There has been a change in direction at one of the Lake District’s oldest hotels, which is no longer offering individual room bookings during its summer season.
Instead, from April the Howtown Hotel, near Ullswater — owned and run by the Baldry family for 123 years — will be taking exclusive weekend bookings for groups of up to 14 people.
The move is said to be due to “changing times within the hospitality industry” which mean it is no longer possible to continue operating the hotel in the same way.
A statement from the owners, David and Jacquie Baldry, says: “Whilst this decision has been a long time in coming and has not been taken lightly, we do feel the time is right for positive change that will enable the hotel to remain open as a business and move forward successfully.
“We hope you appreciate and understand our decision, which we believe is the best strategy to secure the future of The Howtown Hotel during such uncertain times.”
They add that the hotel’s “traditional values and hospitality will remain at the forefront of our business”.
According to the hotel’s website, the tearoom next door will open as normal from Easter, and its self-catering cottages also will remain open.
