subject: 4 Star Hotels in Langdale in the English Lake District [print this page] 4 Star Hotels in Langdale in the English Lake District
The Great Langdale Valley is situated virtually at the centre of the Lake District National Park. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty where craggy fells and stretches of tranquil waters blend together to create a rugged, mountainous beauty, a landscape which seems to have been moulded by the forces of nature specially for the benefit of walkers. The word Langdale means the long valley and it is one of the busiest valleys in the Lake District due to its popularity with walkers and rock climbers alike. Two of Wainwright's favourite fells are here in the form of Bowfell and Crinkle Crags, Bowfell amounting to a towering 2690 feet above sea level.
The Langdale valley caters for the needs of all types of walkers ranging from short strolls through to strenuous mountain routes. Walkers will find the topography is unique with placid lakes, tiny tarns, meandering rivers, gushing waterfalls, tranquil woodlands, dense forested areas, sheltered valleys and exposed fells all squeezed together by the violent forces of nature to create a compact countryside of endless variation.
History of The Langdale Estate
17th Century Woollen Mill
The Estate began life as a small woollen mill where wool from local flocks was processed on machinery driven by the fast-flowing water of the Great Langdale Beck.
1823-1930
Elterwater Gunpowder Works
In 1823 a local entrepreneur with an interest in quarrying, saw the potential for the manufacture of gunpowder on the site. The seclusion, natural waterpower and a growing demand from the Lakeland mines & quarries ensured success. Within a few years the Elterwater Gunpowder Works was not only supplying the domestic industry, but also exporting to North America & South Africa. The powder works closed in 1930, a victim of the depression & the development of more modern explosives, such as dynamite.
1930-1981
The Langdale Estate
A local landowner, recognising the potential of the unique location, bought & developed the site as a holiday resort. By the late 1930's, accommodation consisted of a small hotel, several furnished cottages, dormitories & a guest house. There were also a number of rustic sleeping cabins scattered around the idyllic 35-acre Estate.
1981-1987
The Langdale Partnership
In 1981, when the Estate came up for sale again, it was bought by a group of local businessmen who established the Langdale Partnership. The idea was to create a high-quality timeownership resort in an area of outstanding natural beauty, when second homes were in high demand & short supply. 80 Scandinavian-type lodges were carefully sited over an area of 35 acres & the small hotel was converted into a luxury Hotel & Country Club.
1987-1996
Langdale Leisure Ltd
Sold to Matthew Brown, a northern-based brewing company in 1987, some months later in 1988 the business was acquired by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries who had bought Matthew Brown. In 1996 Langdale was purchased by Langdale Owners plc, all of which are Langdale timeshare owners, who thus have effective control of the entire resort. The hotel at the Langdale Estate is now a 4 star hotel.
