4. THE ANGEL INN Bowness-on-Windermere
A five-minute amble from England’s largest lake, Windermere, and even closer to the World of Beatrix Potter, the Angel Inn is well placed for whatever kind of break you fancy.
Last year, it added three rooms with lake views in the adjoining gatehouse – and one with its own lounge area and corner bath – and all guests get free use of the Jacuzzi, sauna, gym and pool at the local leisure club down the road – though if you can tear yourself away from the log fires and sofas of the pub, you’re really not trying hard enough to get comfy. From £75 (gatehouse rooms from £85); 015394 44080, the-angelinn.com . Midweek offer: three nights from £187.50
5. A CORNER OF EDEN Ravenstonedale
You’ll like this. This little B&B, 20 or so miles from Kendal, has a sense of fun to it that will envelope you like Mr Tickle in a clown suit. From the butler’s pantry, with its collection of cheeses, homemade breads and organic chutney (all free for guests to snack on whenever the need strikes), to the honesty bar, containing an ample supply of beer and wine, via the heartfelt encouragement to come down to breakfast in your dressing gown (don’t worry, they’re past knee-length), you’ll feel at home as soon as you arrive.
The former farmhouse is Grade-II listed, so ensuites were not an option for the four bedrooms, but you’ll not mind that once you’ve seen the rest of the place. There’s fishing, riding and kayaking nearby if you fancy a break from the mountains, while new this year is the option to be lord of the manor and rent the whole place for the weekend – giving you the freedom to be as loud and obnoxious (ie, drunk) as you like. Your only dilemma? Who else to invite. From £120; house party £800 for two nights (sleeps 8); 015396 23370, acornerofeden.co.uk
6. LOWTHER HOUSE Whitehaven
Last year, Wastwater, in the Wasdale valley, was crowned Britain’s best view after a television show put a number of spectacular vistas to the public vote. That spot is 15 minutes from Whitehaven and Lowther House, a building that dates from 1860 and has recently been turned into a three-room B&B under the care of Trevor Lloyd. He will happily ferry guests around to local hot spots for the best walks – and indeed views. He also offers lectures on his historic home town: Whitehaven was the scene of the last invasion of the British mainland, by the American John Paul Jones and his ship, the Ranger.
The less adventurous could settle down in front of the views from Lowther, all the way up to the southern Scottish highlands, and tuck into a slice of homemade cake. £70; 01946 63169, lowtherhouse-whitehaven.com
7. THE COTTAGE IN THE WOOD Braithwaite, near Keswick
Whinlatter Forest Park is England’s only true mountain forest, and is home to the Bassenthwaite ospreys, a particularly scenic mountain-bike trail, an army of red squirrels and the prosaically named Cottage in the Wood. Back in the 17th century, the cottage was a drovers’ inn; between the wars, it was an isolation hospital for contagious diseases. Now, though, it’s been turned into an award-winning restaurant with nine rooms, including the rather grand Spruce attic suite, which takes up the whole of the top floor.
The restaurant, in the new conservatory, is light and airy, with views of the forest, so you can watch the squirrels – though perhaps not the ospreys – as you tuck into locally sourced beef and ham. From £84; 017687 78409, thecottageinthewood.co.uk . Special offer: two nights, including dinner and breakfast, from £140pp until the end of March.
Paul Croughton, Sunday Times, 22/02/09
