Nestled on the shoreline of Ullswater, the Lake District's second-largest body of water (technically a 'mere'), Another Place, The Lake offers a compelling blend of Georgian elegance and contemporary adventure. We spent a weekend exploring its offerings, from lakeside relaxation to invigorating cold-water swims.
Arrival and Lakeside Indulgence
Our visit began on a Friday afternoon, peering across the expansive waters of Ullswater before settling into The Glasshouse for a relaxed lunch. Here, we enjoyed a delicious wood-fired pizza priced at £13.50 and a refreshing ginger beer for £3.80. The hotel itself is a striking Georgian building where our room featured high ceilings, exceptionally comfortable beds, and plentiful hot water.
Later, we retreated to the well-stocked library for afternoon tea, sinking into plump sofas with traditional newspapers. A welcome touch is the complimentary coffee and water available here throughout the day.
Fine Dining and Fellside Adventures
Dinner was served in the hotel's Rampsbeck restaurant, which offers stunning food despite overlooking the car park. The highlight was a magnificent 16oz Cumbrian Chateaubriand for two, costing £90, accompanied by excellent sides. Evening entertainment was available at the nearby Brackenrigg Inn from 8.30pm, though we opted for an early night.
Saturday morning was dedicated to adventure with an appointment at the Fellside Sauna. After changing into swimwear and borrowing the hotel's Dryrobes and Crocs, we embarked on a thrilling cycle: sweating in the sauna, dashing down to the wooden pier, plunging into the 14-degree mere, and sprinting back to the heat. We repeated this invigorating ritual for a full hour.
Exploring Pooley Bridge and Hotel Amenities
Later, we embarked on a walk to Pooley Bridge armed with a map. Our leisurely pace and distracted gazing led us charmingly off-route, resulting in a nearly three-hour journey. We refuelled with superb soup, tea, and cake at Verey Books before catching the convenient electric bus back. A crucial note for walkers: do not attempt to walk via the road as there are no kerbs.
All that exertion warranted some downtime, perfectly provided by the hotel's 20-metre heated indoor pool and hot tub, blissfully child-free during our late afternoon visit. The hotel is notably family- and dog-friendly, featuring a Kids' Zone and shepherd huts, and also offers a spa menu. We chose pre-dinner cocktails instead.
A Guided Swim and Fond Farewell
Sunday breakfast back in the Rampsbeck was a delight, featuring scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and flat whites. The room is beautiful, the staff attentive, and the quality exceeded typical rural hotel expectations—unsurprising given they maintain their own vegetable and herb garden.
Our finale was a guided boat trip on Ullswater with resident open-water swim coach Colin Hill (the first UK male to complete an Ice Mile). In wetsuits under bright sunshine, we skimmed across the water towards the southern shore. After a short woodland walk, we entered the cold, clear water, swam, then clambered out to a 12ft ledge to jump off—repeated several times. The experience concluded with a final dive into the stunning mere before the journey home, leaving us thoroughly revitalised.
