In our stressful contemporary lives that we live, peace and quiet comes at a premium.

 

One of the joys of weekends away is the sense of timelessness, allowing you to put aside hectic modern ways and attuning to a more peaceful rhythm for a couple of days. Well, until Monday comes around again, that is?!

 

The Lake District is a mere 1-2 hours from Manchester making it one of the ideal places to visit as part of a weekend getaway in the great outdoors.

 

 

And there’s no shortage of breaks in the Lakes what with a range of accommodation, such as hotels, B&Bs, Inns, apartments or even stunning manor houses available to cater for all tastes and budgets.

 

Whether you’re looking for luxury retreat in Windermere, a stunning Keswick Hotel or a comfortable 3 star family run hotel to escape to then there’s certainly plenty to choose from.

 

These getaways in Lake District allow you to escape into another world, decompress and fully recharge.

 

 

The Beech Hill Hotel and Spa

 

Overlooking Lake Windermere, this hotel is on the shores of one of the Lake District`s most beautiful locations with stunning views, superb food and comfortable bedrooms.

 

The dramatic views across the lake to the Western Fells are nothing short of breath-taking. This constantly changing scene serves as a living picture postcard of this most beautiful countryside, an eloquent backdrop to the captivating charm of this hotel.

 

 

It has 57 bedrooms, many have private balconies or access to the garden – like our room did – simply open the glass doors, breathe in the fresh Cumbrian air and enjoy the unrivalled views of Windermere. On a hot summer’s day, it feels like you’re somewhere abroad!

 

All rooms have as standard; en-suite bathrooms with power showers, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, flat screen television, telephone, hairdryer, alarm clock and tea and coffee making facilities.

 

If you can put the fabulous views over Windermere to one side for a moment, the undoubted jewel is Burlington’s restaurant within the hotel that offers a culinary experience you won’t forget.

 

Beautifully presented, using exemplary locally-sourced ingredients, developing rich and complex flavours, the evening menu offers a complete sensory experience.  It has held AA rosettes for the last 20 years demonstrating the commitment and dedication to sourcing only the freshest, finest & local produce and ingredients to provide guests with the finest dining experience.

 

We chose dishes such as succulent fillet steaks for our main course, roast saddleback pork belly and sea bass to start. Every dish served has one thing in common; that it is a pleasure to look at, to taste and to remember.

 

 

To compliment your meal there is an extensive wine menu so that you can choose the perfect bottle to accompany your food.

 

Breakfast is a leisurely affair, help yourself to a refreshing first course of fresh fruit juices, yoghurts, fruit and fine cereals. Indulge in fresh-baked pastries before selecting whatever you fancy from our traditional and delicious full English cooked breakfast buffet.

 

Its Lakeview Spa is a unique with an exquisite view. It includes two spa treatment rooms, Himalayan Sauna, Steam Room, outside spa pool in the scented garden, and an indoor pool. Beech Hill Hotel have worked with Curveline Design whose credits include the Spa at the Midland Hotel in Manchester to produce a Spa design which creates a relaxing, indulgent atmosphere for guests.

 

 

 

The Beach Hill Hotel and Spa, Nearby Bridge Road, Windermere, LA23 3LR

 

Call 0333 444 6835 for reservations.

 

 

The Plough Inn, Lupton

 

This is one of the best known and loved inns in the country and quite simply a delightful place to both stay and dine. It’s a stylish, historic and perfectly placed pub to explore Lake District.

 

It has a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and great food.

 

All rooms and suites have been individually furnished to an extremely high standard and decorated to compliment the natural beauty, stone and beams of the ancient building.

 

The rooms epitomises style and comfort. Spacious and snug, each room has individual charm and character what with plush furnishings that oozes opulence.

 

 

For residents convenience they are provided with mini bars, electric hair dryers, safes and tea and coffee making facilities. All rooms are now equipped with Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations.

 

 

We stayed in the Tursin suite which is the jewel of in the pub’s crown. The suite certainly has the wow factor and just look at this bathroom…perfect for couples!

 

 

 

Food is of the essence here. It’s a hugely important part of its offering – pub grub, done incredible well! There’s plenty of seating in its restaurant, bar and gardens for you to eat in different surroundings.

 

There’s also a huge menu to choose from. You can experience tasty well-presented food using the freshest and finest seasonal produce from around the region.

 

We asked the staff to choose our dishes for us, not only because there was so much choice on the menu but we felt weary following our drive and therefore undecisive.  A selection of dishes arrived – the portion sizes are incredibly generous! Everything here is ‘instagram-worthy’ and its food offering leaves you feeling delightfully satisfied.

 

 

The Plough Inn, Cow Brow, Lupton, Cumbria, LA6 1PJ

Call 015395 67700 for reservations.