The historic Kings Arms Hotel in the Lake District has reopened to critical acclaim from both tourists and locals after an extensive refurbishment project.

The Keswick town-centre hotel, which was originally a 17^th century coaching inn, closed its doors at the beginning of 2023 for 7 weeks as it underwent a full ground-floor refurbishment.

Plans included a complete reimagining of the Grade II listed building’s entrance, bar, reception and restaurant areas; along with a handful of guest bedrooms.

For the ambitious project, family-owned Lake District Hotels Ltd who own and run the Kings Arms Hotel along with 5 other hotels in the northern Lake District, teamed up with a Scottish based interior design company to transform the cosy hotel into a much more characterful and welcoming space that oozes style.

Daniella Hope, Director of Lake District Hotels said “our goal was to enhance the hotels’ aesthetic appeal whilst improving its function; resulting in a design scheme that complemented and enhanced the historic interior of the hotel.”

“Due to the nature of the 300-year-old property, great care was taken to preserve all its historic features including the original oak beams and support post which were incorporated into the new scheme and developed into prominent features.”

One of the most eye-catching features of the fresh design is the new reception area which draws similarities to that of a Victorian ticket office. The significant reconfiguration of this area has not only enhanced the flow of natural light into the hotel, but has also transformed the sense of arrival for guests, with the reception desk now visible from the entrance.

Also receiving positive feedback are the 7 refurbished hotel bedrooms, with each room boasting a unique design.

The focal point of each bedroom is a decadent patterned feature wallpaper that gives inspiration to the bespoke colour theming of the individual room.

The dramatic wallpaper used in each room is recyclable, PVC free and eco-friendly, with the manufacturer partnering with the World Land Trust.

Taking the reins of the new-fangled Kings Arms Hotel and its team is newly appointed General Manager, Stuart Turnbull, who stepped into the role after a successful stint at the Inn on the Square, which is also part of the Lake District Hotels group.

“We are pleased with the finished results and the guest feedback in person and on social media has been great.” said Stuart. “The refurbishment has completely changed the whole feel of the hotel and it is very rewarding to see guests’ reactions when they enter the property.”

In addition to the hotel’s fresh appearance, the Kings Arms Hotel has also reopened with an exciting new menu offering a selection of wholesome feel-good dishes. Two of the most popular new meals include slow braised beef served in a giant Yorkshire pudding, as well as the hotels’ eye-catching hanging chicken kebabs. The Kings Arms ‘famous’ homemade pies also cemented their place on the new menu, having been loved by visitors for years.

The Kings Arms Hotel is open daily providing hearty, homecooked meals, a wide selection of cask ales and overnight accommodation in one of its 13 bedrooms in the centre of Keswick. To book a room, please call or visit https://www.lakedistricthotels.net/kingsarms/