Name: Macdonald Leeming House
Address: Watermillock, Matterdale, Penrith, Eden District, England, United Kingdom, Matterdale, Cumbria, GB
Price range: $182–$333 per night
Rating: 8.38

What guests think

Travellers describe Macdonald Leeming House as a peaceful lakeside hotel with beautiful Ullswater views and welcoming staff, while also noting dated areas and uneven value for food and drink, resulting in a charming stay with some trade‑offs.

Many enjoy spacious rooms and balconies overlooking the lake, though decor can feel tired in places and occasional maintenance issues or musty smells are reported. Breakfast frequently earns praise, but dinner and bar value feel inconsistent, with some finding portions modest and prices high. Extensive gardens lead to direct lake access and the hotel is pet friendly, but there is no on‑site pool. Best for scenery‑led, low‑key breaks rather than amenity‑heavy stays.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Extensive lakeside gardens with direct access are a highlight and the hotel is pet friendly. There is no on-site pool.

Related guest reviews

6

Prakash

May 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Friendly staff. Nice bathroom. Comfortable bed. Good food. There was no fridge in the room. Though the hotel room had strong musty smell. Windows had mould. The exterior paintwork was peeling off. No swimming pool.

8

Muhammad Khubaib

Jul 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Swift check in. Staff was welcoming. Over all a nice experiene. It had limited lake access.

10

Dipa

Aug 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing in every way possible. Room was amazing and the view was spectacular of Ullswater Lake. Thoroughly enjoyed stopping for night on our way to Glasgow. Would definitely come back again. The breakfast was so good. And the bed was way too comfy. Private footpath to the lake.

10

Liesl

Apr 10, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had a lovely family stay at Macdonald Leeming House recently. Firstly, all the staff were really amazing and nothing was too much effort. They made the overall stay experience great. I loved the interior and design of the manor and the gardens are beautiful. It is around 5 minutes to walk to the lake which is very convenient. We would definitely visit again.

10

Edward

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall lovely stay! Very peaceful and relaxing. We had a balcony with the best view of the lake! Amazing! The grounds were lovely also. The man at the desk was very lovely, friendly and helpful. However, they desperately need poo bag bins! It’s a great hotel for dogs and there were no restrictions, however there were no bins at all to put the poo bags which was very annoying. But apart from that no issues.

8

Alex

Apr 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Checked in here after leaving a sister hotel 2 days early due to very underwhelming service. Hotel is lovely and a very nice break away in a rural setting. Only negative was that the hotel advertises access to a nearby indoor pool. I asked about this at reception to be told the hotel did not have a pool. I was then told the ‘nearby’ pool was at the sister hotel in Windermere (a 35-40 minute drive away!). This was also the hotel I had checked out of early the previous day. How this can be classed as nearby I do not know. Otherwise as above if you’re looking for a quiet get away this place is perfect (limited phone signal but that is sometimes a good thing!). Sadly though I can’t see me staying at a Macdonald hotel again.

6

Tyler

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful location right on the lake but no amenities like paddle boards or row boats.

10

Meena

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely property. Friendly and helpful attentive staff. Spacious room. The breakfast was great with a variety of different foods. It’s on the lake, so you can walk down from the garden and see beautiful views.

10

Graham

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very pet friendly. Stunning location. Friendly and professional staff

10

Pauline

Apr 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely large gardens overlooking the lake with seats at various points to enjoy the views.

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Cleanliness

Feedback is mixed: some guests noted musty odours, mould on window frames, scuffed paint and patchy sealant, or missed cleaning, while others found spaces clean enough though aging.

Related guest reviews

6

Prakash

May 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Friendly staff. Nice bathroom. Comfortable bed. Good food. There was no fridge in the room. Though the hotel room had strong musty smell. Windows had mould. The exterior paintwork was peeling off. No swimming pool.

4

Stephen

Feb 25, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

this hotel is tired and shabby and expensive for what it was . it needs lots of investment for this to be a good hotel

4

Roger

Feb 21, 2023

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Stayed 1 night

We upgraded our room to a lake view room but found a bit of glass on the floor, we reported it when management but they didn’t nothing so had to complain again to night shift watch .he then checked and hovered our room for more glass which was amazing of him as this isn’t his job .

10

Melanie

Nov 9, 2023

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Stayed 1 night

Amazing short trip away. Beautiful surroundings, excellent food, attentive staff. Warm and tidy room, bathroom a little tired but clean and functional. Was asked on check out for feedback only thing to add was wi fi would have been useful to help plan activities. Overall a fabulous individual hotel steeped in history on the edge of Ullswater.

4

John

Oct 8, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We found the property needing update and was very highly priced for what it is. The wonderful view is acknowledged. Our room was noisy with a hot water boiler filling up and waking us on three occasions during the night. The receptionist was not helpful. Food was good especially the breakfast but costly. Most staff helpful but reception not welcoming.

8

Realign

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall a very beautiful property and area with truly outstanding views and staff. Downside would be that the bathroom was in need of some maintenance, door was scuffed and needed repainting, shower and bath had areas of patchy sealant. Breakfast was amazing and very accommodating staff.

