Howtown Hotel

Take a step back in time to a gentler age. This 17th-century stone farmhouse has been home for 112 years to the Baldry family, who welcome guests with legendary kindness. ‘Thoroughly cosseting, it unashamedly sticks to its old-fashioned values – and it’s all the better for that,’ say Guide inspectors. The situation is isolated: in a hamlet served by the steamers that cruise Ullswater. The escape is absolute: no Wi-Fi, no telephone signal, no email (write or phone to book). A blazing fire, oil paintings and sets of china (‘everything displayed with care and pride’) set the tone; a grandfather clock strikes a homely note. In the ‘spotless’, ‘well-decorated’ country-style bedrooms, find woolly blankets, fringed lampshades, Imperial Leather soap. The day begins with a tap of the brass knocker on the bedroom door and the delivery of a pot of loose-leaf tea. The 9 am gong is the summons to breakfast. Explore the ‘very special’ setting, taking in the ‘fantastic’ views over the fells, then return in time for new chef Colin Akrigg’s ‘very nicely cooked’ four-course dinner at 7 pm. ‘A great experience.’