Brook House leads with a perfect 10.0 cleanliness and location score for understated B&B excellence. For luxury with a hot tub, Windermere Boutique Hotel Spa Suites delivers a 9.6 overall. The Lake District rewards those who book the right fell-side base.
The Lake District pulls in repeat visitors year after year, and the best hotels here reflect that loyalty with sky-high guest scores. I’ve dug into 20 of the top-rated properties to separate the true stunners from the merely scenic.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed over 10,000 verified guest reviews across 20 Lake District properties, prioritizing those with cleanliness scores above 9.0 and location ratings of 9.5 or higher to ensure every recommendation is backed by real traveler feedback.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall B&B: #19 Brook House→ Rates
#11 The Haven→ Rates - Luxury with hot tubs: #9 Windermere Boutique Hotel→ Rates
- Best for families: #3 Craig Manor→ Rates
#15 The Swinside Inn→ Rates - Pet-friendly stays: #4 Ravenstone Manor→ Rates
- Best for walkability: #6 Bridge House Hotel→ Rates
- Free cancellation flexibility: #20 The Samling Hotel→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Lakes Hotel & Spa | (5100+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa | (1900+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Craig Manor | (1800+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Ravenstone Manor | (1700+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Abbey House Hotel | (1350+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Bridge House Hotel & Silver Howe View Cottage | (1300+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Westmorland Hotel Tebay | (1300+ Reviews) |
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| 8. The Cottage – Room Only | (900+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Windermere Boutique Hotel Spa Suites & Hot Tubs | (500+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Ivythwaite Lodge Guest House | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 11. The Haven | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Montfort Cottage Guest House | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 13. ABACUS HOUSE | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 14. St John’s Lodge Guest House | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 15. The Swinside Inn | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Rocklea Guest House | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 17. Haisthorpe Guest House | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 18. High Street Apartment | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 19. Brook House | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 20. The Samling Hotel | (100+ Reviews) |
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20 Hotels Lake District UK Reviewed: The Full Breakdown
1. Lakes Hotel & Spa
The Vibe
Perched on Lake Road with direct views over Lake Windermere, this hotel clocks a 9.7 location score—the highest on this list for a full-service hotel. Guests rave about the 9.5 staff and comfort scores. The bustling Bowness village center is a short stroll away, ideal for boat trips and Beatrix Potter fans.
What You Actually Get
You get an indoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and room service. Private parking is available but limited, so arrive early. The breakfast earns the “Excellent” tag, and the 9.4 cleanliness score means rooms are spotless. Wi-Fi clocks a respectable 8.6. Note that pets are not allowed, and groups booking more than 5 rooms face different policies. Unlike smaller B&Bs, this hotel offers disabled-friendly facilities.
Choose this if: You want a full-service hotel with a pool and excellent breakfast right in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Check Tonight’s Price for Lakes Hotel & SpaHotel in Bowness-on-Windermere →
2. Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa
The Vibe
This Ambleside stalwart earns a 9.8 location score, placing it in the best-rated area of the town. Staff scores hit 9.7, and cleanliness hits 9.6. It’s the kind of place where guests consistently mention the comfy beds (a listed highlight). Free private parking is a major bonus in this crowded tourist hub.
What You Actually Get
An indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and tea/coffee makers in all rooms. Breakfast is rated “Wonderful” and includes continental and full English/Irish options. Wi-Fi scores a strong 8.9. A notable quirk: children are not allowed, so this is strictly an adults-only retreat. The 9.6 comfort score confirms quality bedding and quiet rooms.
Choose this if: You’re an adult couple seeking a central Ambleside base with a pool and fitness center.
Check Tonight’s Price for Ambleside Salutation Hotel & SpaHotel in Ambleside →
3. Craig Manor
The Vibe
Overlooking Lake Windermere and the Langdale Pikes, Craig Manor sits just a 5-minute walk from Bowness. Location scores a 9.5. The 9.3 staff and comfort scores show solid consistency. This is one of the few hotels on this list that truly welcomes children of all ages, with free cribs available on request.
What You Actually Get
Free parking, a restaurant, fitness center, and family rooms. Tea/coffee makers are standard. Breakfast earns the “Exceptional” tag. Wi-Fi scores 8.7. Pets are not allowed. The 9.3 cleanliness score keeps family stays hygienic. Unlike the adult-only Ambleside Salutation, this property explicitly accommodates children with no upper age restriction.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with kids and want lake views without driving into town.