6

Marion

May 18, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Rooms and en-suite spacious and well furnished,but all looking well worn and in need of renewal. En-suite, we thought the bath was difficult for showering, it was very narrow.

8

Nicholas

Aug 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice hotel in a great location . Bathrooms and toilets a bit dated . Breakfast selection was basic

8

Tracey

Aug 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel and the staff were brilliant, nothing was too much trouble. There were some parts of the room that the cleaners forgot such as cleaning under the glass on the bedside table which looked grubby. Food, other than breakfast, was poor and overly expensive.

8

Kelly

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall the stay was good. The location & setting was amazing. The staff were all very friendly and professional. The Reception staff were excellent and very accomodating. The building is looking at bit tired in places and would benefit from some upgrades especially externally. The evening meal was good although portion sizes were a bit questionable given the prices charged. The wine on offer also was a little disappointing. Breakfast wasnt the standard i was expecting.

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Rooms

Rooms are often described as comfortable or spacious with standout lake views and some balconies. Decor can feel dated in places.

Related guest reviews

6

Prakash

May 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Friendly staff. Nice bathroom. Comfortable bed. Good food. There was no fridge in the room. Though the hotel room had strong musty smell. Windows had mould. The exterior paintwork was peeling off. No swimming pool.

10

Dom

Apr 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very welcoming and friendly staff, there was a small problem with the original room which couldn’t be fixed, but the staff were excellent and immediately moved us into a nearby room as a complimentary upgrade. Handled very professionally and the same staff member checked in with us later in our stay. The hotel itself is lovely, impressive building in a stunning location, with excellent views from the room we stayed in and from the lounge/restaurant

10

Sandra

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We love the hotel. Lovely hotel and food. The views of the lake is beautiful.

10

Dipa

Aug 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing in every way possible. Room was amazing and the view was spectacular of Ullswater Lake. Thoroughly enjoyed stopping for night on our way to Glasgow. Would definitely come back again. The breakfast was so good. And the bed was way too comfy. Private footpath to the lake.

10

Edward

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall lovely stay! Very peaceful and relaxing. We had a balcony with the best view of the lake! Amazing! The grounds were lovely also. The man at the desk was very lovely, friendly and helpful. However, they desperately need poo bag bins! It’s a great hotel for dogs and there were no restrictions, however there were no bins at all to put the poo bags which was very annoying. But apart from that no issues.

4

John

Oct 8, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We found the property needing update and was very highly priced for what it is. The wonderful view is acknowledged. Our room was noisy with a hot water boiler filling up and waking us on three occasions during the night. The receptionist was not helpful. Food was good especially the breakfast but costly. Most staff helpful but reception not welcoming.

10

Meena

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely property. Friendly and helpful attentive staff. Spacious room. The breakfast was great with a variety of different foods. It’s on the lake, so you can walk down from the garden and see beautiful views.

6

Marion

May 18, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Rooms and en-suite spacious and well furnished,but all looking well worn and in need of renewal. En-suite, we thought the bath was difficult for showering, it was very narrow.

8

David

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely bedroom, comfortable lounges, good restaurant, great views of Ullswater.

6

Anna

Apr 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Restaurant incredibly overpriced. Didn’t enjoy the ground floor room, lack of privacy if you wanted any daylight. Furnishings very dated. Lovely location and friendly staff.

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Service

Service is widely praised as friendly, professional and helpful, with issues resolved promptly. A few guests reported slow or unhelpful interactions in the bar or at reception.

Related guest reviews

10

Dom

Apr 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very welcoming and friendly staff, there was a small problem with the original room which couldn’t be fixed, but the staff were excellent and immediately moved us into a nearby room as a complimentary upgrade. Handled very professionally and the same staff member checked in with us later in our stay. The hotel itself is lovely, impressive building in a stunning location, with excellent views from the room we stayed in and from the lounge/restaurant

6

Lynne

Jul 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

On arriving I asked if they had bar meals answer yes. Went into empty bar ignored for very many minutes while girl poured water and chatted to colleague gave up . Went to restaurant fine dining menu offered. Asked for bar meal menu That did not go down well. Wine was brought and half a glass of water. Food was excellent. Requested more wine and water twice from reluctant staff! I’m still waiting for the water! The restaurant was not busy.

6

Patrick

Jun 10, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Poor service throughout stay. Hotel decor is tired and dated and generally in poor state requiring a face-lift. Rooms and food overpriced (e.g. £29 for avocado and eggs for breakfast).

10

Simon

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It is just a fantastic, relaxing venue that is a delight to stay in. The food was lovely and service was great all round.

10

Christopher

May 24, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything at the Macdonald Leeming House was amazing. The service, the view, the room, the food...it was perfect! The staff was so kind and helpful, especially Debbie, Jeff, Monika and Giacomo. We really miss them! We highly recommend for anyone looking for a great place to unwind or looking to hike the Lake District.

10

Meena

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely property. Friendly and helpful attentive staff. Spacious room. The breakfast was great with a variety of different foods. It’s on the lake, so you can walk down from the garden and see beautiful views.

