Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Perched on the shores of England's largest lake, the Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa is a winner on scenery alone. Sit and sip a cuppa, munch on some cake and cast your eyes from the elegant balcony terrace across the mature lawns to Lake Windermere, where private jetties and moorings launch myriad little boats plying their way around the water. There are two restaurants too chose from, depending on your mood. Try Number 23 Church Street for the fine dining experience (organic, locally produced are the watchwords here) or the Terrace Bar for a less formal, more relaxed feel. Upstairs, go for a feature room for unbeatable views of the lake and fells. All rooms have lovely Arran Aromatics toiletries, flat-screen TVs, internet access and a design scheme not out of place in a small boutique hotel.