The Swan Hotel & Spa

The sprawling, white-washed, former coaching inn, overlooking the River Leven at Newby Bridge, is a Lake District landmark. In a picture-postcard position, beside a stone-arched bridge with ducks and boats on the river to watch from its grassy terrace, it has become a much-loved, family-friendly hotel - pool, leisure club, mini-spa - with a sassy edge. Bold-patterned wallpapers, chairs and sofas in hot colours of pink, tangerine and lilac are set against wooden floors, slate walls and oak panelling. It’s light, fresh and breezy. Rooms have a similar bright, country-fresh feel, with big headboards and dazzling floral colours; some with pale, New-England- style tongue-and- groove panelling. The top-floor loft suites are striking with white-painted floorboards and roll-top baths in the bedrooms. And every room has a lovely view, whether over gardens or river. If you want to do your own thing, there are five ‘Nests’, with open-plan kitchens and living spaces, wood-burning stoves and similar, bright-sherbet colours. Staff are young, friendly and energetic while the food is gastro-pub style with a choice of eating areas: the nooks and crannies of the pub area, or the funky-pink and metal-grey dining room. Whichever, the atmosphere is fun and lively. With a children’s playroom, indoor pool, health club and Espa spa - and Windermere lake just five minutes’ away - there’s plenty to keep everyone happy. A great place for a couples’ chill-out or a family reunion.