Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Borrowdale, Lake District

On the narrow valley road up Borrowdale, opposite the southern end of Derwentwater and with clear views across the lake to fells, this hotel holds an enviably picturesque location yet is only four miles from the friendly market town of Keswick. The nearest village, Grange, is on the way to the spectacular Honister Pass which drops down on the far side to Buttermere. A landing stage for lake cruises is opposite the hotel, while Honister Slate Mine, with its shop, mine tour and Via Ferrata experience is a 20-minute drive.

By car: 2 hours from Manchester, 3 hours from Edinburgh and 5 hours 45 minutes from London. There is free parking on-site.

By train: trains run from Manchester Piccadilly (just over 1 hour), London Euston (3 hours) and Edinburgh (2 hours) to Oxenholme Lake District station. The hotel is an hour taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Oxenholme.

The large, stately Victorian hotel with its distinctive central tower has been much-extended. It's a pleasing mix of the classic and contemporary with large public rooms with dado panelling, mirrored pillars and low coffee tables, plus smart velvet armchairs, deep-hued colours and contemporary art. The latest addition is an eye-catching chalet-style building plus an airy Thai restaurant which, like everywhere else, has huge windows.

As a long-established large hotel, service levels are pretty slick with a member of staff never far away. Several lounges, including one overlooking the lake, and another overlooking the gardens, means plenty of space for everyone. Plus a terrace for warmer weather. For the active, there's a small gym, walking guides - free boot hire if you've forgotten your gear - and, for relaxation, an extensive spa.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Gym
• Swimming pool

• Spa

• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The range of bedrooms offers a choice for most budgets. Guests can opt for light contemporary-classic styling in the Standard rooms, neat and compact with pale colours, feature wallpapers and no views. There's also the slightly larger eponymously named Lake View rooms, some with balconies - to the sleek and airy, Scandi-style Spa Suites.

Room types: Standard, Classic and Lake View Rooms, Lodore and Deluxe Spa Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, bathrobes, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

With a choice of two restaurants - the more formal Lake View or the buzzy, open-kitchen Mizu - most tastes are catered for. Expect Modern British offerings such as glazed pork belly and cod with mussels in the former, while Mizu serves up pan-Asian dishes including sushi, curries and ramen.

Mizu Pan-Asian: AA Rosette. Elegant, Asian cuisine. Open daily. Platters from £20.

Lake View Restaurant: two AA Rosettes. Formal fine dining. Open daily. Mains from £15.