Lake District England

[NicoleAJ]

This summer I'm going to the Lake District in England with my husband for a delayed honeymoon. We want to stay in a b&b or hotel that has a gluten free breakfast. We already found a great one called Jenkin Hill Cottage, where they specialize in gluten free breakfasts and dinner, but unfortunately it's a small place and is already full for the time that we'll be there. I also noticed that the St. John's Lodge in Windermere makes gluten free breakfasts and emphasizes the importance of avoiding cross contamination, but they have received mixed reviews online because some guests have felt that the walls are too thin and that there are too many rules and restrictions. We'd love to have a nice time at a beautiful place without having to worry too much about food, and unfortunately, I have several additional food allergies that make it difficult for me to travel. Does anyone have any suggestions about a nice gluten-free place to stay in the Lake District?

[Gemini]

This summer I'm going to the Lake District in England with my husband for a delayed honeymoon. We want to stay in a b&b or hotel that has a gluten free breakfast. We already found a great one called Jenkin Hill Cottage, where they specialize in gluten free breakfasts and dinner, but unfortunately it's a small place and is already full for the time that we'll be there. I also noticed that the St. John's Lodge in Windermere makes gluten free breakfasts and emphasizes the importance of avoiding cross contamination, but they have received mixed reviews online because some guests have felt that the walls are too thin and that there are too many rules and restrictions. We'd love to have a nice time at a beautiful place without having to worry too much about food, and unfortunately, I have several additional food allergies that make it difficult for me to travel. Does anyone have any suggestions about a nice gluten-free place to stay in the Lake District?

Nicole......I have been to the Lakes District to hike and if you have never been there, you will fall in love with the place! I would like to retire there but not sure how possible that would be.

As far as gluten-free places to stay, I found one I have been perusing for a future trip and here is the link: Open Original Shared Link. It looks pretty good and offers up gluten-free breakfasts.

Another place that looks awesome, but is just an eatery, is this: Open Original Shared Link. I plan on going there on my next trip as they certainly cater to Celiacs.

One piece of advice for you.....I have been to England many, many times and it is a Celiac friendly and knowledgeable place. Even if you do not find a gluten-free B&B, any place you stay will make sure you get a good, gluten-free breakfast, with little worry on your part. My rule of thumb is I don't eat bread when traveling.....I get my carbs at dinner in the form of potatoes and rice. In England, you will always be offered eggs for breakfast (I hope this is not one of your additional allergies)

and it comes with tomato, mushrooms, sausage and bacon. The British use much better quality of produce and meats than we do here in the States, at least from my experience and you will see the trucks delivering fresh food in the mornings for that day's meals. Really farm fresh stuff! Marks and Spencer sausages are gluten-free and I have yet to run into one that does contain gluten...the English generally do not put breadcrumbs in their sausage meat. The Cumberland sausages are yummy! Bacon....ditto for that. It is not the over processed junk that can be had here in the States. In all honesty, I have had very little trouble obtaining a gluten-free meal while in Britain. Staff are usually very helpful and you rarely get the glazed over, what-the-hell-are-you-talking-about look from them regarding Celiac and allergies.

Go and relax! The last trip I went on over there I was in London for 10 days and it was 3 weeks after my celiac disease diagnosis. I was thin, weak and wobbly but not about to give up my trip. I ate out almost every meal and never even had one moment where I felt sick. I was extremely careful but everyone I mentioned Celiac to said, "Oh yes, no problem!" I just ate mostly fresh fruits, veggies, chicken and fish and stayed away from the carbs and it worked very well. However, if you check out Lucy's, I bet there will be some good breads or desserts for you to have!

[Gemini]

This summer I'm going to the Lake District in England with my husband for a delayed honeymoon. We want to stay in a b&b or hotel that has a gluten free breakfast. We already found a great one called Jenkin Hill Cottage, where they specialize in gluten free breakfasts and dinner, but unfortunately it's a small place and is already full for the time that we'll be there. I also noticed that the St. John's Lodge in Windermere makes gluten free breakfasts and emphasizes the importance of avoiding cross contamination, but they have received mixed reviews online because some guests have felt that the walls are too thin and that there are too many rules and restrictions. We'd love to have a nice time at a beautiful place without having to worry too much about food, and unfortunately, I have several additional food allergies that make it difficult for me to travel. Does anyone have any suggestions about a nice gluten-free place to stay in the Lake District?

I forgot to add that, although Lucy's doesn't specifically advertise gluten-free menu's on their website, she teaches a course in her cooking school on gluten free baking and will accommodate Celiacs at her restaurant. If she teaches a course, she'll get the food right!

[nikki-uk]

Marks and Spencer sausages are gluten-free and I have yet to run into one that does contain gluten...the English generally do not put breadcrumbs in their sausage meat. The Cumberland sausages are yummy! Bacon....ditto for that.

