Lake District Luxury at Rothay Manor

Sometimes, everyone just needs an escape – to spend some time away from the high rise buildings and hectic pace of city life, and to breathe in some cold, fresh air as opposed to bus fumes.

Having roamed far and wide, we have long believed that the Lake District is one place that’s just perfect for reconnecting with yourself, allowing you time to focus, reflect and regroup. Finding the right place to stay can be tricky though. Think trying to book an impressive last-minute dinner spot in central London *winces*.

Having been offered a stay at the Lakes’ own Rothay Manor recently, we fast discovered that it’s perfect if you’re after a break away from the Big Smoke. Enveloped in huge mountains, the hotel is surrounded by greenery and beautiful landscapes and you can see the quaint little town of Ambleside in the distance. You’ll likely find yourself ambling over to make use of the the Salutation spa – a complimentary treat for all guests from the guys at Rothay Manor. As well as an indoor pool, the spa boasts a beautiful hot tub, into which you’re guided by a trail of illuminated rubber ducks. We promise this looks classier and more in-keeping with the relaxing vibe than you might think!

From our experience, the biggest draw for Rothay Manor is its fine dining menu. Specific recommendations are the locally sourced Ambleside Herdwick lamb and incredibly varied cheese course option. With up to 15 options of local and international cheese, as well as the perfect pickled grape accompaniment, any cheese fan worth their rind will be hard-pressed to find a better selection. Each course throughout the dinner was presented with such care that you (almost!) felt bad eating it. Top tip, if you’re used to hearty portions, don’t be put off by the decadent dishes, the rich, complex flavours will leave you feeling satisfied. Prices in the restaurant are reasonable too, you can get two courses for £38 or three courses for £45.

When it comes to rooms, there’s plenty of choice depending on what you want from your stay. If you’re heading to the Lakes for a romantic break we’d recommend the Superior Plus room. These rooms have handmade beds (Harrison Spinks is an, excuse the pun, absolute dream), large balconies overlooking the gardens and luxurious bathrooms, each boasting a feature bath and separate shower. If you’re aiming to spend more of your time exploring the local area, a Classic Room will absolutely suffice. Still bursting with character and inclusive of a brilliant bed and beautiful bathroom, these rooms have everything you need to relax after a long day’s exploring.

Our only criticism of Rothay Manor is that works were taking place on the balcony next door to our own whilst we stayed, so the serenity was slightly dampened by the shrill noises from the drill. On the flip side, these works were clearly taking place ahead of the height of the summer season meaning that everything should be in tip top condition when the tourists come flocking!

• Stays at Rothay Manor start from £160 per night, per room and include bed and breakfast. Interested? You can book directly here: http://rothaymanor.co.uk/