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Summary of reviewsNestled in the charming village of Hawkshead, the Red Lion Inn is highly regarded for its exceptional location and picturesque setting, serving as an ideal base for exploring the Lake District's natural beauty. Immersed in rustic charm, the inn presents a welcoming environment supported by comfortable rooms and a friendly staff, creating a warm and inviting experience.
Breakfast at the Red Lion Inn is often highlighted as a standout feature, praised for its quality, taste, and variety. Guests consistently enjoy well-cooked meals, with the full English breakfast being a particular favorite. Despite minor service setbacks mentioned sporadically, the breakfast experience remains overwhelmingly positive.
Dining at the inn continues to impress throughout the day, with delicious evening meals complementing the outstanding breakfasts. Though occasional operational issues might limit evening service availability, the diverse menu and pleasant staff ensure a satisfying culinary experience. The character-rich setting of the inn further enhances the overall dining atmosphere.
The Red Lion Inn's accommodations are recognized for their cleanliness and comfort. Rooms, while occasionally described as compact or in need of updates, are modern and well-maintained, equipped to fulfill basic needs with cozy beds ensuring restful nights. Minor criticisms regarding room size and décor do not overshadow the gratitude for clean and welcoming spaces.
Cleanliness is a prominent attribute of the inn, with guests frequently noting the tidy conditions and warm reception from the staff. Hospitality is deeply embedded in the Red Lion Inn's service, with staff members, including notable individuals, consistently going above and beyond to ensure a memorable guest experience. The inn's dog-friendly nature adds an extra charm for pet owners.
Beds at the Red Lion Inn receive commendations for their comfort, with many guests praising the cozy mattresses and pillows. While there are some comments about soft beds not suiting all preferences, the majority of visitors appreciate the restful accommodations and the peaceful sleep they provide.
Overall, the Red Lion Inn beautifully combines an exceptional location, comfortable lodging, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a quintessential English village retreat. Show more
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Categories
Inn with Free Wi-Fi
This inn offers free WiFi, allowing guests to stay connected. It also features a restaurant and bar.
Small Inn
4-Star Inn
Room Types
Double RoomThe double room features a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 1 bed.
Double or Twin RoomThe twin/double room provides a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer.
Family RoomThe family room offers a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Nestled in the picturesque village of Hawkshead, Red Lion Inn stands out for its exceptional location, making it an ideal base for those keen on exploring the Lake District's natural beauty. Rooted in the heart of the village, the inn offers a central position that’s convenient for venturing to popular attractions like Hill Top and Wray Castle. With its rustic charm and historical character, visitors find themselves immersed in the quaint atmosphere right in the middle of Hawkshead, surrounded by scenic landscapes perfect for walking and exploring.
The inn's setting is equally favored for its close proximity to the village's amenities, providing an excellent hub for a relaxed getaway. Guests delight in the easy access to the lovely, quiet town and appreciate the seamless blend of location and comfort. In addition to the prime location, the inn's welcoming environment, complete with comfortable rooms and friendly staff, contributes to a warm and inviting stay. The Red Lion Inn is more than a place to rest—it's a gateway to experiencing the beauty and charm of the Lake District, delivering precisely what visitors expect from a quintessential English village retreat.
Breakfast
At the Red Lion Inn, the breakfast experience stands out as one of the most praised aspects by guests. Described consistently as excellent, amazing, and lovely, the breakfast offerings receive high marks for their quality and taste. Diners can expect well-cooked meals served with care, with many mentioning the joy of indulging in a full English breakfast accompanied by endless tea and toast. The friendly and efficient staff ensures a pleasant start to the day, and the menu caters to various preferences, providing a choice that is both good and plentiful.
Despite the overwhelming praise, some guests noted minor setbacks, such as breakfast service not starting until 8.30 AM, limited breakfast choices, occasional service issues, and sporadic overcooked meals. However, these instances appear to be exceptions in an otherwise delightful culinary experience. Whether enjoying hot and plentiful portions or indulging in a brilliant breakfast in a dog-friendly setting, visitors to the Red Lion Inn are likely to leave satisfied and well-fed, making their stay memorable for all the right reasons.
Dinner
Nestled in the charming ambiance of the Red Lion Inn, guests are warmly welcomed by an array of delightful culinary experiences. The establishment offers excellent food throughout the day, from thoughtfully prepared breakfasts to delectable evening meals. Guests frequently express high satisfaction with both the variety and quality of food, lauding the taste and freshness of meals across various occasions.
While breakfast consistently earns commendations for being very appetizing, the evening dining experiences at the Inn also stand out for their excellence, with diners highlighting exceptionally tasty options that elevate the experience beyond typical pub fare. However, despite these glowing praises, there have been instances when evening meal service was unexpectedly unavailable due to staffing issues, a broken kitchen, or other operational setbacks. These occurrences might lead to a limited selection, but still, visitors manage to enjoy the fine offerings that are available.