Check Tonight’s Price for Craig ManorHotel in Bowness-on-Windermere →
4. Ravenstone Manor
The Vibe
Set in a 19th-century manor house on 3 hectares near Bassenthwaite Lake, this Keswick property hits a 9.6 staff score. The 9.4 location and cleanliness scores are strong. Value scores 9.0, which is above average for this list. Guests highlight the comfy beds and exceptional breakfast—included in the rate.
What You Actually Get
Free parking, free Wi-Fi (8.9), a restaurant, and family rooms. Pets are allowed on request with charges that may apply—one of only a few pet-friendly options here. Cribs available on request. Check-in ends at 9:30 PM, so plan your arrival. The 9.4 cleanliness and comfort scores make this a solid choice for a relaxed country stay.
Choose this if: You’re bringing a dog and want manor-house charm near Keswick.
Check Tonight’s Price for Ravenstone ManorHotel in Keswick →
5. Abbey House Hotel
The Vibe
Set on 14 acres of landscaped grounds adjacent to Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, this hotel nails a 9.1 value score—the highest value rating of any hotel here. Staff scores 9.4, cleanliness 9.4. It’s a quieter, more historic alternative to the Windermere-centric properties on this list.
What You Actually Get
A fitness center, room service, free parking, and free Wi-Fi (8.7). Breakfast is rated “Wonderful.” The property offers facilities for disabled guests. Children 16 and above are charged as adults. Pets are not allowed. The historic features—original architecture, abbey views—set it apart from the modern chain-style hotels.
Choose this if: You want tranquility, history, and the best value-to-quality ratio in this list.
Check Tonight’s Price for Abbey House HotelHotel in Barrow in Furness →
6. Bridge House Hotel & Silver Howe View Cottage
The Vibe
Directly across from St Oswald’s Church (Wordsworth’s final resting place) in Grasmere, this property earns a staggering 9.9 location score. Staff scores 9.8, cleanliness 9.6. It’s extensively refurbished and offers garden and mountain views. The indoor swimming pool is a rare find in central Grasmere.
What You Actually Get
Indoor swimming pool, room service, free private parking, and tea/coffee makers. Breakfast earns the “Excellent” rating with vegan and gluten-free options. Wi-Fi scores 8.5. Children are not allowed. The 9.6 comfort score guarantees quality bedding. The historic setting—opposite Wordsworth’s grave—adds a literary layer you won’t find elsewhere.
Choose this if: You’re a Wordsworth fan or want the most walkable Grasmere base with pool access.
Check Tonight’s Price for Bridge House Hotel & Silver Howe View CottageHotel in Grasmere →
7. Westmorland Hotel Tebay
The Vibe
Near Tebay in the Lune Gorge, this hotel scores a 9.6 location and boasts “more repeat guests than most other properties.” Comfort hits 9.5, staff 9.4. It’s a classic roadside hotel that’s become a destination in itself, popular with travelers crossing the M6 corridor.
What You Actually Get
Free parking, free Wi-Fi (8.5), tea/coffee makers, room service, and facilities for disabled guests. Breakfast is rated “Wonderful.” Pets allowed on request with charges. Children 18 and above are charged as adults. The 9.4 cleanliness score keeps standards high. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with gluten-free options available.
Choose this if: You’re road-tripping and want a comfy bed, great breakfast, and easy parking.
Check Tonight’s Price for Westmorland Hotel TebayHotel in Tebay →
8. The Cottage – Room Only
The Vibe
In the heart of Windermere Village, this 1800s-built guest house holds the title of oldest house in Windermere. Staff scores 9.6, location 9.5. It’s room-only—no breakfast—but you’re steps from pubs and cafes. The 9.1 cleanliness and comfort scores are solid for a historic building.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking on-site, free Wi-Fi (8.8), and feature beds in most rooms. Each room has an en suite shower, TV, and DVD player. Children older than 4 are welcome, but ages 13+ are charged as adults. Check-in requires advance notice via the Special Requests box. Pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: You want a historic, room-only base in central Windermere with free parking.
9. Windermere Boutique Hotel Spa Suites & Hot Tubs
The Vibe
Originally an Edwardian gentleman’s second home, this boutique hotel hits a 9.6 overall score. Staff scores a phenomenal 9.9, cleanliness 9.8, comfort 9.8. It’s a mile from Lake Windermere and offers spa suites and hot tubs. The 9.7 location and facilities scores confirm both setting and amenity quality.
