The Penn
A Cumbria Guru favourite for its distinctive rooms, thoughtful details and superb Windermere location. It is best for independent travellers who value style and convenience over a staffed reception, restaurant or leisure facilities. Book early for a bathtub, suite, dog-friendly room or busy weekend, and never rely on securing one of the seven parking spaces.
Room 12, The Penn Suite at The Penn in Windermere. Two bedrooms including The Snug, freestanding bath, walk in shower, self check in and a great base for exploring Windermere and Orrest Head in the Lake District. Would you stay here? #Windermere
The Penn is a small boutique accommodation on Church Street in the centre of Windermere. Its colourful, individually styled rooms and flexible keyless arrival make it an appealing alternative to a traditional full-service hotel, particularly for couples, solo travellers and guests arriving by train.
Room choices cover a useful range of budgets and stay styles. The Tiny Penn is a compact double suited to solo travellers or short breaks, while Cosy and Comfy Penn rooms add more space, with Comfy rooms including a bathtub. Classic Penn rooms have king-size beds, and Deluxe Penn rooms combine a king-size bed with a bathtub. The Penn Suite is the largest option, with a king-size bed, an additional single bedroom and a large en-suite bathroom, making it suitable for a couple or a family of three. All categories are en suite, but room size, bed type, floor and bathing facilities vary, so check the exact room description before booking.
The Penn operates as a self check-in property with keyless access. Guests receive a unique entry code before arrival and can check in from 3pm without visiting a conventional reception desk. The current official FAQ lists check-out as 10am and says late check-out is not available. Because the property is designed around independent stays rather than full hotel service, visitors should plan to use Windermere's nearby cafés, pubs and restaurants for breakfast and evening meals.
Five rooms are currently designated as dog friendly and must be arranged before arrival. The official policy lists a charge of £25 per stay for each dog and provides a bed, bowl and treats in the room. Dogs must not be left unattended, so guests should book dog-friendly places to eat when planning their stay. Registered service dogs are not charged.
The building does not have fully accessible bedrooms because of its age and layout. Some ground-floor rooms can be requested, but guests with mobility or access requirements should contact The Penn before booking to confirm whether a suitable room and route are available. Cots can be requested in advance for compatible rooms.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in every bedroom. Limited open-air parking is available at the property, with seven spaces offered on a first-come, first-served basis; spaces cannot be reserved or guaranteed. Guests can unload luggage at the property if the car park is full, then use Broad Street pay-and-display car park around a seven-minute walk away. Limited free street parking may also be available nearby. There is no electric-vehicle charging at The Penn, although public fast chargers are available at Booths supermarket a short walk away.
The location is one of the property's biggest strengths. Windermere railway and bus station is roughly 300 metres away, making car-free stays straightforward, while the town's shops and places to eat are within a few minutes' walk. Orrest Head can be reached directly from Windermere, and Bowness, Lake Windermere and wider Lake District walking and cycling routes are easily accessible by bus, boat, taxi or on foot.
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