Whether you’re visiting the Lake District for the incredible scenery or the fantastic food, Holbeck Ghyll combines the two in a way no other luxury Lake District hotel can. Enjoying a stunning position overlooking Windermere and the Langdale Fells, it was the former hunting lodge of Lord Lonsdale, ‘The Yellow Earl’ and first president of the AA. The arts and crafts interior features stained glass, carved wooden panelling and inglenook fireplaces but Holbeck Ghyll’s Michelin-starred fine dining rooms form the focal-point of most visits to the country house hotel. Pre-dinner drinks and canapés can be enjoyed in one of two comfortable sitting rooms, before entering the elegant oak-panelled dining room with its incredible lake view for the ultimate fine dining experience. Recognised as one of the best restaurants in the North, it is proud to have retained its Michelin star for 12 consecutive years and recently achieved 41st place in Britain’s Top 100 Restaurants, published by The Sunday Times. Head chef David McLaughlin presents seasonal British classics in a smart and sophisticated style with a French influence. Expect starters such as Roast Quail with Creamed Baby Leeks, Black Pudding Tortellini and Rillette of Rabbit with Crostini and Truffle Cream Vinaigrette. Mains offer Roast Loin of Venison with Pumpkin Purée, Braised Red Cabbage and Herb Gnocchi or Fillet of Aberdeen Angus Beef with Horseradish Gnocchi and Puy Lentils Roast, Desserts are complex with mille feuille of rhubarb, oat and vanilla and nougat glace with passion fruit sorbet and mango parcels. Holbeck Ghyll was also the only restaurant in the North West to have been shortlisted for Imbibe’s Louis Roederer Wine List of the Year award 2011 and was awarded a Notable wine list award from the AA for 2011 – 2012. This luxury Lake District getaway is more like a beautiful private home than a hotel, with no two richly-appointed rooms quite the same. As well as 14 beautiful rooms and suites in the main house, there are a further six exquisite rooms in The Lodge, two luxury cottages and the fabulous Miss Potter suite where Hollywood star Renée Zellweger lived during filming of the movie about Beatrix Potter’s life.