Lakeside Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Lake District

Gummer's How, opposite the hotel, is an easy climb and rewards with fantastic 360-degree views, including of Morecambe Bay.

The hotel is on the shores of Lake Windermere at the southwestern end. The small village of Newby Bridge is a 5-minute drive away, and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, a family favourite, is nearby.
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. thetrainline.com

Families, groups of friends or couples looking for a leisurely rather than active break will enjoy the pool and spa, choice of dining, and relaxing views. The long conservatory, with its traditional wicker furnishings, is a delightful spot to sit and switch off.

Taking a swim in the 17-metre pool with views through the huge windows to the fells opposite almost feels like swimming in the lake.

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

The spaciousness of the rooms is a definite plus, even without the lake view, plus practically all bathrooms have a bath as well as shower. Any of the Lake View rooms get our vote as the best - some have patios leading to the lakeside gardens.

Lakeland View, Garden, Interconnecting Family, Ultimate Lakeview & Terrace rooms, Woodland View, Junior, Lakeview, Panoramic Lodge, Courtyard Family suites
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, complimentary robes, Hungarian goose down duvets, spa access

Breakfast is served until a decadent 11am - and 11.30am at weekends - and includes unusual choices such as porridge with maple-glazed bananas, avocado and bacon on rye or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and potato cake. As an alternative to dinner, chef offers a mixed sweet and savoury afternoon tea; a great idea if you never have enough room for pudding after dinner.

Lakeview Grill Restaurant: formal fine dining, modern British cuisine, charcoal grilled rare-breed steaks. Open for dinner every day. Three courses £44 per person.
John Ruskin Restaurant: casual, family-friendly, modern British cuisine. Open every day.
Lakeside Terrace & Conservatory: amazing lake views and alfresco dining. Open for lunch 1-2pm (two courses £25) and afternoon tea 1-4pm (£32 per person).