Rothay Garden Hotel

With its large gardens, small spa and well-regarded restaurant, this country-house style hotel on the outskirts of pretty Grasmere, makes a welcome retreat while still being close to the centre of things. The primary big draw of this hotel is its huge garden; perfect for idling away time over coffee and the papers, or a glass of wine and a book, and with views to the fells, too. The second is its location on the edge of postcard-pretty Grasmere: close enough to stroll to the centre – or Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage - but far enough away to avoid the crowds. And as there’s a small spa overlooking the garden, you might not feel like walking anywhere! The handsome slate-and-white-render building, originally a Victorian villa, has been smoothly modernised to offer smartly contemporary bedrooms with bold feature wallpapers, velvet-covered chairs and silky cushions in bright, jewel colours. Calm and uncluttered, the best rooms – with balconies or patios - overlook either the gardens or the small stream that borders the hotel. The main public rooms are similarly contemporary and understated with a light-filled conservatory dining-room overlooking the garden. Evening meals are quite a highlight – and quite formal, too, so you might want to dress up – while service throughout the hotel is warmly professional.