Another Place sits right on the shore of Ullswater — a lake many locals will quietly tell you is the loveliest of them all, with none of the crowds Windermere carries in high season. The hotel's whole philosophy is built around getting outdoors — paddleboards, open-water swimming, a private jetty — so this guide leans into that: the wild doorstep first, then how private touring stitches in the wider Lake District whenever you fancy the famous names.
Quick Facts
Ullswater is a proper glacial ribbon lake — long, deep, and bent twice along its length, which is exactly why the views keep changing as you move along it. From the hotel's own jetty you can paddleboard or swim directly into that view; a wetsuit and a still morning make open-water swimming here one of the loveliest small adventures in the Lakes. The Ullswater Steamers also call nearby, and a cruise along the lake's full bent length is one of the great classic Lakeland outings — included, in fact, on our own The 10 Lakes Full-day Tour.
A short drive brings you to Aira Force, a spectacular sixty-five-foot waterfall tumbling through ancient woodland — a well-signed, family-manageable walk, and one of Wordsworth's own favourite spots (he wrote of the daffodils nearby). For something more energetic, Hallin Fell rises directly above the lake's western shore: a compact, honest climb rewarded with one of the finest views in the entire national park, the full length of Ullswater laid out below.
Here's the honest geography: our scheduled small-group tours depart from Windermere railway station, Bowness Pier 1 and Ambleside library, a fair drive from Ullswater — so for guests here, a private day, collected at the hotel, is the natural way to see the wider district without the drive falling on you.
Collected at the hotel: Aira Force, Hallin Fell, Pooley Bridge, and further afield to Keswick and Derwentwater if you'd like the day to roam. Well-behaved dogs welcome aboard in our vehicle crates.
Enquire about a private dayFrom your Ullswater base through to Windermere, Grasmere and the central fells — the whole national park in one shaped day, with nothing left for you to drive.
Enquire about a private dayOur signature scheduled full day — ten lakes and an exclusive Ullswater Steamers cruise, departing Windermere railway station, Bowness Pier 1 and Ambleside library. A lovely way to see your home lake from the water alongside nine others.
See dates & bookHill Top and Near Sawrey, by road in the morning or by boat in the afternoon — both scheduled departures from Windermere station, Bowness Pier 1 and Ambleside library, worth pairing with a southern leg of your trip.
See morning dates See afternoon datesEight lakes and their valleys, run either direction, scheduled from Windermere station — the classic central-lakes sampler.
See afternoon dates See morning datesDove Cottage at Grasmere — entry included as standard — fitting, given Wordsworth's own fondness for Aira Force just up the road from you.
See dates & bookOur full-day literary and Dales tours, departing Windermere railway station, Bowness Pier 1 and Ambleside library, with Oxenholme pickup on Brontë Country — a change of scene for the second half of a longer stay.
See Brontë dates See ACGS datesGiven the distance from Windermere, a private day is genuinely the better fit for most stays here — collected right from the hotel, no fixed departure, and a route built around whichever lakes and valleys you'd like to see. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, which pairs neatly with the hotel's own dog-friendly rooms.
Not sure which route suits your plans, or want a day built entirely from scratch — a family reunion, a wedding anniversary, scattering ashes somewhere that mattered? Tell us what you have in mind and we'll design a day around it — see our guide to celebrating a special occasion for ideas, or get in touch directly.
The honest logistics: Ullswater rewards either a car or private touring — buses are sparse compared with the central lakes. Many guests drive up, park for the stay, and let a private day handle the wider touring.
Nearby parking: Aira Force and Pooley Bridge fill quickly in season; arrive early or let a private tour handle the timing for you.
Timing: private dates in summer go quickly — enquire when you book the room.
Ages and dogs: our tours suit adults and older children, about seven and up; well-behaved dogs are welcome on private tours, fitting neatly with the hotel's own dog-friendly rooms.
On private tours, usually yes — we can collect at the hotel. Our scheduled small-group tours depart from Windermere railway station, Bowness Pier 1 and Ambleside library — all a fair drive from Ullswater, so private touring is the natural fit for guests staying here.
Genuinely, yes — Ullswater has its own outstanding scenery on the doorstep, and a private touring day can sweep you south to the famous central and southern lakes whenever you fancy a change of scene.
Aira Force waterfall and Hallin Fell are both popular, well-signed walks close to the hotel, each offering a different flavour of the Ullswater valley.
Yes, the hotel itself is dog-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome on our private tours, travelling safely in the crates our vehicles carry.
We are an independent local tour operator. This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Another Place, The Lake.