Perched 1,000ft up in the Whinlatter Forest above Keswick in the northern Lake District, The Cottage in the Wood is a unique Michelin-starred Restaurant with Rooms combining Ben Wilkinson's sophisticated cooking, boutique-style rooms, friendly service and a warm welcome in a stunning natural setting. We are proud to be ranked number 24 in the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK and number 39 in the Top 50 Boutique Hotels in the UK. Looking for a long awaited treat?! Why not give the gift of award-winning food or a getaway to the Lake District.
Follow us
Services
The Lake District and Cumbria provides a rich larder; Herdwick Hogget from the surrounding fells, freshly landed fish and shellfish from West coast harbours and a host of wild foods. The quality of the food and wine has won our one Michelin Star Restaurant near Keswick and Cockermouth, a Top 100 UK Restaurants award, several regional awards including Restaurant of the Year at the 2022 Cumbria Food Awards, and gained recognition in the leading guides.Raising the bar for Cumbrian dining excellence, head chef Ben Wilkinson has a true passion for local produce.
Fall asleep to the babbling of our beck and awaken to the songs of the many bird species found within Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District. The Cottage in the Wood boutique hotel near Keswick offers a peaceful and tranquil location with a vast array of wildlife. Located in the original part of the building which dates back to 1640, our five 'Cottage' rooms are intimate and cosy, with brass and light oak furniture.
In recognition of all the talent that is leaving school or college this summer, we are recruiting three Hospitality Apprentices. If you are passionate about looking after people, and aspire to a career in our fantastic industry, then our award-winning Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms can offer you a solid training that will take in all aspects of Food & Beverage.
The 'Cottage' is a mid 17th Century former coaching inn located in the heart of Whinlatter, England's only mountain forest. Despite the constraints of the age of the building, and the hill side location, we have done much to make 'The Cottage' a safe and accessible place to visit or stay. Our efforts have been guided by the requirements of the Disability Discrimination act 1995 and we have endeavoured to meet the needs of those with disabilities or other impairments.A member of our team has attended 'Welcome All' training, and shared the information with colleagues.
Reviews (19)
Marina Hayhurst
Jun 19, 2022
Lee Cain
May 22, 2022
This review is made on the basis of the hospitality rather than the quality of food and accommodation. My wife completed the Fred Whittington today and needed to make an impromptu water stop. Although the proprietor was clearly on a break, she could not have been more supportive, accoodating and helpful. We would love to return as a family of paying guests one day. Thank you very much.
Michael Milner
May 18, 2022
Excellent venue for your special personal occasion. Had the evening menu, each course splendid. Stayed overnight and breakfast was also excellent. You cannot fail to be impressed with front of house staff. They know all about what they placing before you. The chef and brigade provide a memorable feast.
Sue Hannah
May 18, 2022
Judith Smalley
Apr 13, 2022
We have just returned from a 2 night stay at the cottage in the wood. We went for a special occasion. We were not disappointed. What a lovely 2 days. Everything from start to finish was absolutely amazing. The view from our bedroom was stunning. The food was amazing and the staff were so kind and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. Our thanks to you all.
David Hayhurst
Apr 08, 2022
I cannot begin to describe the utterly amazing experience that I have just enjoyed having lunch here. Fantastically, professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff. As for the food. Nothing that I can put on here in my own words can do justice to the exquisitely sublime meal that I have consumed. Every single course was truly fantastic. The whole wonderful experience was perfect.
Thank you so much to the entire team at The Cottage in the Wood. You have left me with the fondest memories of a dining experience that I think I will ever have. Until I return.
Thank you so much to the entire team at The Cottage in the Wood. You have left me with the fondest memories of a dining experience that I think I will ever have. Until I return.
Jamie Hayton
Apr 06, 2022
What should be the official "pride of Cumbria", if not England. Highly imaginative, local food of the highest quality, global wine offering and overall experience to die for. The service is unhurried, focused, personal and supremely professional without a hint of pretence and retaining that trusted feel of Cumbrian authenticity to the fullest. I have already booked my autumn visit and cannot wait to sample what the team deliver on that occasion.
Dorothy Palmer
Apr 06, 2022
Bev Buckley
Feb 28, 2022
Kevin Woolass
Feb 19, 2022
We have had a meal with friends, and stayed here, it was a few years ago but for us deserves no less than 5 stars, food is second to no-one. The owners are so nice and welcoming, we both have said that it deserves a Michelin star compared with other restaurants/ hotel's. Nice to see your hard work has paid off, will book to come in the future.
Emma Walker
Dec 12, 2021
Absolutely fantastic short break away. A year late due to the pandemic but so worth the wait. Lovely, relaxed and cosy atmosphere in a beautiful location with well appointed rooms. We last visited in 2014 and had a lovely time and since this they have gained the Michelin star, which is without a doubt, well deserved. This time we had the taste cumbria menu with the wine flight and this did not disappoint.
The staff serving us on Friday evening were just lovely - friendly yet professional and knowledgeable. The whole meal was delicious and not forgetting the treacle bread! Just wish we could have stayed longer. We would love to visit again in the future. Thank you all for your hospitality and keep up the great work. Emma and Michael.
The staff serving us on Friday evening were just lovely - friendly yet professional and knowledgeable. The whole meal was delicious and not forgetting the treacle bread! Just wish we could have stayed longer. We would love to visit again in the future. Thank you all for your hospitality and keep up the great work. Emma and Michael.
Claire Oconnor
Dec 01, 2021
Gail J.
Nov 29, 2021
Eric Berthoud
Oct 20, 2021
Faron Young
Sep 14, 2021
My boyfriend and I visited Cottage in the Woods at the end of August for my birthday, to try their tasting menu. The food was amazing and the service was exceptional - with the team even giving me a birthday card! We've been dreaming about their treacle bread since we left - a must visit if you're in the Lakes.
Mary Nower
Sep 13, 2021
Food was impeccable and the service was faultless. Well deserved reputation. Lunch menu allows you to sample three courses with optional hot drinks and petit four. Full vegetarian menu provided and were very accommodating when the starter wasn't to my taste. Lovely view through the forest including over Grisedale Pike. Would definitely recommend and will be returning.
Tracy Thornton
Aug 25, 2021
Just had a lovely day at this fabulous restaurant with the most breathtaking views to celebrate my sons birthday. The food was amazing, beautiful fresh produce with fabulous taste sensations. The service was five star, all front of house staff were so attentive you couldn't of asked for better. The whole day was a five star experience and I would thoroughly recommend a visit. Thank you so much to Monica, Ben and team for making the day special.
David Ingham
Aug 21, 2021
Helen Brough
Aug 20, 2021
This is a restaurant to find, if you're in the Lakes. Even the drive up to it is stunning. The service was excellent - so friendly and not stuffy, at all. And the food - out of this world. We went for my birthday and we were not disappointed. From start to finish, it was a relaxed and fine experience. I'd love to visit again, when we're North.