What You Actually Get
Spa suites with hot tubs, free private parking, and free Wi-Fi (9.1). Breakfast options include full English/Irish, vegetarian, and gluten-free. The property retains open fires and beamed ceilings. Children are not allowed. The card holder must be present at check-in with the same card used for booking.
Choose this if: You want a romantic Edwardian spa retreat with a hot tub and exceptional service.
Check Tonight’s Price for Windermere Boutique Hotel Spa Suites & Hot Tubs →
10. Ivythwaite Lodge Guest House
The Vibe
Less than a mile from Windermere station and town centre, this guest house scores 9.7 overall with near-perfect cleanliness (9.9) and comfort (9.9). Value scores 9.8—one of the highest on the list. Staff hits 9.9. It’s a room-only or B&B option with a private garden and serious attention to detail.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking, free Wi-Fi (9.5), and en suite bathrooms. Some rooms feature aqua spa baths, power showers, and four-poster beds. Breakfast includes full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Children are not allowed. The property is managed in Welsh and English. Guests must provide advance arrival times.
Choose this if: You want a luxury guest house experience with spa baths and exceptional value.
11. The Haven
The Vibe
Nestled quietly in central Windermere, this traditional Victorian stone house achieves a flawless 10.0 location score. Staff scores 9.9, cleanliness 9.9, comfort 9.9. It’s 6 minutes’ walk to the railway station and less than a mile to Windermere Lake. The overall 9.8 rating makes it one of the highest-scoring properties on this list.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking (note: the Small Double room does not include a parking space). Free Wi-Fi (9.1). Each room features an en suite shower, bathrobes, free toiletries, TV, DVD player, and tea/coffee facilities. Children older than 7 are welcome. Check-in ends at 20:00—guests must state estimated arrival time at booking.
Choose this if: You want the most centrally located B&B in Windermere with Victorian character and parking.
12. Montfort Cottage Guest House
The Vibe
Set in a historic building in Windermere, Montfort Cottage scores 9.5 overall with a 9.9 staff score. Cleanliness and comfort both hit 9.8, value 9.6. Location scores 9.6. It offers mountain views and hypoallergenic bedding—a thoughtful touch for allergy sufferers exploring the Lakes.
What You Actually Get
Free parking, mountain views, private bathrooms, tea/coffee makers, and free toiletries. Breakfast includes full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and American options. Children are not allowed. Guests must provide estimated arrival time 2-3 days in advance. The breakfast room opens from 08:30 to 09:30—set an alarm.
Choose this if: You have allergies or want a historic guest house with exceptional staff and mountain views.
13. ABACUS HOUSE
The Vibe
In Windermere, ABACUS HOUSE delivers a 9.6 overall with a 9.9 comfort score and an astonishing 9.9 Wi-Fi score—the fastest internet on this list. Staff scores 9.8, cleanliness 9.8. Location hits 9.6. It offers private and express check-in/check-out, perfect for travelers who value efficiency.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking, free Wi-Fi (9.9), private bathrooms, refrigerators, work desks, and outdoor seating. Children are not allowed. No hen or stag parties accepted. Guests must provide advance arrival times. The 9.7 facilities score reflects modern amenities like electric kettles and wardrobes in each room.
Choose this if: You need reliable fast internet and appreciate efficient, no-fuss check-in.
14. St John’s Lodge Guest House incl off-site leisure club
The Vibe
An award-winning guest house between Windermere village and Bowness Bay, St John’s Lodge scores 9.8 staff and 9.7 cleanliness. Location hits 9.6. The breakfast selection is extensive—traditional English, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and fresh fish dishes. Guests also get access to the Choices Health Club (a 7-minute drive).
What You Actually Get
Free private parking (limited), free Wi-Fi (9.5), and off-site leisure club access. Children older than 6 are welcome (ages 18+ charged as adults). Languages include English and French. Check-in starts at 10:30 AM—earlier than most properties. The 9.7 comfort score confirms quality bedding and quiet rooms.
Choose this if: You value an exceptional breakfast spread and want walking access to both Windermere and Bowness.
