Smith tip
Take a boxset of that TV series you always wanted to watch, or a handful of see-before-you-die classic movies – this is as close to having your own private cinema as you get.
Gossel Ridding
Lake District, United Kingdom[view map]
Best picnics
It’s tempting to pack up a picnic to enjoy right here on Gossel Ridding’s own grounds, as you’d be hard pushed to find a better view of the lake, and near impossible to team an alfresco meal with a more unspoilt setting. The region produces a wonderful array of gourmand goodies, from Cumberland sausages to Grasmere gingerbread. Visit the farm shop on the A593 in Coniston, west of Windermere, or order fleece-lined recyclable hampers online (+44 (0)1539 441433; www.heritagemeats.co.uk). Booths is a small chain of delis specialising in delicious Cumbrian produce; there is an outlet in Windermere.Best walks
Walk to the bottom of the garden and open the back gate and this takes you to a road that in five minutes leads you to Windermere’s town centre, and in another ten minutes you can get to the lake itself. Or you can walk up the track ahead for about half a mile until you get to Post Knott for a fantastic view of Lake Windermere. Turn from the lake and you’ll see a small fell, which is perfect if you want to do a longer walk for an hour and a half; you’ll be rewarded with an incredible eyeful of Bowness and Windermere.Shopping
There are souvenirs to be had beyond Beatrix Potter tea towels and Kendal mint cake – make sure you visit Cartmel Village shop for their legendary sticky toffee pudding to take home: www.stickytoffeepudding.co.uk.Activities
There’s plenty to do in the Lakes besides walking, swimming and enjoying the views. There are the obvious attractions of Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth’s houses – Dove Cottage, the Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery (01539 435544) is located on the A591 – much more creativity-nurturing than the very commercialised Beatrix Potter equivalent in Windermere itself). Blackwell is another beautifully preserved Arts and Crafts house/museum on the side of Lake Windermere, which is worth a visit. Or get touristy at the Steamboat Museum (01539 445565), which organises daily outings on Lake Windermere. In addition Gossel Ridding's concierge service can help you organise horse riding, golf, off-road driving, quad biking, cookery courses, cycle hire, hot-air ballooning from the lawn, a lazy day being well fed on a boat on the lake, or book a massage or spa treatment to be enjoyed at the house itself. Hire a local jazz pianist for the evening – this one’s played with Jools Holland.
Restaurants
The Drunken Duck
01539 436347A terrific place for a legendary breakfast (8.30am–10.30am) or Modern English pub lunch after a hearty walk around Tarn Hows. Booking is essential.
Barngates, Ambleside, LA22 0NG
L’Enclume
01539 536362The Michelin-starred tasting menu at Simon Rogan’s acclaimed restaurant in the sweet village of Cartmel is well worth the 20-minute drive south.
L’Enclume, Cavendish Street, Cartmel LA11 6PZ
Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel
015394 32375The restaurant here as a Michelin star if you fancy fine dining closer to home.
Holbeck Lane, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1LU
Gilpin Lodge Country House Hotel
015394 88818Award-winning modern food that ticks the seasonal and local boxes.
Crook Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3NE
Dancing
Rogan & Company
01539 535917Simon Rogan’s less avant-garde but no less estimable bistro on the Square in Cartmel.
Cartmel, Cumbria
For a full list of eating and drinking recommendations in Lake District, check out our Lake District restaurant guide
For a full list of recommended activities in Lake District, check out our Lake District destination guide