Linthwaite House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District

A mile-and-a-half from the eastern shores of Lake Windermere and popular Bowness town, it's within easy reach of central Lakes attractions while not being in their midst. Set back from the road, it's also away from traffic while still being an easy 25 minutes from the M6. Bowness, with its lake cruises and gift shops, is a five-minute drive, or take the ferry across the lake to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's house and then on to pretty Hawkshead.

By car: 1 hour 30 minutes from Manchester, 3 hours from Edinburgh and just under 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 (2 hours) to Oxenholme Lake District station. The hotel is a 25-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Oxenholme.

With its polished floorboards, velvet-upholstered armchairs, statement lampshades, and artfully displayed orchids and modern sculptures on console tables, this place has a sophisticated and contemporary look. Rich colours of green, gold and lake blue reflect the surroundings, while bold modern art (from the owner's collection) gives it a zing.

Staff are friendly and professional and always seem to be on hand when you need something. There's a small library of books, plus glossy magazines and coffee table art books to while away the hours in the conservatory or bar lounge. As well as the 14 acres of grounds to wander, including a small tarn, guests can borrow wellies and walking routes to explore further.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Coffee house
• Family rooms
• Outdoor games
• Rowing boats
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking

Rooms ooze understated luxury with their muted colours, pale-painted furniture, and plump soft furnishings. Whether curtains, cushions or mattresses, everything screams quality. There are discreet patterns on headboards, and slicks of velvet on chairs, while decoration is restrained to a well-chosen piece of modern art.

Room types: Classic, Luxury, View and Deluxe Rooms, Junior, Hot Tub, Loft and The Lake suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with underfloor heating, walk-in shower

This is an English take on tapas and sharing plates but with Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan's influence (the restaurant is part of his group) and much of the produce coming from the area, including his vast kitchen garden in nearby Cartmel. Ingredients are combined to startling effect: beef tartare with egg yolk jam and lime, shrimp and lemongrass or a grapefruit and apple pavlova.

Henrock: elegant restaurant by Simon Rogan with a focus on local ingredients. Internationally-influenced á la carte menu served daily. Lunch and afternoon tea available in the Bar & Conservatory. Mains from £26.