The Grasmere Hotel

In postcard-pretty Grasmere, this family-run Victorian country house hotel ‘ticks all the boxes on accommodation, hospitality, food and reasonable prices’. It is run by the Winslands – Kevin, Nicki and two daughters – and their ‘very friendly’ staff, who have a ‘quiet professionalism, delivered effortlessly and always with a smile’. No wonder so many guests return, as much for the location, with views to iconic Helm Crag and quiet garden overlooking the River Rothay, as the ‘delicious food, with varied menus during our two-night stay’. Canapés in one of the fire-warmed lounges are the warm-up to starters such as confit duck leg and damson terrine, perhaps followed by Herdwick lamb with pea purée and basil pesto. The conservatory dining room, elegant with white cloths and napkins, overlooks the garden, ‘a great spot to relax’ after a day’s walking (there are routes from the door). ‘Immaculately presented’ bedrooms have breezy colours, 
feature walls and simple furnishings, ‘everything we required’. Breakfast is top-notch, with 
smoked salmon and haddock as well as a full Cumbrian, plus home-made preserves. ‘We were spoilt.’ (ES, FC)