If you're in search of fantastic views over Lake Windermere, the Terrace Restaurant at The Ryebeck in Bowness delivers in style. Originally built in 1904 as a private residence, this Arts and Crafts-style country house hotel and restaurant sits in its own beautifully maintained gardens that slope down to the lake shore. The restaurant is now open for lunch and dinner every day with a new head chef at the reins, Chris Lee who has joined the team from The Belfry in Warwickshire. As well as light bites and sharing plates, there are plenty of tempting a la carte options including starters such as Muncaster Crab with damson gin-cured tuna, avocado and apple, mains like Cumbrian venison loin with braised red cabbage, mash and parsnip and to finish the Lyth Valley damson soufflé with white chocolate sauce. Afternoon tea is also quite the event at The Ryebeck with sandwiches, cakes, scones and a large selection of teas and is served daily from 2.30pm until 4pm. The Ryebeck has a variety of rooms, all of which have been recently refurbished, and is also a popular wedding venue with five acres of grounds with plenty of opportunity for stunning photographs.