Howtown Hotel

Guests were ‘intrigued by the old-style hospitality’ of this Ullswater institution, a creeper-covered lakeside farmhouse that maintains the traditions of a bygone age. Owned by the Baldry family for over 120 years, it has no bedroom TVs (or door locks), limited Wi-Fi and a gong for dinner. ‘Numerous’ lounges are comfortable with fires, chintzy sofas, warming pans and country antiques. The style is very much that of Mrs Baldry, who balances traditional standards with a ‘personal touch’. Red-carpeted landings lined with pictures lead to large, comfortable bedrooms. Expect blankets, not duvets, and Imperial Leather in the bathroom; no shampoo but plenty of hot water for a soak after a day’s walking. There are hikes from the door and lakeside strolls. At the dinner gong, guests gather in the red-velvet and stained-glass bar before a four-course meal of dishes such as fillet of plaice with tomato and herb topping, and venison with red cabbage. The duck egg-blue dining room is a treat of silver cutlery and polished-wood tables. Next morning, tea is brought to your room. ‘A glorious setting; we loved it.’ (Tom and Sybille Raphael)