First impressions
The Langdale Hotel sits in the heart of the Lake District. Look out for sheep wandering across the road from Ambleside, a 15-minute drive away. Craggy outcrops of granite stud the rolling upland fields, with the Brathay river to your left. This is the “real” Lakes. The four-star Langdale Hotel is part of an estate that includes the Brimstone Spa, Stove bar and restaurant, Wainwrights’ Inn and several timeshare holiday homes. It almost feels like an Alpine resort in summer.
Looks
Low-lying buildings use local slate and granite to blend into the landscape. By contrast, the interiors are metropolitan in style with velvet sofas and retro chairs. The rooms are spacious, with superking beds, and the decor is a mix of purple, raspberry and charcoal grey. We made a beeline for the island bar inside Stove, where we sipped a delicious Bedrock Bramble cocktail (Bedrock gin, lemon juice, sugar gomme and Briottet crème de mûre).
Feel
The Langdale’s relaxed vibe creates a welcoming environment for families. Our baby slept in his buggy as we enjoyed dinner at Stove. Stone-baked pizzas can be taken to your room if you really want to hide away.
Extras
A visit to the spa is a must. Sweat it out in the lava sauna and Himalayan salt steam room before taking a dip in the outdoor relaxation pool. For workout junkies there’s a 20-metre pool and a small gym.
As well as the impressive bar, Stove features a double-sided log-burner within the dry-stone chimney breast and a theatre kitchen complete with open chef’s table and a recessed wood-fired oven. The food is comforting and contemporary. Starters include baked queen scallops and pickled mackerel. But I had to leave space for the 12oz sirloin and triple-cooked chips...
Outside
It’s easy to see why William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter drew inspiration from the Lakes. A short stroll takes you to Elterwater, an impossibly pretty village. Hikers can do a three-hour walk to Bowfell, and on to Skafell Pike. For a different experience, enjoy an adrenaline-pumping guided 4x4 experience (graythwaiteadventure.co.uk).
Getting there
It’s a six-hour car drive from London, or three hours on the train to Windermere. Virgin Trains go to Oxenholme.
In a nutshell
Seclusion and luxury in stunning countryside. Doubles from £130 B&B, langdale.co.uk