10

Elizabeth

Jul 5, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent staff. Just excellent! Friendly, efficient, thoughtful. Very good chef!

8

Kelly

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall the stay was good. The location & setting was amazing. The staff were all very friendly and professional. The Reception staff were excellent and very accomodating. The building is looking at bit tired in places and would benefit from some upgrades especially externally. The evening meal was good although portion sizes were a bit questionable given the prices charged. The wine on offer also was a little disappointing. Breakfast wasnt the standard i was expecting.

10

Hayley

Nov 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful hotel and gorgeous rooms and friendly staff

10

Graham

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very pet friendly. Stunning location. Friendly and professional staff

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Scenic lakeside setting on Ullswater with beautiful views and expansive gardens is a consistent highlight, offering a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with direct access to the water.

Related guest reviews

8

Muhammad Khubaib

Jul 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Swift check in. Staff was welcoming. Over all a nice experiene. It had limited lake access.

10

Sandra

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We love the hotel. Lovely hotel and food. The views of the lake is beautiful.

8

Omar

Aug 22, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Fantastic location and views. Quite relaxing

10

James

Nov 13, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Great service and comfort in a really special location on the Lakes. Recommended.

8

Nhorie

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Was nice stay, I love the view from the hotel.

10

Pankajkumar

Jul 31, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Super views, lovely location and not too busy

10

Jason

Aug 14, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing hotel and great breakfast! Views incredible

10

Meena

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely property. Friendly and helpful attentive staff. Spacious room. The breakfast was great with a variety of different foods. It’s on the lake, so you can walk down from the garden and see beautiful views.

8

David

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely bedroom, comfortable lounges, good restaurant, great views of Ullswater.

10

Graham

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very pet friendly. Stunning location. Friendly and professional staff

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is frequently praised, but several reviews found it basic or poor. Dinner and bar experiences vary, with some enjoying the food but many citing small portions and high prices.

Related guest reviews

6

Lynne

Jul 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

On arriving I asked if they had bar meals answer yes. Went into empty bar ignored for very many minutes while girl poured water and chatted to colleague gave up . Went to restaurant fine dining menu offered. Asked for bar meal menu That did not go down well. Wine was brought and half a glass of water. Food was excellent. Requested more wine and water twice from reluctant staff! I’m still waiting for the water! The restaurant was not busy.

6

Patrick

Jun 10, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Poor service throughout stay. Hotel decor is tired and dated and generally in poor state requiring a face-lift. Rooms and food overpriced (e.g. £29 for avocado and eggs for breakfast).

10

Simon

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It is just a fantastic, relaxing venue that is a delight to stay in. The food was lovely and service was great all round.

8

Realign

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall a very beautiful property and area with truly outstanding views and staff. Downside would be that the bathroom was in need of some maintenance, door was scuffed and needed repainting, shower and bath had areas of patchy sealant. Breakfast was amazing and very accommodating staff.

4

John

Dec 31, 2022

·

Stayed 19,355 nights

It was very over priced for what was on offer. Breakfast was poor and £5 excess charge for crushed avocado on toast unjustified.

10

Meena

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely property. Friendly and helpful attentive staff. Spacious room. The breakfast was great with a variety of different foods. It’s on the lake, so you can walk down from the garden and see beautiful views.

8

Nicholas

Aug 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice hotel in a great location . Bathrooms and toilets a bit dated . Breakfast selection was basic

8

Tracey

Aug 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel and the staff were brilliant, nothing was too much trouble. There were some parts of the room that the cleaners forgot such as cleaning under the glass on the bedside table which looked grubby. Food, other than breakfast, was poor and overly expensive.

8

Kelly

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall the stay was good. The location & setting was amazing. The staff were all very friendly and professional. The Reception staff were excellent and very accomodating. The building is looking at bit tired in places and would benefit from some upgrades especially externally. The evening meal was good although portion sizes were a bit questionable given the prices charged. The wine on offer also was a little disappointing. Breakfast wasnt the standard i was expecting.

8

Paul

Apr 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel, gardens and location were superb, as was the friendliness and professionalism of the staff. The reason that this was not a 5 star review was due to the fact that the evening meal was both average and expensive - as were the bar prices. £22 for a glass of Rose and a rum and coke are central London prices, which was disappointing. The breakfast was fine.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$186
February	$186
March	$196
April	$208
May	$229
June	$231
July	$236
August	$251
September	$227
October	$196
November	$171
December	$193

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4 $332	5 $291
6 $273	7	8	9	10 $220	11 $283	12 $280
13 $226	14 $333	15 $237	16 $239	17 $233	18 $232	19 $235
20 $239	21 $223	22 $224	23 $232	24 $216	25 $213	26 $276
27 $223	28 $223	29 $216	30 $265

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $207	2 $201	3 $212
4 $200	5	6	7	8 $207	9 $182	10 $243
11 $200	12 $198	13 $201	14 $199	15 $200	16 $218	17 $195
18 $198	19 $198	20 $200	21 $198	22 $200	23 $218	24 $197
25 $198	26 $198	27 $198	28 $198	29 $200	30 $218	31 $197

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

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