The Red Lion Inn's stunning character-rich setting adds to the dining experience, providing an inviting atmosphere that is appreciated by both locals and travelers. Although there have been occasional hiccups with service availability, when operational, the Inn’s diverse menu continues to attract praise for its combination of great food and pleasant staff. The overall consensus remains positive, marking the Red Lion Inn as a top choice for hearty, satisfying meals amidst a charming backdrop.
Rooms
The Red Lion Inn offers a spectrum of experiences for travelers, prominently showcasing its clean and comfortable rooms. A general consensus reveals that the accommodations are modern, well-maintained, and possess comfy beds, making for a pleasant stay. Several guests appreciated the nice facilities, along with good food and ale, adding to the appeal of this centrally located inn.
However, some reviews mentioned that the rooms tend to be on the smaller side, with certain areas feeling cramped or awkwardly designed. Despite the compact size, rooms are equipped to fulfill basic needs and provide a cozy atmosphere. Nevertheless, a few rooms could benefit from updates, which is reflected in instances of dated décor and worn-out carpets. Concerns about cleanliness were also raised in specific cases, highlighting areas such as the bathroom that required improvement.
In summary, the Red Lion Inn excels in delivering comfort and cleanliness, although some individuals may find the size and upkeep of the rooms lacking. Overall, it's a nice place to stay with good facilities, but visitors seeking spacious or newly-renovated rooms may want to temper expectations.
Beds
Nestled in a charming locale, the Red Lion Inn offers a delightful experience for those seeking restful nights after a day of exploration. A prevailing theme among guests is the comfort of the beds, as numerous visitors commend their cozy and comfortable nature. Many reviewers express satisfaction with the beds, often describing them as comfy and even massive. The inn clearly takes pride in ensuring guests enjoy a good night's sleep, with comfortable mattresses and pillows contributing to a soothing rest.
The king-size beds appear to be a highlight, providing ample space for relaxation. However, there are occasional mentions of beds being a bit too soft for some guests' personal preferences, alongside observations about smaller double beds which might be less suitable for two adults. Despite these minor notes, the overall sentiment is positive, with plenty of guests leaving with fond memories of their snug and restful accommodations.
Accompanied by a welcoming staff, the Red Lion Inn crafts a hospitable environment that complements the comfort found within its beds, making it a reliable choice for travelers prioritizing a good night's sleep during their stay.
Cleanliness
Nestled in the picturesque setting of Hawkshead, the Red Lion Inn offers a stay marked by cleanliness and comfort. Guests consistently find the rooms to be exceptionally clean, ensuring a comfortable retreat after a day exploring the stunning area of England. The addition of fluffy towels and smartly decorated rooms further enhances the welcoming ambiance. While some guests note minor drawbacks like temperature fluctuations and occasional noise, these seem minimal in comparison to the inviting atmosphere.
The staff at the Red Lion Inn are frequently described as friendly and accommodating, contributing positively to the overall experience. Visitors appreciate the warm reception and helpful nature of the team, with standout mentions of a temporary manager who went above and beyond to make guests feel welcome.
Despite a few criticisms about certain areas not meeting cleanliness expectations, such as the pub floor and bar toilets, the majority of visitors emphasize the satisfactorily clean conditions of their accommodations. Although there are remarks on areas needing updates, such as carpets and bathrooms, recent renovations have made a noticeable improvement in the overall feel of the rooms.
Overall, the Red Lion Inn manages to present a clean and welcoming environment, solidifying its status as a cozy place to relax while enjoying the charm of a traditional English pub.
Staff
Red Lion Inn is a place where the staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. From the outset, guests are met with smiles and a warm welcome, creating an inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for a pleasant stay. The team is known for going above and beyond to accommodate guests, and their attentive service plays a crucial role in making the experience memorable.
The staff's knowledge of the local area further enhances visits, offering insights into nearby attractions and picturesque walks. This local expertise proves invaluable, particularly for those seeking to explore the region more deeply. The facilities complement this outstanding service, providing everything guests need, along with clean and smart venues that contribute to comfortable lodging.
Notably, even during transitions such as a handover to new ownership, the attentive management style ensures continuity in the quality of service. Temporary Manager Steve, along with dedicated staff members like Sarah, provide personalized care that resonates well with guests.
In addition to a welcoming atmosphere for human guests, the owners’ affection for dogs adds to the charm, endearing the inn to pet owners. While the hospitality often feels personal—akin to being among old friends—reasonable pricing in food and drinks rounds off the appealing environment, making Red Lion Inn a favored destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and authenticity in their travels.
No, Red Lion Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Red Lion Inn.
No, Red Lion Inn doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Red Lion Inn.