Another Place, The Lake

If you’re looking for a relaxing minibreak in the UK, I cannot think of a better location than the Lake District. I had heard stories about the allure of its peaceful green stretches and glassine waters, and that of Ullswater-set boutique hotel Another Place, but it’s only when you catch the fast train from Euston and arrive in charming Cumbrian town Penrith (a three-hour journey) that I start to see what all the fuss is about. The hotel is a quick 15-minute taxi ride from the station and on arrival you are instantly transported to, well, another place, indeed. At the time of my visit I was looking for some calm and this stay, which prides itself on creating a tranquil environment, proved to be ideal. There are 40 rooms at various prices, many overlooking Ullswater Lake, which is nine miles long and the star of a dramatic view alongside hills and forest in the background. In an instant, you are at one with nature.

The residence itself has a wonderful laidback feel, with contemporary interiors that enhance the building’s original Georgian design. The staff are incredibly friendly and quick to update you on the day’s activities. We stayed in a Family Room overlooking the lake which had its own balcony – perfect for an afternoon tea. The room decor was simple, with dark-wood furnishings and a four-poster bed. I wasn’t keen on the striking modern artwork exhibited on the walls, but it felt cosy. The bathroom had a freestanding bath tub – always a treat to dive into – but my favourite feature was probably the view. Or the little fridge stuffed with chocolate marshmallows. 

For meals, there are two good options; the Living Space and the Rampsbeck. We ate both dinners in the Living Space as it had a relaxed ambiance and simple gastropub fare. Expect dishes such as battered cod with chips and tartar sauce and homemade fish pie. They also offer an excellent wine list and the staff are knowledgeable about food pairings. The Rampsbeck hosts breakfast every morning and they pull out all the stops. Breakfast is the way to my heart and they completely nail it here, with waffles, Bircher muesli and a decent full English. The chef works hard to source from local producers and the kitchen is at an advantage with ample farms to choose from. The Rampsbeck is also open for dinner with a smarter menu, but I preferred a more laidback feel. There’s a small bar in the Living Space, too, and I recommend ordering one of their signature spritzes with fresh rosemary. We were lucky to have incredible weather on our visit, so a walk around the garden with a sundowner was essential.  

This brings me back to the hotel’s best feature; the garden. The grounds are vast and you can find somewhere to plonk down and get lost in a good book without anyone disturbing you. Staff will lend you a blanket and if you need reading material the beautiful mirrored library has ample choice. One of the reasons the setting feels so peaceful is because guests are spread out over the property. You can spend hours without seeing anyone despite it being fully booked. This is definitely the advantage of being so far away from London – spending time in this setting does wonders for the soul. Ullswater lake is surrounded by 18 acres of gardens and extensive national parkland, so grab a map from reception and hit the trails. I highly recommend walking to a local pub for lunch or an adventure hike through numerous sheep-grazed fields. It is a joy to explore this unspoilt countryside and you don’t have to jump on a plane to appreciate it.

The pièce de résistence has to be the lake itself, which offers kayaking, wild swimming and paddle-boarding. I only found time for a spot of wild swimming, hitting the freezing cold waters before breakfast both mornings. I can’t explain how liberating it was to go for a dip in these breathtaking surroundings and while it’s a shock to the system, your whole body buzzes from the experience. Another Place also has a sleek indoor pool and spoiling spa for some rejuvenating downtime, but it’s range of outdoor activities are what makes it so special. Many hotels may offer a pool and spa but few will have such a beautiful lake and immeasurable feel of peaceful tranquility. I stayed in June but I would go back anytime of the year, even if just to drink hot chocolate by the fire and gaze out over the water. I don’t think that there is ‘another place’ quite like it, and in this stressful busy world we need many more properties like it.