Hotel of the week

Storrs Hall Lakeside Suites Windermere

WHERE AND WHY: Set just back from the shores of England’s most famous lake, it’s hard to imagine a more stunning location for these luxury suites aimed at couples.

All the facilities of a top-class hotel – one of the 101 Best in the World according to Tatler – are a stroll away in the main building and room service is available.

Each suite features a huge double bed and large walk-in bathroom with a bath and shower. Outside, there’s a stylish cedar Japanese heated tub to unwind in – while brave souls can even take a dip in the lake itself.

It’s perfect for a special occasion.

ON THE MENU: If fine dining is your thing, book a table at the hotel’s Lake Edge restaurant where the menu includes mouthwatering dishes such as roast partridge breasts (£23.95) or slow-cooked pork cheeks with cauliflower puree (£21.95), all beautifully presented.

But we were keen to see the Tower Bar, with its stunning wooden and stained glass bar salvaged many years ago from Blackpool’s most famous landmark. More like a fantastic pub, you can still enjoy wonderful food such as pan-roasted salmon fillet (£18.95), Cumbrian fillet steak (£29.95), or beer-battered fish and chips (£17.95) if you want that seaside feeling.

We took breakfast in the main restaurant from where the view out across the lawns to the lake really sets you up for the day.

I got carried away and went for the magnificent full English on top of a bowl of creamy porridge with fruit compote and nuts… and I didn’t need to eat for the rest of the day.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: You can stroll through the 17 acres of grounds including woods and along the shore – make sure you visit the little folly out on the water. Busy Bowness with its pubs, shops and boat trips is just a 10-minute drive away, or you can head to Coniston, Ambleside or Grasmere.

To burn off the breakfast calories, head up to nearby Gummer’s How from where you can

look down on Windermere far below.

WAKE-UP CALL: Lakeside Suites cost from £595 per night, while a room in the Main House costs from £200, both on a bed and breakfast basis.

There is generally a two-night minimum stay but one night is sometimes available. storrshall.com