge with a fire, that makes it very cosy in winter, and a more formal dining room with table service.

Weekends often see it fully booked, so there is a minimum 2 night stay, but you can sometimes get lucky with a last minute one night stay if you can see there is a room available and you give them a call. They do bed and breakfast, and dinner bed and breakfast packages, both of which I’ve enjoyed but I do prefer the flexibility and dog friendly nature of eating in the bar rather than the restaurant. 

There is a beer garden outside that is a sun trap in the summer months, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. By lunchtime and early afternoon when all the walkers have returned ready for a pint it can get very busy so you may have to wait for a table. 

It is by far my most favourite place to stay in Buttermere, if not the whole of the Lakes. I’ve been visiting and staying here for 25 years, from the days of being a kid with family stays every October half term, to recent visits with Kieran and Arthur. 

To find out more and book your stay at The Bridge I’d recommend doing so directly on their website here. They often have offers on if you follow them on instagram or sign up to their mailing list, so there is a benefit of booking direct and getting their emails.

The Bridge Self Catering Apartments

As well as the main hotel, The Bridge has six self catering apartments on site just steps away, two of which are dog friendly. They either sleep two or four, with a terrace or balcony depending on if you’re up or down. 

These can be rented for longer stays, and are ideal for families or if you’re visiting for more than one or two nights. This is where we used to stay for a week every October half term.

There is private parking available for the Bridge Hotel and the apartments right on site. This really is the best place to stay in Buttermere.

Take a look at the self catering apartments in more detail here.

The Buttermere Court Hotel

Another ideal place to stay in Buttermere village is The Buttermere Court Hotel, that used to be called The Fish. It has been recently renovated and now goes by this new name, and it offers a range of rooms from singles to doubles, a family room and a self contained family apartment with living area and kitchenette. They are dog friendly too.

Their restaurant is called the High Stile restaurant, again serving typical British pub food, and they too have a beer garden to enjoy the sun and the views from.

I haven’t ever stayed here, but it does look a lot nicer now that it’s been renovated, and it has a big parking area, and is easily accessible to the lake.

Find out more on Buttermere Court Hotel here.

Buttermere Youth Hostel

Ideal for walkers, or anyone who wants a no frills stay the Buttermere Youth Hostel is even more remote than the village, and offers everything from a bed in a shared room, to private rooms, camping options or even the entire place for hire.

It’s dog friendly in the camping areas, or if you hire the whole place but not in the bedrooms. When it comes to meals breakfast can be provided, as can evening meals or there is access to a kitchen. There are communal spaces to relax if you wish. If you’re planning on spending most of your time outdoors on big hikes, mountain climbing or just want a bed for the night this might be the option for you. 

See more details of the Buttermere Youth Hostel here.

Wood House Buttermere

Wood House is a National Trust country house that isn’t too far from Buttermere, but is nearer to Crummock Water lake rather than Buttermere lake. It has three guest bedrooms, two of which are twins and all have en suite. It also has a dining room and a drawing room, and an outside patio with views of the lake. 

Wood House provides food including packed lunches for walkers, and it even has it’s own private access down to the lake. Being set in its own grounds there are nature walks and trails that you can do from the house.

There is also a self catered cottage as part of the same place, which looks very cute, traditional and cosy. If you’re staying here you can also eat in the main house.

Find more details on the Wood House Buttermere and the cottage here

Bowderbeck Holiday Cottage

For a secluded holiday cottage within easy reach of the village and the lake, take a look at Bowderbeck holiday cottage, which sleeps 8 across 4 bedrooms, and even has a drying room for all of your walking gear. The cottage also comes with two paddleboards for your use too, but unfortunately they don’t accept dogs. 

It sounds pretty idyllic though, with a big garden and it’s own stream. You can see more information, photos and booking availability for Bowderbeck on Sally’s Cottages here.

Hassness Guest House

One of the places to stay in Buttermere that I know the least about, but the far end of Buttermere Lake to the village, is Hassness Guest House. There are a range of rooms available, with en suite and wifi, but there’s not too much information out there.

See more on Hassness Guest House here.

Whichever of these places to stay in Buttermere you go for, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning valley. The lake itself is a very popular walk, being an easy low level option that’s about 4km and gives incredible views at every point. The area of land by the lake nearest to the village itself is a good spot for picnics or just enjoying the view without a walk, or if you’re after a proper hike the mountains like Red Pike, Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike are all there to be enjoyed. Buttermere village itself can get busy with visitors as it’s so small, so if you really want to experience it at its best try and visit midweek.

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