Belfield Hotel: Reviews, Weddings & Afternoon Tea Guide

If you’ve searched for “Belfield hotel” you’re likely looking for a wedding venue or afternoon tea in the UK, but the name covers two very different properties. The Belfray Country Inn in Derry, Northern Ireland, is a popular wedding and events hotel, while The Belsfield Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere is a Lake District landmark known for lake views and afternoon tea. This article reviews both, focusing on what guests actually say about weddings, dining, and seasonal stays, drawing on hundreds of traveller reviews and booking platform data.

Last checked: 2026-08-07

Property name: The Belsfield Hotel · Location: Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District, England · Star rating: 4-star · Built era: Heritage property · Known for: Lake views, weddings, afternoon tea

The Belsfield Hotel reviews: what guests actually say

With over 2,000 TripAdvisor reviews, The Belsfield Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most-reviewed Lake District hotels. Guests consistently praise the “amazing view” of Lake Windermere from the terraced gardens and the “spotless” cleanliness of the rooms. The afternoon tea experience in the Drawing Room and Library receives frequent commendation for its presentation and setting.

However, recent reviews from 2025 note that the hotel is undergoing a “comprehensive refurbishment” and that scaffolding and potential disturbance affect some suites. One reviewer mentioned that reception staff were honest about the work, advising against booking a suite due to possible noise. Another guest described certain areas as “tired and worn” but expressed hope that the renovation would address these issues while retaining the property’s character.

The Belsfield’s wedding offering is a major draw: the hotel promotes itself as the “perfect location for your dream wedding” with a glass reception area overlooking the lake. Reviewers who held ceremonies there highlight the attentive staff and the seamless coordination of the day. The bottom line: the Belsfield earns high marks for location and afternoon tea, but the ongoing renovation means some guests may experience disruption.

Belfield hotel wedding: on the ground at The Belfray Country Inn

Wedding-specific reviews for The Belfray Country Inn in Derry span from 2013 to 2025 and are overwhelmingly positive. A 2014 TripAdvisor review titled “Magical Wedding Day” describes a couple’s wedding at the venue, noting attentive staff, smooth running of the day, and satisfaction with the reception setup. Another review from 2013, “A Wedding Reception……..Exceptional :)”, similarly praises the function rooms and the bistro’s catering.

The property is listed on Bridebook as a dedicated wedding venue with around 15 verified reviews from couples. Its address at 171 Glenshane Road, Drumahoe, is about 10 minutes’ drive from Derry city centre, making it a convenient choice for local weddings. The banquet room features on TripAdvisor with its own photo gallery, showing a dedicated space for large receptions.

International couples have also left positive feedback: a June 2017 Arabic review rates the hotel 5 out of 5 for organising the user’s wedding, and a Thai-language review from August 2017 echoes the same sentiment. The pattern holds across languages and years, indicating consistent service quality. The implication: for couples seeking a country wedding venue in Northern Ireland, The Belfray Country Inn has a strong track record.

Belfield hotel afternoon tea: comparing the two venues

The Belsfield Hotel heavily markets its afternoon tea, served in the Drawing Room and Library with views of Lake Windermere. TripAdvisor descriptions and guest photos confirm a traditional tiered tea with sandwiches, scones, and pastries, accompanied by a selection of teas. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

The Belfray Country Inn, by contrast, does not brand afternoon tea as prominently. Its bistro operates on the same premises and offers a similar dining experience, but guest reviews are more focused on the full dinner menu and gluten-free options (including gluten-free beers, as noted in a 2025 review). If you’re specifically after a classic afternoon tea in a lakeside setting, the Belsfield is the stronger choice. For a more casual country pub-style tea, the Belfray’s bistro is a reliable alternative.

The trade-off: the Belsfield’s afternoon tea is a signature experience with a scenic backdrop, while the Belfray’s is more of a practical dining option for hotel guests and wedding parties.

Christmas at the belsfield hotel: festive season experiences

Both properties offer Christmas celebrations. The Belsfield Hotel’s lakeside setting attracts families and couples for Christmas lunch or dinner, with festive decorations throughout the public areas. Guest reviews mention the “festive atmosphere” and special accommodation packages that include Christmas Day meals. The refurbishment may affect availability of certain suites, so early booking is advised.

The Belfray Country Inn, based on its event-focused profile, likely hosts Christmas parties and family celebrations in its function rooms, though specific Christmas menus are not detailed in the research sources. A 2025 review from Singapore describes it as “perfect for couples”, suggesting it could also be a romantic Christmas getaway. The bottom line: if you want a traditional Christmas by the lake, the Belsfield is the established choice; if you prefer a quieter country inn in Northern Ireland, the Belfray is worth considering.