Stags Head Hotel

My partner and I were there on 28/05/26 and saw a family with small children come in. Soon after, the barman made several racist and threatening comments about them. He spoke quietly, apparently so only people nearby would hear, but what he said was unmistakably racist and completely unacceptable. The family seemed not to know what was being said, which made it even more upsetting. No one should have to face that kind of prejudice, openly or behind their back. We left shocked and uncomfortable. A place open to the public should treat everyone with respect, whatever their background or ethnicity. After this, I wouldn't feel comfortable returning, and I think people should know the kind of atmosphere this behaviour creates.

The room was spacious and we stayed for two nights. Breakfast was piping hot and well cooked, and the staff were amazing and friendly. The hotel is centrally located. There’s no parking on site, so we used street parking, but it wasn’t an issue, and it was a five minute walk back to the hotel. I’d certainly stay here again.

We paid £135 for the four poster suite, a huge room with breakfast included. The hotel is old, though the rooms are tidy enough, and the bathroom was modern, clean and just right. Downstairs there’s a traditional British pub open late, with a nightclub in the basement until 2am. That can mean some noise when the club lets out, though it doesn’t last long, so bring earplugs. The room also gets very bright at sunrise, so light sleepers might want an eye mask. The location is hard to beat, tucked just off the main street in Bowness, Windermere, a minute from the shops, bars and lakeside. If you want somewhere central in the English Lake District that won’t break the bank, Stags Head should suit.

I only went in for a drink and left after one. The bar staff were rude, and they didn’t seem bothered by some of the ruder guests either. It made for a pretty lifeless atmosphere, which was odd given there are bouncers at the door, though they didn’t do anything.