We stayed at… THE BELSFIELD
You wouldn’t be mistaken in thinking that you could do with more than a weekend to experience the Lake District – a !er all, at 912 square miles, it is the UK’s largest national park, as well as its busiest, attracting some 19.17 million visitors per year. However, you can get a good injection of much of what the Lakes has to offer in 48 hours, and Bowness
on-Windermere is an excellent base for a $ying visit. Situated on the east coast of Lake Windermere, you are an easy walk away from stunning vistas, a short drive from historic sights and heavenly antiques shops and, of course, the water is right at your feet.
DAY ONE: ON LAND & WATER
Arrive in the morning, and get your bearings with a stroll into town. The centre thrives in the summer, so if you want to make the most of your 48 hours, it’s wise to visit in the low season, when you won’t be slowed down by crowds or queues. Take in the glorious sight of St Martin’s Church, a historic house of prayer that dates back to the 15th century, but which owes much of its present aesthetic to a 19th- century renovation. The magni %cent stained glass of the East Window was restored at this time, and it remains one of the church’s % nest treasures.
As well as the usual souvenir shops, Bowness and the neighbouring town of Windermere offer myriad galleries and interiors boutiques – Cook House Gallery (cookhousegallery.co.uk) and
Capella Interiors (capellahomeandgi.com) are just two such highlights. At the water’s edge, hop on a ferry
for a tour of the lake – there are several options to choose from, but the 90-minute Bowness-to-Lakeside cruise runs year round (weather permitting), and offers beautiful views around the south of the water (windermere-lakecruises.co.uk). Alternatively, head to Windermere
Jey, a new museum opening this spring (windermerejey.org). It promises a fascinating take on the story of the lake, focusing on its historic boats. Anyone with an interest in sailing and boating will be eager to
Laura Ashley’s second foray into the world of luxury hotels (the first is The Manor in Elstree), The Belsfield sits in a prime position beside Lake Windermere. The grand Italianate hotel, which dates back to 1845, has recently been updated by the Laura Ashley design team so, when I visited in November last year, I was looking forward to superbly stylish rooms, as well as stunning views across the water. And I was not disappointed. The finish of the rooms is softly indulgent – statement wallpapers in gentle hues, glamorous mirrors and chandeliers, and elegant furniture, which coordinates with, rather than matches, the luxurious bedding. This is all adeptly pulled together to complement the original architecture while, importantly, not distracting from the room’s most memorable feature: its uninterrupted view of the lake.
Both the hotel’s casual brasserie and the impressive dining room were a delight. The menus quite rightly celebrate the local Cumbrian produce and I was particularly taken with the fine dining menu – all five courses (including an amuse-bouche and a palate cleanser) were exquisite. Breakfast was fresh and enticing – both the continental and cooked options were delicious and set us up for a day’s sightseeing. Double rooms from £169 in low-season; from £189 in high. Breakfast is included. 01539 442448; lauraashleyhotels.com