Langdale Chase Hotel

Built in the 1890s (the first house in Windermere to have electricity no less!), step into the entrance hall of Langdale Chase and you're immediately ensconced in carved oak panelling, minstrels' galleries and heraldic stained glass climbing a curving staircase. The restoration added a touch of 1920s glamour over the Victorian skeleton and there's plenty of squashy armchairs and log fires to be found in cosy nooks as well as a stylish bar serving up equally as stylish cocktails and a menu of light bites. The dining room is the main event, however, and floor-to-ceiling views complement the ever-changing menu of the finest Scottish produce.

Of the 30 bedrooms, all but two look out over the wild and wonderful lake, and seven are full suites. Each is its own creature, but expect plenty of tartans, soothing colours and thoughtful florals. Italian marble bathrooms come with walk-in drench showers and some rooms even have a copper bath tub on a private balcony. A favourite is the Langdale Pikes Suite with its curtain-draped octagonal turret and fell views, or the Lakehouse Garden Room that comes with its own private slice of the grounds. The binoculars left out in all rooms for spotting birdlife are a lovely touch.

Start on the water: the hotel's own Albatros, a 1928 wooden motor launch, runs lake cruises from the jetty, and the two private piers are your launchpad for kayaking, paddle-boarding or a even a bracing wild swim. On dry land, the boot room hands out fell guides for the Wainwrights, or try your hand at clay shooting, archery and axe throwing on a nearby estate. Head Gardener Claire's tour of the Mawson garden is also fantastic - and then duck in for afternoon tea or a quick movie in the in-house cinema when the rain comes.