We were originally booked in at the swan hotel in grasmere but they made a booking error and we were relocated to the macdonald old england hotel in bowness. The hotel was lovely and we had a fantastic view overlooking lake windermere. There was plenty to see and do both day and night. We went on a lake cruise to lakeland which was very enjoyable. Breakfast in the hotel was average as was the evening meal. I would say disappointing if we had paid full price but as macdonald had upgraded at no extra cost it was quite acceptable. Would return to bowness and to the old england but wouldn't pay the full cost for this hotel.

Although we booked the macdonald leeming hotel, it was at very late notice and online, so when we arrived the staff at the hotel were a little surprised to see us. Unfortunately there wasn't room at the inn for the two night stay, but the staff were excellent and made arrangements for us to stay at an alternative macdonald hotel. We weren't just provided with a room, but upgraded to a gorgeous suite directly overlooking lake windermere. The old england hotel in bowness on winderemere was just perfect - a better location would be hard to find; the food was wonderful, the facilities excellent and the staff top notch. And we hit on the fantastic indian summer. We just couldn't have asked for more.

We were originally booked to stay at the macdonald leeming hotel overlooking ullswater, unfortunately they experienced a flood and we were transferred to the old england hotel in bowness on windermere. We were offered an upgrade to an executive room (which merely means you get a lake view!) and informed of the leisure facilities eg gym and pool. On arrival at the hotel we found there had been a fire and these facilities were not available. It is possible that had we known this we may have requested a different hotel. The room was adequate but a little outdated, the evening meal included on the first night was excellent, with gluten free bread being offered as an accompaniment. However, service at both breakfasts was poor. My husbands cooked breakfast was dry and overcooked and it was vey difficult to catch the eye of the waiting staff, almost as if they were trained not to look round the room at the guests. Overall the service was vey slow. However, the position of the hotel was excellent and the view from our room and the dining room were superb.

Lovely place, visited many times, first time with this hotel. Would definately go back, pity so expensive though.