Overwater Hall

The welcome when we arrived was great the staff really looked after us . The sitting room was very comfortable and welcoming the thing that really made the night was the food each course was full of taste and well presented and plenty of it if you on the hungry side. This is a gem of a place

I have just returned from my 8th visit to the wonderful Overwater Hall and I’m not yet two. A very spoilt girl I keep being told. Mum and Dad visited lots of times before they had me as they say it’s their very favourite place (and they’ve been to lots of places). It all starts when we turn into the drive, I start to get excited about all the lovely walks and swims I am going to have, and Mum & Dad say they immediately start to relax as the owners and staff are all so lovely it feels like we are staying with friends. We are always met in the car park by Steve, Angela or Kat and we catch up with all that’s been going on since we last visited. The room as always is perfectly presented by the great housekeeping team with fresh fruit and flowers and it doesn’t take long for Mum to unpack, and we can go and explore the grounds. I can have a romp around the woods via the boardwalk but am told I must not chase the red squirrels or deer. If the weather is good a drink in the lovely garden is called for. Although it is very old, listed building it is maintained to a very high standard and is always spotlessly clean. Mum and Dad go on and on about Adrian’s wonderful food that is cooked with imagination and the best quality ingredients. Mum prides herself on trying all the dishes on the menu and don’t get Dad started on Dawn’s rice pudding. They say all the meals feel very relaxed but with Michelin quality food and attentive but unintrusive service. Andrea and Will are up for a chat if that is what you want or just a smile if you want to be left alone. When they have had dinner, I can come down to the lounge or bar for treats and cuddles whilst they have coffee. Very exciting this time was beautiful new puppy Lady who I enjoyed a good romp with watched on by a resting Mitch. It won’t be too long before we are back and I just can’t wait. See you all soon Willowpup

Here is our little poem about a place we love! There is a lovely hall called Overwater If you ain’t yet been there, you oughta, Angela, Adrian, Steve, Look at the magic they weave, Take your partner, your son and your daughter!

We first visited Overwater 13 years ago, before we had our son. In the intervening years life, and having a young child, got in the way. It was the acquiring of a mad cocker spaniel (more of him later) that made us remember this dog-friendly retreat, and we returned some 10 years later, with our son safely in the care of his Grandparents. Since that trip we have probably become just like those annoying relatives who just keep coming back despite you not really wanting them to. Sometimes just my husband and I, but increasingly with our 8-year old, and always with the dog…. I can’t really describe what makes this place so perfect, but I’ll try. In some ways it’s everything I would have previously professed not to like about a hotel. It’s small, personal, and traditionally decorated. It’s remote, and the wifi is hit and miss. But somehow, this all serves to add to its charm. You can switch off and relax when you arrive, you’re not scared of your son, dog or husband breaking something, and the staff remember you (and all of your quirks and eccentricities), and somehow end up feeling like family. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and it also holds the record of being the only place that ever remembers what you have asked for in the room and which replenishes the tea bags you have used without you having to ask. It also has proper coffee and cafetières in the room, along with delicious homemade shortbread. You can ask Kat how her son and husband are, and how the bread making is going, whilst Stephen is always happy to chat about the fortunes of his beloved Brentford FC, and share in the misfortunes of Leeds Utd and Huddersfield Town. Angela seems to glide around in the background making sure everything runs like clockwork, and where do you even start about the food that Adrian produces? It’s exemplary, and my son actually burst into tears when we arrived last time to find duck wasn’t on the menu (no-one cooks it like Adrian apparently). You also need to save enough room for Dawn’s deserts. The rice pudding is sheer perfection. They even tolerate our mad cocker spaniel, who is increasingly exuberant and bad-tempered. Although after his last rude refusal to take Adrian’s homemade dog biscuits off his palm, whilst emitting a slight growl, he has been booked in for behaviour training in the hope he is allowed back next time… It’s just really a slice of Lakeland perfection, set in beautiful grounds, with more than enough squirrels for the dog to bark at, and fail to catch. We’ll be back (if they’ll have us….)

It’s impossible to describe the “Overwater” experience in just a few words, but if you’re looking for a totally immersive Lake District experience in a beautiful relaxing and stunning location, then Overwater Hotel is for you. Our whole visit was perfect from start to finish, from the welcome at the door, the beautiful food, our fabulous room (with views over the remote Lakeland fells) red squirrels and deer in the gardens and the roaring fire in the lounge. The service was impeccable, and we were made to feel very special by our hosts Adrian, Angela and Stephen, who really know how to look after their guests. We loved every minute of our stay at Overwater and can’t wait to return. Highly recommended.

Lovely hotel - can't fault any aspect of our two-night stay. The log fire was particularly fabulous, as was the wonderful food and the whole ambience of this small luxury hotel. The staff were friendly and hospitable and nothing was too much trouble for them. Would definitely recommend a stay.

We have been visiting Overwater several times a year for 28 years, for weddings, family events, and mainly just to enjoy the special relaxing atmosphere of this revitalising place. The setting in the quiet hills ‘ back a skidda’, and the Overwater welcome, embellish your arrival . On this visit we stayed in room 6, with its Super King bed and great views of the hills and gardens. The resident red squirrels scurried about, and roe deer emerged from the wood at first light. We enjoyed pre dinner drinks in the cozy bar, before proceeding to Adrian’s fantastic dinner menu. This time for Loraine, sea bass followed by Lobster Thermidor, with Quail for me before Lamb three ways. Pudding was crème brûlée and cheese cake from the enticing menu. This has been consistently amongst the best cooking in the Lakes over the last 30 years. The service is personal and just right. Breakfast was yoghurt with fabulous rhubarb, freshly poached eggs on toast, and yummy marmalade. Highly recommended. Back soon, for us!

The food is amazing! The owners are so very welcoming ! Nothing is a problem! Very calm and super relaxing ! It is a real treat! It is an oasis of calm with wonderful grounds . Deer grazing in the grounds and red squirrels running around! We have been going there a few times a year for 29 years . The welcome is always there as all three owners work very hard to maintain . It’s our go to place for best Cumbrian food by an amazing chef , Adrian , one of the owners . The service and welcoming is wonderful by Angela and Steven the 2 other owners . They work 100% to make everything perfect! The rooms are beautiful and the beds are so comfortable! You’re missing a treat if you haven’t been!

Another great stay with the dogs at Overwater Hall. Excellent service and food. Good company with like minded people. Spent far too much in the bar but have booked again in June. Lack of internet/phone signal but once you are prepared for it , it’s bliss.