Rothay Manor

'A lovely, civilised hotel', this white Regency house near the head of Lake Windermere has been run by the Nixon family for over 40 years. Nigel Nixon is at the helm; Peter Sinclair, the manager, 'fits in well in the Nixon tradition of being around much of the time and waiting at dinner' (say returning visitors). The 'quality, experience and helpfulness of the staff' continue to stand out. The lounges are 'light and comfortable'. The bedrooms are 'well furnished, with good bedlinen, impeccable housekeeping'; many are large. 'Ours had a comfortable sofa.' The quietest rooms overlook the 'well laid-out' garden. The chef, Jane Binns, provides 'traditional English food with a slight French influence', which is 'quite simply cooked, but beautifully presented'. An 'excellent and very filling afternoon tea' and a children's menu are available. One visitor 'attempted the Lakeland cooked breakfast, but had to admit defeat before the end'. A family group with eight children was 'well looked after; croquet much enjoyed'. Study courses - bridge, Scrabble, antiques, etc - 'look interesting' and are booked early. The 'delightful garden insulated the hotel from daytime traffic' and 'the roads are quiet at night'. You can walk across fields to the lake. (Margaret H Box, Anthony Bradbury, Jane Petrie)