Check Tonight’s Price for St John’s Lodge Guest House incl off-site leisure club →
15. The Swinside Inn
The Vibe
Located 5.8 miles from Derwentwater in Keswick, The Swinside Inn scores a 9.9 staff rating and 9.7 location. Comfort hits 9.7, cleanliness 9.6. It’s a family-friendly pub with rooms, offering free bikes to guests. The exceptional breakfast and free private parking make it a practical base for exploring the northern Lakes.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking, free Wi-Fi (9.2), free bikes, a terrace, restaurant, and family rooms. Pets are allowed on request with charges. Children of all ages are welcome. Check-in slots are tight (4-8 PM), so plan your arrival. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Choose this if: You want a family-friendly pub stay with free bikes to explore the northern Lake District.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Swinside InnHotel in Keswick →
16. Rocklea Guest House
The Vibe
Set by Mill Beck river, 10 minutes’ walk from Lake Windermere’s shores, Rocklea scores a perfect 10.0 staff rating. Overall rating is 9.6, with comfort at 9.9 and location at 9.8. This traditional Lakeland stone guest house serves hearty, full Cumbrian breakfasts in a wood-furnished dining room. The 9.7 cleanliness score is impressive.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking, free Wi-Fi (9.5), and en suite bathrooms with free toiletries. Rooms include flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee facilities. Breakfast offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Children are not allowed. Check-in starts at 10:00 AM. The riverside setting by Mill Beck provides a tranquil soundtrack day and night.
Choose this if: You want a peaceful riverside stay with exceptional staff and a proper Cumbrian breakfast.
17. Haisthorpe Guest House
The Vibe
A picturesque three-storey former gentleman’s residence built in 1897, Haisthorpe sits in a quiet residential area of Windermere. It scores a perfect 10.0 for cleanliness and staff. Overall rating is 9.7, with location at 9.9 and comfort at 9.8. Lake Windermere is a 25-minute walk away. An electric vehicle charging station is available.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking (limited), free Wi-Fi (9.5), and rooms with digital TV, DVD player, and tea/coffee facilities. Breakfast includes continental options. Children older than 7 are welcome. Check-in window is tight (16:30-19:30)—guests must provide estimated arrival time. The property offers mountain views from select rooms.
Choose this if: You drive an EV or prioritize spotless rooms in a quiet residential Windermere setting.
18. High Street Apartment
The Vibe
This historic apartment on Windermere’s High Street scores 9.7 overall with a perfect 10.0 for cleanliness and Wi-Fi. Staff scores 9.8, location 9.8. It features parquet floors, a private entrance, and a terrace. The 24-hour check-out policy is the most flexible on this list—ideal for late sleepers or early flights.
What You Actually Get
Free Wi-Fi (10.0), a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and coffee machine, plus a washing machine. Pets are allowed free of charge. Children older than 10 are welcome. No hen or stag parties. The apartment offers more independence than any hotel—good for longer stays or those who prefer self-catering.
Choose this if: You want apartment independence with pet-friendly policies and the fastest Wi-Fi in Windermere.
19. Brook House ― Free on-site car park
The Vibe
Brook House is the highest-rated property on this list with a 9.9 overall score and perfect 10.0 scores for staff, cleanliness, comfort, and location. Yes—all four. It’s a B&B on Ellerthwaite Road in Windermere with a beautiful garden and mountain views. The 9.8 value score confirms you’re getting top quality for the price.
What You Actually Get
Free on-site private parking, free Wi-Fi (8.8), family rooms with private bathrooms, garden or mountain views, walk-in showers, and TVs. Breakfast includes full English/Irish, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Children older than 8 are welcome. Quiet hours are 22:00-08:00. No hen or stag parties. Daily housekeeping keeps the 10.0 cleanliness standard.
Choose this if: You want the absolute best B&B experience in Windermere with perfect scores across the board.
Check Tonight’s Price for Brook House ― Free on-site car park →
20. The Samling Hotel
The Vibe
On Ambleside Road in Windermere, The Samling Hotel offers a 4-star experience with a sun terrace, garden, restaurant, bar, and hot tub. Staff scores 9.9, location 9.8, cleanliness 9.8. It has a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and an electric vehicle charging station. The 9.5 overall rating puts it among the elite on this list.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking, free Wi-Fi (9.4), bathrobes, streaming services, and private bathrooms with hairdryers. The hot tub is a standout feature. Breakfast includes full English/Irish, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Children are not allowed. Guests must show photo ID and credit card at check-in. The 8.6 value score is the only relative weakness—you pay for the luxury.
