The reopening of the Lake District’s Sharrow Bay hotel has moved a step closer.
Planning permission has been granted for the restoration of the venue, on the shores of Ullswater.
CIEL Hotels – which owns Askham Hall Wedding Barn, Allium Michelin Star Restaurant, The George and Dragon in Clifton and The Queen’s Head at Askham – has been working with award-winning architects Feilden Fowles on a vision to restore and expand the original country house hotel’s existing buildings and gardens.
The extensive restoration and redevelopment plans include the main house, garden rooms and lodge, as well as new guest suites, new woodland habitat and the reinstatement of the formal gardens.
The Lake District National Park Authority has given the go-ahead to the plans, subject to conditions around traffic and environmental management.
Group general manager for CIEL Hotels, Nick Hanson, said: “This is fantastic news! Sharrow Bay was a trailblazer that set the standard for the UK’s leading hotels and restaurants when it first opened in the 1940s and it’s a tremendous privilege for us to be part of the latest chapter in an already illustrious story.
“As you would expect for a showpiece restoration in the heart of the Lake District, we will continue to work methodically and sensitively with our architects as the work progresses to ensure the hotel’s heritage, character and unique setting are preserved.
“Although precise timelines are still be confirmed, it is hoped that the final planning conditions can be met to allow initial work to commence in spring 2026.
“We’re very much looking forward to bringing this magical place back to life for our county and a new generation of guests.”
