History

The Hotel - A History

The Glenridding Hotel has been in existence for over 100 years.  It was originally built as a temperance hotel (The Mylchrest) changing its name when sold by that family.  As far as we can ascertain the Holdway family (father and son) were the next owners, selling in 1960 to Leslie Mather and from him to Glenridding Hotels Ltd. in 1977.

The Hotel originally only comprised of the old side with the Lantys’ Lounge and rooms 28 and 29 being used for management accommodation.  (We have a lot of old photographs in the coffee shop, which show the original building if you are interested.  The new wing was partly built in 1971 and then completed in 1980/81 with the Ratchers bar extension and conversion of the famous old Rose Cottage staff accommodation to bedrooms.  Gradual upgrading has followed each year since, with the major redevelopment programme in 1997\8 of the building of an indoor Swimming pool, Spa bath and Sauna; extending the Coffee House and Ratchers restaurant; new Conference facility; Sun Lounge and Library and adding lounges to 3 bedrooms.

During the second world war the hotel became a school and was used by the Leas school based in Liverpool and so many youngsters joined together with local school children taking part in village life.

In 1955 the hotel was the base for Donald Campbells attempt at the world water speed record upon Ullswater at which he succeeded making him the first man through the 200mph water speed barrier. Donalds celebration picture is in our Campbell library and the menu for the historic event is also on show with the signatures of the team.

Donald gave a trophy to the village for the help given to him and his team. This trophy is presented each year to the best sporting achievement in the Dale.

His daughter Gina also presented one to the village in 1985 for the young sports person of the year, carrying on the link between Glenridding and the Campbell family.

http://website.lineone.net/~donaldcampbell/