Cedar Manor swim break
EXPLORE,  EXTRA,  FEATURES,  January 2025

Weekend swim break: Cedar Manor, Lake District

Ella Foote heads to Cedar Manor, Windermere, for an indulgent afternoon tea, fell walks and cool dips in lakeland tarns

Even if you have never been to England’s Lake District, you will have heard of Lake Windermere, England’s largest body of water. It’s popular with distance swimmers who often travel to swim its 11- mile length or to take on their first ever open water swim at the Great North Swim each summer. It has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK since the 1800s and in recent years has become more and more popular with local swimmers.

Cedar Manor, a family-owned hotel, is one of the many beautiful places to stay within the area. But what sets it apart from the others is the home-from-home feel with the luxury-level detail on offer. Owned by Caroline and Jonathan, the property started as a Victorian country house but has been lovingly restored and renovated to offer ten individually styled rooms and suites.

The accommodation

I stayed in the beautiful Coniston room; all the rooms are named after locations in the area. This room has the most amazing view of the fells and the first morning I woke to sunshine on snow-capped mountains and Windermere like a mirror. I was able to lay in bed and just stare out the window in comfort. I had the most incredible night’s sleep in the king-size bed and the extra dressing room allowed for plenty of space for swim-kit!

There are some essentials for a swim break and a decent bed, decent shower and space to dry swimsuits between dips are key for a great weekend. Each room offers a bed and breakfast rate, so you are well set up for a day in the fells hiking and swimming.

The swimming

The nearest and most obvious swimming spot is at Millerground, Windermere. You can walk to the water in just 10 minutes, the walk back is uphill but is a great way to warm back up in cooler months. There are plenty of other swimming spots along the length of Windermere just a short bus or car trip from Cedar Manor, which is an excellent base. There are brilliant bus and train routes within a short walk from the manor’s front door. At Fell Foot you can enjoy sauna and swimming, as well as accessible swim ramps. But of course, you also have the entire Lake District National Park to explore.

I planned a day walk with a tarn swim. If you are unsure, Jonathan and Caroline can give you some hiking ideas but there are also wonderful Lake District swimming trips with Suzanna Cruickshank. Swimming in Windermere is simple for all levels of swimmers – you could even book a coaching session with our friends at Swim the Lakes.

The food

Cedar Manor offers a bed and breakfast rate, so you are guaranteed a decent start to each day. The food is local and prepared beautifully with popular options like a cooked full-English or even pancakes. There isn’t a restaurant but there is an award-winning afternoon tea, which I recommend you book while you stay. You can also book and enjoy if as a guest, even if you are not staying – so if you are swimming nearby it is a brilliant way to warm up after.

As well as an extensive tea menu, delicious finger sandwiches and classics like scones – there are inventive, seasonal savouries and cakes on offer. We loved the parsnip soup which was especially welcome after our cool-swim and the full-Christmas lunch in one bite canapé, There was more than enough for the two of us and every bite was a joy.

Best of the rest

Windermere town centre is a short walk from Cedar Manor, where there are multiple restaurants, cafes and independent shops to visit. You can catch the train into Kendal, which also has connections to London and Manchester. There are bus routes that can pick you up and take you further into the Lake District for more walks and swims.

Our favourite thing

Having a cool dip in Lake Windermere and then indulging in the Cedar Manor afternoon tea.

Thanks to Jonathan and Caroline at Cedar Manor. For more information visit cedarmanor.co.uk.

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Ella is renowned outdoor swimmer and journalist. As well as leading the editorial, digital and experiential outputs for Outdoor Swimmer she is also Director of Dip Advisor, a swim guiding business helping people enjoy wild water. Ella also teaches swimming to children and adults, is an Open Water Coach and RLSS Open Water Lifeguard.