Forest Side Hotel
Tucked away among the trees in the Lake District town of Grasmere, the Forest Side Hotel is full of Victorian charm.
The Wild Boar
Tucked away in a tranquil, lush valley, The Wild Boar is a traditional British pub that boasts its own smokehouse and microbrewery. Despite its quiet location, The Wild Boar is still close to a host of local attractions in the Lake District. Along with a warm welcome, your stay will be complemented by individually-styled guest rooms, with character befitting a traditional pub-style property.
The Wild Boar is especially well-known for its high-quality cuisine: the oak-beamed Grill & Smokehouse serves country-style, locally-sourced British cuisine by candlelight and The Wild Boar Bar, with its own microbrewery, is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring the Lake District.
Speak to someone
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our England specialists
- 617-223-4752
- Make an inquiry
Rooms
All guest rooms feature a TV, DVD Player, high-quality bed linen, iron, hair dryer, telephone and a selection of coffee and Ringtons tea. Some rooms contain copper baths or log burners. Family rooms are more spacious and can accommodate up to two adults and two children. If you are looking for an extra bit of pampering, The Wild Boar’s Luxury rooms include extra special touches. All rooms feature en suite bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Location
The Wild Boar is a quiet sanctuary where guests can enjoy leisurely walks through the inn's own private woodland. For access to Lake Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere is only a five-to ten-minute drive from the inn, and Ambleside is around a 20-minute drive away.
Food and drink
With a modern, varied and award-winning British menu and emphasis on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, The Grill & Smokehouse is a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. The inn also boasts an extensive wine list, over 100 international single-malt whiskies and an impressive range of traditional ales, some of which are produced in the hotel’s own on-site microbrewery.
Families
The Wild Boar caters to families with young children. There is a child-friendly menu at the hotel’s restaurant and the hotel group, of which The Wild Boar is a member, hosts a children’s activity club called Sam's Club. In addition to the plethora of activities for young children, each child receives a goody bag when they arrive at the hotel.
Facilities and activities
Guests can learn how to recreate The Wild Boar’s renowned cuisine during the hotel’s smoking courses. The hotel also offers regular whisky-tasting evenings, clay pigeon shooting lessons and archery courses. Furthermore, guests can enjoy complimentary access to the expansive Low Wood Bay Leisure Club, which features a beauty salon, large swimming pool and gym with qualified instructors.
Our opinion
The friendly atmosphere of The Wild Boar and its exquisite cuisine, featuring ales produced on site, makes it one of our top choices for food lovers in the Lake District.
Lake District tour ideas
Nearby places
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
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![Forest Side, Grasmere]()
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![Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Bowness-on-Windermere]()
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
The sophisticated Gilpin Hotel & Lake House offers characterful guest rooms, luxurious spa services and fine dining in the heart of the scenic Lake District.
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![Macdonald Old England, Bowness-on-Windermere]()
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Overlooking the Lake Windermere of William Wordsworth’s poetry, Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa is a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, located in the Lake District town of Bowness-on-Windermere.
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![Macdonald Swan Hotel, Grasmere]()
Macdonald Swan Hotel
The Macdonald Swan Hotel is a characterful pub-style property, providing comfort and warmth in in the heart of the Lake District. Its long history includes a connection with the poet William Wordsworth.
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![Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside]()
The Waterhead
The Waterhead is a boutique hotel on the edge of Lake Windermere. Its beautiful design is complemented by the staff’s attentive service and delicious meals served either in the stylish bar or on the hotel’s stunning lakeside garden terrace.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
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![Hardknott Roman Fort]()
Hardknott Roman Fort, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and Muncaster Castle
Your driver-guide can navigate Cumbria’s steep and winding roads while you admire the looming mountains and sweeping sea views. The tour also stops at Muncaster Castle, the Roman-era Hardknott Fort and the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, a Victorian steam train line.
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![Lake District farm experience , The Lake District]()
Lake District farm experience
Experience life on a traditional Lake District fell farm where you'll get a chance to meet the hardy Herdwick sheep, learn about farm practices and local lifestyles and get to try your hand at dry stone walling.
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![Buttermere]()
North Lakes explorer
Your driver-guide will create a tour of the North Lakes area based around your interests. You can take your time exploring the unspoiled lakes, sheep-dotted mountains, and tiny towns at an unhurried pace, with pauses for walks in the countryside or taking photographs.
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![Hawkshead]()
Tea at Beatrix Potter's cottage
Discover the land that Beatrix Potter loved and helped to preserve on this tour of her Lake District home. Cross Lake Windermere before having a tour and tea with a Potter expert at the author’s marital house, Castle Cottage.
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![Rydal dining room]()
Wordsworth's Lake District
Explore the landscape that inspired one of Britain’s most renowned poets. Your guide will bring you to two of Wordworth’s homes, Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage, to learn about his life and family. You can also explore nearby Grasmere village.
