Wordsworth purchased this comfortable house, built in 1730 to overlook Rydal Water, for his son, Willie, whose family lived here until the 1930s. Pristine public areas and bedrooms are decorated with prints and traditional pieces such as the grandfather clock at the bottom of the stairs. The current hosts, the Dixons, lavish attention on guests, but the highlight of a stay is the renowned restaurant (£££££). The menu changes daily, but the five courses of contemporary English cuisine always include a soup, local meat and fish, and a choice of British cheeses.
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