Macdonald Leeming House

Stayed here a few weekends ago and haven’t stopped thinking about the getaway since. Fantastic building, beautiful location, outstanding food, delightful rooms and very warm, friendly, professional staff. A special mention to; Matt the bar man who served us our evening meals and after dinner drinks with great professionalism, yet provided a very personalised service and had a clear enthusiasm his work. He also showed great local knowledge with help planning out a fantastic last day in the lakes. Other honourable mentions; Monica who served us breakfast to start our days right, Donna the cleaning lady who was lovely and approachable, and everyone else who we encountered.

This is our 10th year visiting Leeming House. Started the first visit of 2026 celebrating my birthday. Lovely welcome back from Reception, we’d requested our favourite room and everything was very clean. Dinner was in the small dining room, very cosy with the log fire. Dinner both nights was excellent. The amaretto creme brûlée was amazing. Breakfast very good too. Friendly and attentive restaurant staff. We love coming here and can’t wait to return in May.

The location of the hotel is amazing with views out of the dining room over Ullswater. We were also lucky enough to have a room which faced the water. The room was a good size and the bathroom had Elemis toiletries which was a treat. It was fairly quiet in the hotel, but this was expected during a very rainy January in the Lake District. That said, there were a few other guests so it didn't feel too empty. The food and service were exceptional in the restaurant. All members of the hotel staff made us feel incredibly welcome and were very helpful. We stayed on a Secret Escapes deal which included dinner, bed, breakfast and a glass of wine with dinner which proved excellent value for money. Whilst the hotel is remote, there is a bus service which literally passes the end of the hotel entrance so very convenient. Overall, we would definitely recommend staying at Macdonald Leeming House and would return.

We have just returned from a three night stay at this Hotel. It’s situated off the road in its own grounds with views across Ullswater and is very peaceful. We had a lovely room which was a decent size with a balcony overlooking the gardens and the Lake. The staff were welcoming,friendly, attentive,and helpful. We had dinner each night in the hotel restaurant where the food was first class and exceptionally tasty. We will be back.

We have just returned from another stay here. it was truly beautiful. The room had a lovely balcony. Totally stunning. As always the grounds are kept immaculate. All The staff made us feel so special. Thank you so much. We didn’t want to leave. Special mentions to Geoff and Monika at breakfast. And to Holly and magic in the restaurant at the evening & on the bar. The manager is going an amazing job with the running of this hotel. Thank you all.

Absolutely beautiful hotel and location! Staff were amazing and couldn’t do enough for you! Bassel the receptionist was so lovely and helpful, he really went out of his way to make sure you were having a lovely stay. The food in the restaurant was absolutely stunning, it felt like a really special experience. The view from our room was just magnificent! Thank you for a great stay and we hope to return soon!

I was very impressed by the warmest and helpful welcome from the reception and restaurant and bar staff. Friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The barman was so lovely and knowledgeable. The food was good and the horel was clean with stunning views and well kept grounds. My shower didn't have hot water but the bath did which was a minor thing reception did offer to move me, I decided to stay where I was as the views were too good to miss. I do agree that the hotel is in need of some TLC and refurbishment as it is such a wonderful place to stay. It didn't deflect on how warmly and well I was treated the staff were great 👍

We have just returned from a 3 day Christmas break - having had a fantastic time. We had a large comfortable room with stunning views overlooking the garden and lake. Festive treats were waiting for us in the room which went down well, along with a detailed itinerary of the 3 days which was very helpful. All of the hotel staff were really friendly and helpful - a credit to the hotel. The food was exceptional, and one of the highlights of our stay. From the tasty breakfasts, to the Christmas Dinner through to the evening meals - the quality of all meals was outstanding. A short car journey to Pooley Bridge led to some beautiful local walks along the lake each day. We had a wonderful break at this charming hotel - great staff, excellent food and a lovely relaxing time.

One visits Leeming House for old world charm, the stunning scenery & the grounds (perfect if you have a pooch in tow too). We had a wonderful lake view room. The service was friendly and each reception room was perfectly positioned for views with comfy seating. Rated 4/5 stars for location & staff. While we had a wonderful 2 day Xmas stay we did acknowledge that the hotel is in dire need of renovation and upgrades all over the hotel (which we are sure hotel staff realise yet still jolly along with the state of play) but whom McDonalds head office + shareholders are obviously deliberately blind to but need to stop this typical UK tradition of letting properties go under & reinvest - shame on you McDonalds as you discourage consistent and a prime getaway opportunity away from the main stream tourist areas of The Lakes. Rated 0/5 stars for poor McDonalds head office company management. Thaites would do a wonderful job in renovating, sell to them if you are hard up!

We booked the 3 night festive Christmas break with our French bulldog. Requested a ground floor dog friendly room with patio doors onto the garden. I had read the negative reviews but was hopeful we would have a lovely time. We weren't disappointed. The staff went out of their way to make it special for the guests. Our room was perfect for us and the dog. Beautiful gardens to walk down to the lake straight out of the patio doors. Very comfortable bed and well heated room. Lovely clean towels everyday. And festive treats waiting in the room on arrival. We had requested a fridge for the dogs food which was provided. Each meal we had in the restaurant was top quality with a great selection of wine to choose from and a well stocked bar. The reception staff, bar staff, and waiting on staff were fantastic. The hotel itself is a beautiful building in stunning picturesque surroundings. The decor is slightly dated but adds to the charm. I wouldn't hesitate to return.