Victorian House Hotel, Grasmere, Lake District

Close to the centre of Grasmere, on the main road into the village from the north, the hotel is easy to find and within easy walking distance of all the village's attractions. You're in Wordsworth country - Dove Cottage, Rydal Mount and the museum are close by - and you'd be foolish to ignore the world-famous Grasmere gingerbread shop.

By car: 2 hours from Manchester, 3 hours from Edinburgh and just over 5 hours 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 Waverley (2 hours) to Oxenholme Lake District station. The hotel is a 40-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Oxenholme.

A clever design eye has been at work to create a 'modern Victorian' look with a bit of a rustic, hipster-ish vibe: mismatched solid-wood tables, antique oak sideboards, salmon-pink Chesterfield sofas and plain Ercol chairs. Walls are Farrow and Ball cool, rugs are scattered on slate-flagged floors, while a mix of modern art, Victorian china and glossy houseplants add interest.

Outdoorsy types are made particularly welcome with a drying room for boots and wet gear, bike storage, plus maps and guide books to borrow. There's plenty of space for everyone to relax after a day of adventures, with two parlours, a conservatory and a small garden leading down to the river.

• Breakfast
• Bar
• Snacks
• Terrace
• Family rooms
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are stylish yet unfussy with sludgy or earthy colours, one or two pieces of rustic or vintage furniture, a touch of flair in a curved headboard and subtle splashes of colour in rugs and cushions. A well-judged piece of art or funky ornament is the only decoration, while storage is often an open rail. Be aware, that none other than the family suites are large.

Room types: Cosy, Comfortable, Spacious, Stargazer, Family Friendly, Dog Friendly

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

It's a small food operation here, so evening meals are of the snack-and-supper-platter variety. Sourced from a small local catering firm, the brief menu includes 'posh' Scotch eggs, charcuterie and cheese platters, and focaccia bread and dips. Breakfast has a hipster twang, offering dishes such as poached eggs on crumpets and grilled halloumi. The bar stocks a short but attractive selection of local beers and spirits, as well as modest wines.

The Garden Room Bar: a fully stocked bar with a range of speciality licqours and unusual cocktails.