...careful with sausages...most do contain gluten (but Gemini is right about the marks and Spencer sausages )

I've not been to the Lake District myself (would love too!!) but I found this...hope it's some help

Open Original Shared Link

[NicoleAJ]

Gemini and Nikki,

Thank you so much for the info and advice! I had found Lucy's in my research, but there are just so many other places out there--it's good to know that I shouldn't have much of a problem. I went to Leeds last February and really didn't have a problem eating gluten free and finding free from foods in the grocery stores, but I just wasn't sure about the lake district. I can't wait to go. It's funny because I just stayed in a B&B in California this past weekend and had a horrible incident of gluten exposure; after I recovered, I just couldn't help thinking about how much better things will be when we stay in Windermere at 1 park road, where they specifically cater to coeliacs and special diets!

[Bluesman]

This summer I'm going to the Lake District in England with my husband for a delayed honeymoon. We want to stay in a b&b or hotel that has a gluten free breakfast. We already found a great one called Jenkin Hill Cottage, where they specialize in gluten free breakfasts and dinner, but unfortunately it's a small place and is already full for the time that we'll be there. I also noticed that the St. John's Lodge in Windermere makes gluten free breakfasts and emphasizes the importance of avoiding cross contamination, but they have received mixed reviews online because some guests have felt that the walls are too thin and that there are too many rules and restrictions. We'd love to have a nice time at a beautiful place without having to worry too much about food, and unfortunately, I have several additional food allergies that make it difficult for me to travel. Does anyone have any suggestions about a nice gluten-free place to stay in the Lake District?

I have just stayed at St John's Lodge in Windermere and I have to say it is the best place I have ever stayed for Gluten Free Food. At last I felt really safe. Their home made bread was better than any of the bought stuff and with a choice of about 20 gluten-free dishes I had something different everyday. My room was beautiful and clean. I am a light sleeper but as for thin walls I didn't hear a thing. It is an old house and the walls are extremely thick.

My experience was entirely positive and I can't praise Barry and Sue enough. Sue is a nurse at the local GPs practice and is very knowledgeable on coeliac disease. Personally I wouldn't stay anywhere else when visiting The Lake District. I have stayed in different places where they don't understand about cross contamination. Using the same toaster etc. This is not the case at St John's.

[GeordieLass]

I have just stayed at St John's Lodge in Windermere and I have to say it is the best place I have ever stayed for Gluten Free Food. At last I felt really safe. Their home made bread was better than any of the bought stuff and with a choice of about 20 gluten-free dishes I had something different everyday. My room was beautiful and clean. I am a light sleeper but as for thin walls I didn't hear a thing. It is an old house and the walls are extremely thick.

My experience was entirely positive and I can't praise Barry and Sue enough. Sue is a nurse at the local GPs practice and is very knowledgeable on coeliac disease. Personally I wouldn't stay anywhere else when visiting The Lake District. I have stayed in different places where they don't understand about cross contamination. Using the same toaster etc. This is not the case at St John's.

You could ry: Open Original Shared Link. Not stayed there myself but have heard good things about as a hotel in general & their website says they do gluten-free.

If you're in Keswick, try the Strawberry Cafe down the end of main street.

[Bluesman]

You could ry: Open Original Shared Link. Not stayed there myself but have heard good things about as a hotel in general & their website says they do gluten-free.

If you're in Keswick, try the Strawberry Cafe down the end of main street.

Lancrigg is good but very expensive and is really in the middle of nowhere( which is OK if that's what you're after). It is also totally vegetarian with limited gluten-free food.

I prefer to stay in Windermere because it is a really good location for restaurants. I can recommend The Cook House which specialises in gluten-free. It is open daily but only Friday and Saturday nights. Beresfords and Francines also do gluten free. St John's Lodge, where I stay, is about ten minutes walk from all these restaurants.

[NicoleAJ]

Bluesman and GeordieLass,

Thanks for your insights. I'm actually really excited about going to the Cook House. I had heard about St. John's Lodge, but honestly I got a little turned off some of the reviews of tripadvisor.com. The owner had written several snarky comments in reply to some of the travelers' reviews. And though I'm sure some of the negative reviews weren't warranted, it just left me unsure of whether or not the place was any good. But now that I know it offers such great service for celiacs, I'll have to be sure to check it out when I return.

[Bluesman]

Bluesman and GeordieLass,

Thanks for your insights. I'm actually really excited about going to the Cook House. I had heard about St. John's Lodge, but honestly I got a little turned off some of the reviews of tripadvisor.com. The owner had written several snarky comments in reply to some of the travelers' reviews. And though I'm sure some of the negative reviews weren't warranted, it just left me unsure of whether or not the place was any good. But now that I know it offers such great service for celiacs, I'll have to be sure to check it out when I return.

Hi Nicole

You can feel really safe at The Cook House. It's only a small place - more of a cafe than a restaurant but we like it. It is a shame it's not open for dinner during the week. The other restaurant to try is Beresfords (used to be Messinas). The owners wife is coeliac. The breakfasts at St John's are the best I've ever had. Real quality and the owners are lovely. The best room - where I stayed is number 15 on the top floor. Lovely room with big shower room.

[NicoleAJ]

Bluesman,

Thanks so much for the information on Beresford's. I hadn't come across it in my searches, but it sounds like a great option. I just checked out the menu online, and it looks absolutely delicious!