Fodor's Expert Review Howtown Hotel

Near the end of the road on the isolated eastern side of Ullswater, this gloriously quiet family-run hotel is low-key and low-tech. The Ullswater Steamer connects it to the outside world. Cut flowers, antiques, and stuffed deer heads decorate the steadfastly old-fashioned interior, and there are fireplaces and views over the lake from some rooms. The restaurant, open to nonguests, serves hearty Lakeland fare, and good take-out lunches are available as are self-catering cottages. Howtown is 4 miles south of Pooley Bridge.