Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, Bassenthwaite, Lake District

At the northern end of Bassenthwaite Lake, with fabulous uninterrupted views over the lake and fells, it's in the quieter, less touristy north of the Lake District, yet only half an hour from the M6. Keswick and Cockermouth are the nearest towns, both around 15 minutes away. For whisky lovers, The Lakes Distillery is a few minutes' drive, while children and families will enjoy the next-door Wildlife Park.

By car: The hotel is just under 2 hours from Newcastle, 2 hours 20 mins from Manchester, 2 hours 10 mins from Glasgow and just under 5 hours 30 mins from London. Free private parking is available on-site.

By train: Trains run from Manchester Piccadilly (2 hours), London Euston (around 4 hours) and Edinburgh (1 hour 20 mins) to Carlisle station. The hotel is a 40-minute taxi ride from there. Book trains to Carlisle.

The interiors are all you'd expect of a stately home-style country house hotel. Grand public rooms are awash with oak panelling, huge fireplaces, candelabras and stags' heads. The colours and furniture are rather dark and heavy, although certainly atmospheric. The Lake View Lounge and spa wing are lighter; throughout is a feeling of spaciousness.

There's no danger of getting bored here with outdoor activities including tennis, woodland walks and a wildlife park while indoors there's a pool and large spa with an outdoor hot tub, plus the Hall's original billiard room with a full-size billiards table. Several lounges plus a large bar means there's always a private corner to doze or meet friends, while staff are numerous.

• Three restaurants
• Spa
• Swimming pool
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are split between the main hall and the spa wing with all but the entry-level Club Room generous in size. Main hall rooms are more characterful - the best with lake views. Spa wing rooms are lighter, if a little corporate, with ground-floor rooms benefitting from patios.

Room types: Club Rooms, Family Rooms, Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Spa Feature Rooms, Deluxe Lake View Rooms, Studio Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, TV, tea and coffee facilities

In keeping with the style of the building, dinner is a traditional affair with crisp white tablecloths and menus featuring classic British dishes with French influences. By contrast, the cocktail bar boasts deep colours and velvet sofas.

Lake View Restaurant: 2 AA Rosettes, classical French cuisine, Cumbrian produce. Open daily for dinner and Sunday lunch. Mains from £17.

The Courtyard Bar and Brasserie: Hearty meals, pizzas, sandwiches, kids' menu. Open daily 12-4pm. Mains from £15.