Willowbeck Lodge, a boutique hideaway just outside Carlisle, is celebrating after being named a finalist in the 2025 Cumbria Tourism Awards in the Small Hotel of the Year category.
Set in tranquil landscaped gardens beside a private lake, Willowbeck Lodge has earned a reputation for exceptional hospitality, elegant interiors, and a warm, personal approach to guest service. The shortlisting reflects an exciting period of transformation for the business, following an extensive refurbishment in late 2024.
The recent renovations have enhanced the hotel’s luxury en-suite rooms and public spaces, while also enabling the lodge to expand its offering as a high-quality venue for intimate weddings, private celebrations, and bespoke corporate events. An improved function space, private bar area, and elevated dining experience have opened up opportunities for exclusive hire, all while preserving the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere the lodge is known for.
Guests frequently highlight the personal touches, attention to detail, and serenity of the setting. One recent visitor commented:
“It’s a splendid hotel in a lovely setting. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the food was superb. But beyond that was the welcome and service provided by owner who, from the very beginning, made every effort to make sure that we were well looked-after and content.”
With biodiversity and sustainable tourism central to the judging criteria, Willowbeck Lodge has taken significant steps over the past three years to reduce its environmental impact. Measures include consolidating suppliers to minimise transport emissions, reducing food waste, and installing five dedicated electric vehicle charging points. The lodge now uses ground source heat pumps to provide the majority of its heating and hot water needs, and the surrounding gardens have been re-landscaped to include a large natural pool and wetland area, creating a thriving, biodiverse habitat that supports local wildlife.
Owner Andrew McGrillis shared his pride in the team’s achievements:
“Being shortlisted for a Cumbria Tourism Award is a real honour and a testament to how far Willowbeck Lodge has come. The past year has been about investment, growth and pushing forward with a clear vision – to create not just a place to stay, but a truly memorable experience for our guests. I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.”
The Cumbria Tourism Awards celebrate excellence across the county’s visitor economy. Winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on 8th July 2025 at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.
For more information about Willowbeck Lodge, visit [www.willowbecklodge.co.uk].
