Set in 20 private acres of country garden, moor and woodland, Gilpin Hotel sits high above Bowness on the road to Crook, almost opposite Windermere Golf Club with the separate Lake House just a mile away. The Cunliffe family first arrived at this Lakeland country house in 1917 and in 1987 turned it into a hotel, now run by two generations of the family. The three-AA-rosetted restaurant is run by Head Chef Phil Cubin and the menus emphasise fresh seasonal produce, sourced from within the National Park where possible. Lunch and dinner are served in four intimate dining rooms, each with its own character and style. Canapes are served in the stylish bar where guests are invited to browse the walk-in wine cellars, and tables are reserved for the entire meal time – there is no rush. In the evenings, diners have a choice between the three-course Grill Menu and the five-course Table D’Hote Menu. Read more in Gilipin Life’s Food & Wine section.

Gilpin is a small, family owned and run hotel that strives to be the best, with a friendly, personal touch. The family and team are very proud to have been voted Best Small Hotel 2010 in the national tourism awards held by Visit England, and AA English Hotel of the Year 2011-2012. The interiors are stylish, comfortable and warm, with a touch of home; the sumptuous bedrooms are individually designed and furnished – the garden suites even have private gardens and cedarwood hot tubs. 2010 saw the addition of the Lake House. With six stunning suites, it is set on a beautiful four-acre private lake with boat-house and boat, with in-room spa treatments, traditional sauna and indoor swimming pool leading onto the lakeshore, and outdoor cedarwood hot tub – all exclusively for the enjoyment of Lake House guests. The 100 acres of private gardens and woodland include a summerhouse, kitchen gardens, druids circle, lake walk and other walks leading to panoramic views of the Lake District mountain ranges. You can enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea from the fire-lit lounge and conservatory whilst watching wild ducks and geese frolicking on the lake, and when you are ready for dinner, a chauffeur is on hand to take you to the restaurant in the main hotel.