A hotel in the Lake District has been labelled ‘one of the most outstanding’ places to stay in the UK.

The Forest Side hotel in Grasmere has proudly announced that they have been awarded One MICHELIN Key. 

The hotel on Keswick Road previously gained a MICHELIN Star for its excellent restaurant, headed by Head Chef Paul Leonard, in the 2021 guide.

Now, it has become one of only 72 hotels across the UK to receive One MICHELIN Key.

This is a brand-new award, which was recently revealed by The MICHELIN Guide earlier this week on October 1.

One, Two and Three Key distinctions are reserved for the most outstanding hotels in the UK and Ireland.

Similar to the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are awarded to the Guide’s best hotels.

In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection for Great Britain and Ireland includes 14 Three Key hotels, 37 Two Key hotels and 72 One Key hotels.

There are over 5,000 hotels in the UK listed in The MICHELIN Guide, with the One Key awarded to hotels offering ‘A very special stay’.

The Keys highlight the ‘crème de la crème’ of the MICHELIN selection, denoting the most outstanding experiences.

Alasdair Elwick, General Manager of The Forest Side, says that receiving the Key in MICHELIN’s first ever hotel awards in the UK is in recognition of the “amazing team, epic suppliers and loyal guests” that the hotel is proud to celebrate.

He said: “The whole hotel are absolutely delighted with the announcement, it’s great for the team to be recognised for the fantastic work they do.”

With exclusive grounds to discover and a unique food offering, The Forest Side is in a world of its own at the heart of the Lake District. 

This ‘magical’ retreat is surrounded by the stunning countryside of Wordsworth's beloved Grasmere.

Set in a gothic mansion, with a charming team to provide every comfort and service, the hotel boasts 20 ‘beautiful’ bedrooms, welcoming lounges and a highly creative bar team.