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Welcome to The Whitewater Hotel, a charming retreat on the banks of the River Leven in the heart of the Southern Lake District.
With a rich history dating back to Tudor times and modern comforts like our Cascades Spa and Leisure Club, we offer unforgettable stays amid stunning scenery.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
The history of the hotel building dates back as far as Tudor times as a corn mill controlled by the monks of Cartmel Priory. As time passed, the unique position of the mill on the banks of the fast flowing River Leven, running from Lake Windermere, enabled this building to be used for many purposes.
During it’s time so far the building has been used as a paper mill, Ainsworth cotton mill and then the Reckitts Ultramarine pigment factory before it being turned into the hotel it is today. For more on the hotel buildings colourful history, click here.
The last manufacturing venture of the mill was the production of blue pigment bags which became a revolutionary way for laundries to bring that whiter than white look into their customers laundry! These ubiquitous bags became known fondly as Dolly Blues!
Now under the ownership of Heritage Resorts, owners of five tourist resorts in Southern Spain, the Whitewater Hotel and Leisure Club is now one of the leading hotels of the region.
My hospitality journey began at 17, working in a 4-star, 2 Rosette hotel in the Lake District.
It was there that I gained a solid foundation in all aspects of hospitality — from front-of-house service to behind-the-scenes operations — and developed a true passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
From there, I explored a wide range of roles across the industry, from the fast-paced energy of an Italian bistro to the refined atmosphere of a modern local steakhouse.
Each role taught me something new about service, teamwork, and the importance of attention to detail.
My career then took me abroad, where I ventured into a different field professionally but never strayed far from hospitality.
While living in Australia, I continued to work part-time in cocktail bars and restaurants, refining my mixology skills and deepening my understanding of international service standards.
My hospitality journey began 11 years ago as a pot washer in a local venue near home.
While studying business in college, I advanced to barback and bar manager roles, mentored by skilled locals and pulling my first pint—a Coors Light for £3.50—amid a supportive team.
In 2019, connecting with Gavin expanded my expertise, leading to an assistant bar manager position focused on innovative concepts.
He later recruited me as a receptionist at his hotel, where I quickly rose to reservations manager, coordinating events like conferences and celebrations, and handled duty management during peaks like Christmas.
In early 2024, I joined Whitewater Hotel as reception manager, optimizing systems and introducing fresh ideas.
Now, as assistant GM alongside Gavin as general manager, we’re collaborating to elevate guest experiences. I’m excited for the future and welcoming all visitors.
I began my hospitality career in Grange after relocating from Blackpool. Following two years of valuable experience in several local hotels,
I took on my first Head Chef position in Cartmel, where I proudly earned my first Rosette.
After six years there, I expanded my skills further by working in a number of fine dining hotels and restaurants across the local area.
Most recently, before joining The Whitewater, I was Head Chef at a stunning restaurant located on the Marina Village in Bowness.
I’m excited to bring my experience, passion, and creativity to The Whitewater and help make it a truly outstanding hotel and venue.
Giving you your home away from home!
With thirty years in the construction and management of holiday resorts, Heritage Resorts have a unique portfolio of fine holiday and leisure destinations.
Currently Heritage own four resorts on the Costa del Sol, Southern Spain. The success and reputation of Heritage has also grown in the U.K. They have a fine hotel in the Lake District recognised as being a prime destination for holidays, business conferences and lavish weddings.
Heritage affiliated resorts throughout the world provide owners with a mouth watering choice of further, exotic, holidays.
Owners of holiday homes in Heritage Resorts soon become aware of the reasons Heritage have achieved such success: the combination of a family influence, superb management and a firm commitment to ensuring that their clients’ best interests are served at all times delivers the perfect package for fulfilling holidays.
Contact us for full details of the multitude of fabulous holiday destinations available from Heritage Resorts.
The Whitewater hotel is ideally situated so that you will be able to explore the best that the South Lakes has to offer in terms of tourist attractions, local culture and history, not forgetting of course beautiful scenic walks along the fells and lake shores.
The hotel is just a 3 minute walk away from the Lakeland Motor Museum. This magnificent museum not only displays over 30,000 artefacts in relation to the motor industry, but is also a museum displaying various historical facts attributed to each vehicles’ use at the time. Fashion, local and national history are all brought to life in this fascinating display.
The Lakeland motor museum also houses the world famous Campbell Bluebird Exhibition. Highlights include full sized detailed replicas of the 1935 Bluebird car, the 1939 Bluebird boat K4 and the famous 1967 jet hydroplane Bluebird K7.
Just a 10 minute walk from the hotel, you enter into the village of Haverthwaite where you can find the Haverthwaite steam train station. Lovingly restored steam locomotives hauling comfortable carriages through the contrasting lake and river scenery of the beautiful Leven Valley to Lakeside station. Jump off the train at Lakeside where you can visit Lakes Aquarium or connect with Windermere Lake cruises.
Nearby in Bowness on Windermere you can make a visit to the world famous Beatrix Potter attraction or take the children to the Rock shop where they can make necklaces and bracelets and interact with all manner of geological matter – even rock from space features here!
The staff at the hotel will be happy to assist you in local walks, provide maps and local information. We can prepare you a packed lunch for your day out and arrange anything necessary to help you get the most out of your lake district stay. A short drive away from the Whitewater hotel you are able to reach Lake Windermere, Coniston water, Grasmere, Tarn Hows and Ullswater to name a few.
The nearby village of Cartmel is also easily accessible. Here you can discover the true home of sticky toffee pudding and buy it in many forms and flavours! During certain times of the year Cartmel racecourse also hosts some horse racing. Other local interests include Wordsworth and Ruskin, Furness Abbey, Holker Hall and its marvellous gardens, the Edwardian town of Grange-over-Sands with its lovely coastal promenade and the historic town of Ulverston.
So as you can see, a stay at the Whitewater Hotel really will allow you to relax and unwind or take full advantage of exploring this wonderful and beautiful national park.
At Whitewater Hotel, comfort meets convenience in our well-appointed rooms nestled in the charming lakeland village, Backbarrow.
Discover exclusive deals for hotel stays, spa retreats, and dining experiences at Whitewater Hotel and Cascades Spa.
The Whitewater Hotel is located in Backbarrow, Newby Bridge in the Lake District, just one mile south of the world famous Lake Windermere and nearby the Historic market town of Ulverston.
T: +44 (0)1539 531133
E: enquiries@whitewater-hotel.co.uk
Lakeland Village, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8PX
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