Lakeside Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Lake District

Close to the southern tip of Lake Windermere, on the narrow road on the quieter western side. No town is in the immediate vicinity, though Coniston, Hawkshead and Bowness are within a 20 to 30-minute drive. The lake cruise boats have a landing stage beside the hotel, and families will enjoy the nearby Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

By car: the hotel is 1 hour 40 mins from Manchester, around 3 hours from Edinburgh and 5 hours from London. There is free parking on site.

By train: regular services from Manchester Piccadilly, London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley to stations nearby. Book trains.

Originally a coaching inn, the hotel has expanded in a mix-up of styles, but always with the lake as the focus. Assorted lounges and dining areas are furnished in a comfortable traditional style - patterned carpets, oak panelling, big mirrors, and heavy oak furniture - with plenty of armchairs and coffee tables. It's warm and welcoming rather than stiff and formal.

After the pool and spa, the next best place to relax is on the lakeside terrace (or in the conservatory if chilly). Otherwise, there are innumerable corners to hole up in, plus the oak-panelled lounge or the bar with its wood-burning stove. If you're feeling active, there's the hotel's rowing boat and local walk suggestions.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa and wellness centre
• Swimming pool
• Gardens
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

There's a wide assortment of choices and prices, largely dependent on view and size, although even entry-level rooms, overlooking courtyards or woodland, are generous. For the most part, they're traditionally furnished in the country house style.

Room types: Lakeland View, Garden, Interconnecting Family, Woodland View, Junior, Lakeview, Panoramic Lodge, Courtyard Family suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, complimentary robes, spa access

Choose between two dining areas: the formal white-cloth Lakeview restaurant or the contemporary John Ruskin brasserie. Lakeview offers classic British dishes such as a rack of lamb or lemon sole, while the brasserie menu might include Thai fishcakes and fish and chips.

Lakeview Grill Restaurant: formal fine dining, modern British cuisine. Open for dinner every day. Three courses £44 per person.

Lakeside Terrace & Conservatory: amazing lake views and alfresco dining. Open daily for lunch and afternoon tea.