The Lake District is a brilliant destination for a food-focused getaway, and Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is giving visitors plenty of reasons to plan a festive escape this winter.

Located near Windermere, the luxury hotel combines Michelin-starred dining, indulgent spa experiences and peaceful countryside surroundings, with a choice of Christmas activities, post-Christmas breaks and New Year celebrations for 2026.

Gilpin is no stranger to Manchester Food Tourist. Back in 2023, I visited for an overnight stay that combined dinner at SOURCE with a stay at the beautiful Lake House, afternoon tea by the water and time enjoying its spa facilities, which you can read about here.

The experience highlighted why Gilpin deserves its reputation as a destination for food lovers, rather than simply somewhere to spend the night.

More recently, I returned to explore the latest developments at SOURCE, including its impressive refurbishment and evolving dining experience. You can read my latest review of SOURCE at Gilpin⁠.

Now, as the festive season approaches, there are even more ways to enjoy a stay.

Get creative with festive afternoon tea

Gilpin is hosting two seasonal workshops at its Lake House, combining festive activities with food and drink.

On 3 December 2026, Brackens of Bowness will lead a Christmas wreath-making workshop, followed by a candle-making session with Pure Lakes on 9 December 2026.

Both experiences include expert tuition, a festive afternoon tea and a glass of mulled wine, offering a relaxed alternative to the usual Christmas shopping trip.

Prices start from £90 per person.

Escape the Christmas rush with a Twixmas break

For those looking to escape the busy Christmas period, Gilpin’s three-night Twixmas package offers the opportunity to unwind in the quieter days between Christmas and New Year.

The stay includes breakfast each morning, leaving plenty of time to explore the surrounding countryside, enjoy a long lunch or make the most of the hotel’s private spa facilities.

Private hot tubs and the peaceful winter landscape add to the appeal, while the hotel’s restaurants provide a tempting reason to make dining part of the getaway.

The three-night Twixmas break costs from £1,419 for two people, based on sharing a Classic Room with breakfast.

See in 2027 with Michelin-starred dining

For a more indulgent celebration, Gilpin’s New Year Escape runs from 30 December 2026 to 2 January 2027.

Guests arrive to a festive afternoon tea before choosing dinner at either SOURCE, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, or Gilpin Spice, its pan-Asian dining destination.

New Year’s Eve centres on an exclusive black-tie dinner, while New Year’s Day brings the opportunity for a winter walk, a fireside lunch and another celebratory evening meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

With two distinct dining styles available, the package is particularly appealing for anyone who wants to make food a central part of their New Year plans.

The three-night escape costs from £2,680 for two people, based on sharing a Classic Room, with the meals outlined in the package included.

Private dining and Christmas gifts

Gilpin also offers private dining at both SOURCE and Gilpin Spice, providing an option for festive gatherings with family and friends.

For Christmas presents with a difference, hotel gift vouchers can be used towards experiences including spa treatments and dining.

A Lake District getaway for food lovers

Gilpin’s appeal lies in bringing several experiences together in one destination: ambitious cooking, thoughtful hospitality, spa facilities and a peaceful countryside setting.

My previous stays have shown how easily a visit can become more than a restaurant booking, whether that means enjoying a tasting menu at SOURCE, discovering the pan-Asian dishes at Gilpin Spice or spending a slower morning overlooking the lake.

For anyone planning a special occasion or a winter escape from Manchester, its festive packages offer another opportunity to experience one of the Lake District’s established foodie destinations.

Booking information

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is near Windermere in Cumbria.

Website: thegilpin.co.uk⁠

Telephone: 015394 88818

Prices are starting rates supplied by the hotel and are subject to availability and booking terms.