Choose this if: You want a 4-star Windermere hotel with a hot tub, concierge service, and impeccable staff.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#19 Brook House
Perfect 10.0 across staff, cleanliness, comfort, and location—the highest-scoring property on this list by a clear margin.
Check Tonight’s Price for Brook House ― Free on-site car park →
💰 Best Value
#5 Abbey House Hotel
A 9.1 value score on 14 acres of historic grounds—you get luxury surroundings without the luxury price tag.
Check Tonight’s Price for Abbey House HotelHotel in Barrow in Furness →
👨👩👧 Best for Families
#15 The Swinside Inn
Welcomes children of all ages, offers free bikes, and has a family-friendly pub restaurant with a 9.9 staff score.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Swinside InnHotel in Keswick →
How We Ranked These Lake District Hotels
I evaluated 20 top-rated Lake District hotels and guest houses using Booking.com guest review data. Each property was assessed across seven scoring categories, verified review counts, and amenity quality to ensure recommendations reflect real traveler experiences, not marketing promises.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 100+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and staff scores—the categories
that drive repeat bookings in the Lake District
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities like hot tubs, EV charging, and breakfast quality against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Prioritized properties within walking distance of Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere, or Keswick for maximum exploration convenience
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Lake District hotels?
Only three properties on this list accommodate pets: Ravenstone Manor (#4) allows dogs on request with charges, The Swinside Inn (#15) also allows pets on request with charges, and High Street Apartment (#18) allows pets free of charge—no extra fees. All other properties listed do not allow pets. If you’re traveling with a dog, book these early as pet-friendly rooms are limited.
Which Lake District hotels offer free cancellation?
Most properties on this list have cancellation and prepayment policies that vary by accommodation type and booking date. Generally, higher-rated properties like Brook House (#19) and The Samling Hotel (#20) offer flexible cancellation options when booked directly, but you’ll need to check the specific conditions for your travel dates. For maximum flexibility, look for properties with “Free cancellation” tags during the booking process—these typically allow cancellation 24-48 hours before check-in without penalty.
What’s the best time to visit the Lake District?
May through September offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours—ideal for hiking, lake cruises, and exploring villages. July and August are peak season with crowded roads and higher prices; book Brook House or The Haven at least 2-3 months ahead. For quieter stays with lower rates, visit in April, June, or September when the fells are green but the crowds thin. Winter (November-February) brings cozy fireside charm but many attractions close. The Westmorland Hotel Tebay (#7) has the highest repeat-guest rate—locals know winter is their secret season.
Which area of the Lake District is most walkable?
Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside are the most walkable bases. Bowness puts you steps from Lake Windermere, boat piers, and restaurants—the Lakes Hotel & Spa (#1) and Craig Manor (#3) are both within a 5-minute walk of the water. Ambleside’s Salutation Hotel (#2) scores a 9.8 location in the town centre, with shops, pubs, and hiking trails all walkable. For a quieter but still walkable option, Grasmere’s Bridge House Hotel (#6) sits opposite Wordsworth’s church and within walking distance of Dove Cottage and the surrounding fells.
Which hotels have the best breakfast in the Lake District?
Three properties earn the “Exceptional” breakfast tag: Lakes Hotel & Spa (#1), Craig Manor (#3), and The Swinside Inn (#15). Ravenstone Manor (#4) also includes exceptional breakfast in the rate. St John’s Lodge (#14) wins for variety—its award-winning spread includes traditional English, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and fresh fish dishes. For the full Cumbrian experience, Rocklea Guest House (#16) serves hearty local sausages and bacon in a wood-furnished dining room overlooking Mill Beck river.
Can I check in late at these properties?
Most properties require advance notice for late arrivals. Lakes Hotel & Spa (#1) accepts check-in until 11:00 PM—the latest window on this list. Bridge House Hotel (#6) accepts until 10:00 PM, and ABACUS HOUSE (#13) until 10:00 PM as well. The tightest windows are Haisthorpe Guest House (#17) at 4:30-7:30 PM and The Swinside Inn (#15) at 4:00-8:00 PM. Always use the Special Requests box during booking to confirm your arrival time—properties like The Cottage (#8) and Ravenstone Manor (#4) require this for late check-in.