Lake wondermere

The scenery began to change as we left the main motorway – hills and mountains, farmland and greenery in abundance. Making our way around winding roads through small villages all made of traditional slate stone, I felt a million miles from busy, everyday life back in Essex. Bowness-on-Windermere, in South Lakeland, is a quaint village with a social buzz during the day while significantly more tranquil and calm in the evenings. It boasts a mix of shops and restaurants, gourmet pubs and country house hotels offering fine dining – leaving couples plenty to do. We were privileged to be staying in the centre of this popular tourist hotspot at the renowned The Belsfield, a Laura Ashley boutique hotel – perfectly positioned raised on the banks of Lake Windermere.

As soon as you enter reception – a glass-fronted space purposefully designed to offer panoramic views – the lake was enticingly visible. The signature Laura Ashley-style was also instantly alluring; elegant and sophisticated, it's the epitome of country-glamour. The ever-pleasant receptionist directed us to our room, a stunning Lake View Suite; if you choose to stay here a lake-facing room is a must! There was nothing more mesmerising than looking out at the backdrop in the morning, cuppa in hand, as the early morning mist rose off the water. I love opening the door of a hotel room to see what delight awaits, and the suite didn't disappoint, offering three combined rooms: an incorporated lounge, king-size bedroom and a spacious, contemporary bath and shower room. All benefited from far-reaching views of the lake, and beautifully designed in Laura Ashley style; plush fabrics, neutral colour palettes and atmospheric lighting – I was in interior design heaven!

Eager to get on to the lake as soon as possible we dumped our bags – relaxing in the room could wait – and walked a stone's throw to Bowness Bay. Here, we hired a motor boat for two (or up to six people) and set off across the water. It really was a romantic way to explore the area in private – perfect for mini-mooners. The sheer size of Lake Windermere is a sight to see, and it really is breathtaking, tranquil and picture-perfect. After a stroll around the village, taking in the quirky jewellery shops and art galleries we opted for coffee and cream tea not wanting to ruin our planned dinner at the hotel that evening. The Brasserie, is the 'informal dinning' option offering a selection of British classics for starters, mains and desserts. We opted for soup of the day, and ballotine of ham hock; Cartemel Valley duck and chilli sausage, and supreme Cumbrian chicken; and topped it off with two dark chocolate tarts – washed down with a very reserved mocktail. The meal was delicious, the atmosphere felt like a luxurious home-from-home and the service impeccable. We retreated to the hotel bar, which was one of my favourite spots; I just loved the Art Deco-appearance transporting you back in time to a bygone era of sophisticated nights out among the elite of show business.

After a restful night's sleep – no issue of duvet hogging, an on-going debate in our house – we fuelled up at breakfast for our day ahead: a 9 to 5 tour of the Lake District courtesy of Mountain Goat, a tour company offering a number of excursions. This truly was one of the best ways to see as much of the lakes as possible especially if you're short on time. We travelled through The Langdales to Hardknott and Wrynose, experienced a train ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge railway, took in 'Britain's favourite view' at Wastwater and explored the grounds of Muncaster Castle and Gardens – to name but a few highlights of the trip. There was no other way to top this day off but with another delicious meal at the hotel, and luckily for us we were able to indulge in an exquisite five-course sitting, a fusion of Nouvelle Cuisine and traditional British dishes in the AA Rosette awarded Belsfield Restaurant. We were seated in the bay window with unrivalled, spectacular views over Lake Windermere and the fells beyond.

The service, once again, was second to none and the grand atmosphere of the restaurant introduced a luxurious first-class ambience different to the previous evening. The menu choices all sounded divine and we found it hard to choose, however I opted for: an amuse bouche; spiced crab to start; an intermediate of homemade Gin and tonic sorbet; followed by a main of fillet of stone bass, clams, and octopus; finishing with a rather delicious dark chocolate and peanut butter delice – all washed down the hotel's signature cocktail The Belsfield (alcoholic this time!). Our final evening, we took in the tranquil lake as darkness fell and soaked up the atmosphere for the last time – we were sad to be leaving the next day.
Having fallen in love with the serene setting and stunning hotel, I most definitely think I left a little piece of my heart at the lakes.
Check out www.lauraashleyhotels.com
Call to book 015394 42448

Mini-moon musts
- Hire a boat, whether that's a cruise trip, a motor boat or a rowing boat, and explore the wonders of the lake.
- Arrange an organised tour, with a helpful guide you learn loads about the area and it saves you driving up the hair-raising mountainside roads – eek!
- Visit Hilltop, the home of renowned author Beatrix Potter. It's a short journey from Bowness Bay and a sight to behold.
- Visit one of many of the National Trust Parks across the Lake District – perfect for outdoorsy couples.
- One for the guys, the Lakeland Motor Museum makes for a great day out!