2 Best Hotels in Borrowdale, The Lake District

Though this stately, carefully restored home retains original elements from its days as a grand Victorian country pile, its welcoming owners have invested in handsome local furniture and stripped away some of the chintz, opening up inspiring views across the pristine lawns to the valley and the central Lakeland peaks beyond. Rooms have ornate beds, plenty of luxurious fabrics, patterned wallpaper, and stunning views. Communal areas are relaxed and welcoming and the whole place exudes a warm hospitality, exemplified by handmade complimentary truffles and sherry on arrival. Dinners in the restaurant focus on local ingredients prepared with modern British flair.

In the tranquil hamlet of Stonethwaite, the welcoming Langstrath was originally built as a miner's cottage in the 16th century but has expanded into a spacious inn with chunky wooden tables and logs burning on a slate open fire. A perfect base for walkers, it has spacious, unfussy rooms (some with wood beams) with stunning views out to the surrounding countryside and hills. There are modern touches, too, like Wi-Fi connections and music docking stations. Traditional pub food in the bar downstairs is sourced locally, and the menu includes British favorites such as slow roast shoulder of lamb, homemade steak-and-ale pie, and Cumberland sausage with whole-grain mustard mash. There are Cumbrian beers, a choice of wines by the glass, and a good selection of whisky.