2 Best Hotels in Keswick, The Lake District

Slightly austere on the outside but charming within, this Victorian hotel overlooks the lawns of Hope Park and has accommodations with great character, including rooms in the turret and the former chapel. The balconies of the common areas have superb valley views, and some rooms look out to Derwentwater or Skiddaw. The well-regarded restaurant (open to nonguests) has a regularly updated menu of dishes such as locally smoked breast of duck, haunch of venison, and Cumbrian fillet steak. Check out the fine wine list and 25 whiskies in the bar.

In a town that overflows with B&Bs, this comfortable townhouse stands out because of its contemporary flair and pampering touches. The six pristinely redesigned and refurbished apartments have cherry, elm, oak, or slate floors, natural carpets using local wool, and bespoke wooden furniture by local craftsman Danny Frost. The beds are top-notch, with pocket-sprung mattresses and goose-down pillows and duvets. A fabulous room at the top of the house has views of the mountains from the bath. Breakfasts might include housemade porridge (great preparation for a day on the fells), eggs Benedict, or a full Cumbrian fry-up.