All change in Glenridding as new name unveiled for historic Lakeland venue

A historic Lakeland hotel will have a new identity when it emerges from refurbishment this winter as The Inn Collection Group announce The Glenridding Hotel will become The Ullswater Inn.

Located on the shores of Ullswater in the shadow of Helvellyn, the venue has been undergoing a total renovation since early January, which will see an increase in the number of rooms and a reworking of the public areas to create a cosy, traditional pub.

With re-opening on track for Autumn 2023, the Newcastle-based pub with rooms operator has now unveiled the new look and name that the site will now be known by.

Following the established brand style for the group’s Lake District sites, a new shield has been created for The Ullswater Inn that retains the blue and white “waves” motif that features in nine other properties across the national park.

The right-hand side of the shield is completed by a silhouette of Striding Edge and Helvellyn, together with an inviting lake and sailing boat design; which combined serve to reflect the inn’s magnificent surroundings and beautiful setting.

The left half of the shield contains a chevron design made up of red stripes, which are inspired by the historical Westmorland coat of arms and form a design that is simple enough not to detract from, the more graphically detailed right-hand side; yet remains bold, classical, and eye-catching.

With parts of The Ullswater Inn dating back to the 1860s, the venue has played its part in historic happenings in this tranquil corner of Cumbria, including serving as a base for British record breaker Donald Campbell during his successful attempt to raise the World Water Speed record in July 1955.

The hotel was acquired by The Inn Collection Group in 2022 who, for the redevelopment, have teamed up with national architects GSSArchitecture to carry out carefully designed work to sensitively upgrade and improve the hotel and provide the historic building with a sustainable long-term future.

Plans for the hotel include a new canopied entrance as well as comprehensive refurbishment to the external facades, including sympathetic window and roof replacements and new signage to improve the overall appearance and experience for guests.

The external facades will undergo comprehensive refurbishment, including sympathetic window replacement, roof replacements and new signage to improve the overall appearance and experience for guests of the hotel.

In addition, there will be alterations to the existing bedrooms and the existing spa area will be removed to create further bed spaces, taking the total number of rooms from the current 36 to 57 and upgrades to the hotel’s hospitality services will further improve the Inn’s offering to guests and visitors alike.

With natural attractions like Aira Force Parkland close by and Ullswater Steamers’ Glenridding Pier opposite the inn, the works are set to enhance the offering to those staying or visiting this tranquil corner of Cumbria.

Discussing the new identity, The Inn Collection Group brand manager Megan Dryden said: “We’re excited to confirm the new identity of The Ullswater Inn as works on its refurbishment continue to transform this historic venue in beautiful Glenridding.

“We have embraced the style, look and feel that customers have grown accustomed to across our Inns around the Lake District but also created something fresh and individual to Ullswater.

“We can’t wait until the renovations are complete and we can unveil the new look and refreshed premises later this year.”