The perfect lakeside autumn getaway at Storrs Hall, Lake District

One thing is very clear to me as we arrive at Windermere: I completely understand why the greats – from Taylor Swift to William Wordsworth – were so inspired by this place. Located in the heart of the Lake District, there is a certain calm and serenity associated with this place that you can immediately feel when you get there.

Surrounded by a backdrop of picturesque hills, lush greenery, England’s largest lake and the autumn leaves changing colours with each passing day, Windermere is a quaint village that is perfect for a countryside escape. And in between all of this, right at the edge of the lake, lies Storrs Hall — a luxurious autumn retreat that provides the perfect base for enjoying the changing leaves and the turning landscape.

I am a huge fan of weekend getaways as a way to recharge and rejuvenate, and the Lakeside Suites in Storrs Hall is one of the perfect places to do exactly that — with the added bonus of being surrounded by a view that seems like something straight out of a painting. In fact, this area served as inspiration for many of the great watercolour artists, such as William Turner and Alfred Heaton Cooper. 

The suites are self-contained and set apart from the Main House, providing just the right amount of privacy for a quiet, calm retreat. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a cosy seating area – perfect for lounging with a book of your choice – and an even cosier bed that overlooks the gorgeous view outside. Each suite has its own private terrace and a Japanese style cedar wood hot tub, which can be accessed via sliding glass doors that surround the entire suite. Ours overlooks the waters of Windermere, which provides the most breathtaking views.

Inside, the suites are luxuriously appointed with huge beds, blankets, cosy seating areas and calming interiors with a colour palette inspired by the wood, water and stone of the surrounding landscapes. There is even a fireplace for when you want to curl up with a blanket and watch the leaves fall from the comfort of your bed. The bathrooms are enormous, with freestanding baths, walk-in showers and double sinks.

It was a long trek from London to Windermere, so I decide to relax in the suite’s private hot tub as soon as we settle in. It is not an exaggeration to say that it immediately melts your stress away. Nature is your soundtrack as the sound of wildlife, the ducks quacking in the lake, the leaves rustling and falling and the bubbles of the hot tub lull you into a sense of calm and serenity one can only associate with the Lake District. 

After finishing my time pruning in the tub, and after a moment of relaxation by the fireplace, we headed over to dine at the hotel’s restaurant Bistro for an easygoing lunch and dinner setting. I was particularly delighted by the delicious carver chicken and the slow cooked pork belly. The Morteau sausage salad is also a must-have. Guests can also dine in the hotel’s Lake Edge Restaurant for a beautiful dinner with a view. There is also a lavish afternoon tea served by the fire in the Lounge for guests to enjoy. 

For people who love to explore, there are many activities, autumn walks and cycling routes to check out in Windermere and the Lake District. Storrs Hall has a handy guide for adventure sports like private paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and wakesurfing. There is also the home of author Beatrix Potter across the lake, which is definitely worth visiting.

And, if you head down south to the Lakeside, you can hop on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite steam train. This must-visit attraction runs from March to November each year, transporting passengers to a bygone era as it trundles through the picturesque countryside. Storrs Hall has a dedicated itinerary for guests to plan their days out for these attractions.

For more exclusivity, Storrs Hall can create private tours of the lake and surrounding areas. You can also go on some beautiful autumn walks with designated routes to truly experience the turning of the leaves up close. 

After a wonderful night’s sleep, I start my day with an early-morning walk around the woodlands of the estate. Indulging in the peace and quiet of the crisp autumn air as the fog slowly lifts, enjoying the crunch of fallen leaves beneath my feet as I walk up to the lake’s edge, it truly is like standing inside a painting – and the perfect way to start the day. 

For breakfast, we decided to enjoy our meal from the terrace overlooking the lake. The breakfast menu is expansive from choices of drinks, pastries, condiments, fresh fruits and curated dishes, all of which are delivered in a huge box for you to enjoy.

In the end, as we make our way back to London, I am filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and rejuvenation. There is something truly poetic about the Lake District with its picturesque hills, serene waters and changing leaves. And the Lakeside Suites at Storrs Hall is the perfect place to experience it.