The Belsfield, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District

It would be hard to find a more central location in the Lake District, with the bonus of lake and fell views. Plum in the middle of Bowness, with its gift shops and a myriad of eateries, and with the lake near the foot of the hotel's gardens, there's plenty on the doorstep. For those looking to explore, most of the Lakes' top attractions are within a 30 to 40-minute drive.

By car: 55 minutes from Penrith, 2 hours from Leeds and around 5 hours from London. Free private parking is available at the hotel.

By train: Windermere station is a 7-minute drive from the hotel with trains from Manchester Piccadilly (2 hours). Oxenholme the Lake District is a 30-minute drive, with trains from Glasgow Central (2 hours) and London Euston (3 hours 40 mins). Book trains.

The large creamy-coloured Victorian building, in fashionable Italianate style, has been skilfully lightened and modernised without losing original features: plasterwork ceilings, sweeping sash windows and handsome door frames. Pale-coloured walls mix with pretty wallpapers, mirrored console tables reflect modern chandeliers, and velvet-covered chairs are scattered on latte-coloured carpets.

A large hotel with 62 rooms, there's plenty of space for guests to find a comfortable corner with a choice of two sitting rooms and a small library as well as a strikingly modern bar, plus a sweeping grassy terrace overlooking the lake. There's a tiny gym, and a selection of local walks if you fancy a stroll, while the staff are both friendly and professional.

• Restaurant
• Brasserie
• Lounge Bar
• Drawing Room
• Family-friendly
• Room service
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

All rooms, even the Cosy category have a classy style with soft creamy colours, eye-catching feature wallpapers, bright splashes in throws and cushions, smart headboards and just a carefully placed mirror or painting as decoration.

Room types: Compact & Cosy Double, Classic Twin/Double, Lake View Twin/Double, Garden Zip & Link Double, Four Poster Suite, Family Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi

Choose to eat in either the breezier Brasserie, with its more casual options, such as fish and chips, or the elegant dining room, which offers a more formal, classic British menu, serving up options such as roasted cod with Puy lentils.

The Belsfield Restaurant: 2 AA Rossettes, modern, lake views, garden terrace. Open daily. Mains from £13.95.

The Belsfield Brasserie: Lake views, garden terrace. Casual, classic dining. Classic British menu. Open daily noon - 5pm.