The Lake District is the kind of place summer holidays are made of. Whether you’re an excitable youngster in the midst of the school holidays, a family looking for the perfect British getaway or a pensioner searching for a relaxing retreat, you would have to go a long way to beat Lake Windermere.
That combination of childhood memories, modern-day luxury and blissful tranquillity is a potent combination. What better way to spend an English summer’s day than on the edge of this country’s finest stretch of water, basking in the sunshine and strolling through one of the many picturesque towns and villages within a stone’s throw of the lake itself?
The Lakeside is widely regarded as Windermere’s finest hotel. Originally a 17th century coaching inn, it has grown over the years to meet the needs of a growing number of visitors to the area.
The hotel was originally used as a staging point and resting place for travellers, mainly in the cotton trade, en route to local businesses such as the wooden bobbin mills. In 1979, the stable area was converted into extra bedrooms, so that many of the guests enjoy lake or fell views.
The Lakeside Hotel has recently undergone a major refit following a severe flood and the money has been well-spent, managing to achieve that sought-after mix of contemporary chic alongside historical splendour.
Spacious, richly decorated and sumptuously furnished throughout, the four-star Lakeside retains the warm and welcoming atmosphere of its origins, with oak panelling, real fires and grand floral displays. Snug lounges and traditional bars provide a relaxing retreat, while the beautiful conservatory looks out over landscaped gardens that lead down to the water’s edge.
But it is not all olde world charm. There is an elegant, modern feel to the award-winning brasserie, with huge swathes of glasswork working in an on-trend partnership with the natural stonework. The two AA rosette brasserie itself boasts an excellent menu of modern British cuisine. A £39 three-course menu offers decent value for money, although the decision to only offer half bottles of wines, the cheapest of which is £16, is frustrating.
The Lakeside’s 75 rooms are stunning. Beautifully decorated in a classic country house style, they are a home from home, with the added bonus of an eye-catching bathroom complete with multi-coloured hi-tech lightscreen that undoubtedly has the wow factor.
The hotel also has its own well equipped gym and an Aveda spa complex. Facilities are state-of-the-art, with a 17 meter pool, incorporating a shallow family area, Italian marble steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and treatment rooms for those looking to pamper themselves even more.
With a trip to the Lake District on many people’s radar this summer, it’s well worth considering a stay at the Lakeside. There are doubtless many cheaper options in the area, but there are few better. After all, holidays are supposed to be all about treating yourself.
Article republished by kind permission of the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.