Seeking a restorative escape that blends luxury with the raw beauty of the English landscape? A weekend at Another Place, The Lake on the shores of Ullswater offers just that, combining Georgian elegance with adventurous outdoor pursuits.
Arrival and Lakeside Indulgence
The experience begins on the shoreline of Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the Lake District. The initial view across the water is followed by a relaxed lunch in The Glasshouse, where a classic pizza costs £13.50 and ginger beer is £3.80. The accommodation in the main Georgian building features high ceilings, comfortable beds, and plentiful hot water. Guests can unwind in the library with complimentary tea, coffee, and water, enjoying newspapers on plump sofas.
Dinner is served in the hotel's Rampsbeck restaurant. While the view overlooks the car park, the culinary standard is exceptionally high. A highlight is the Cumbrian Chateaubriand, 16oz for two people at £90, served with sides. Evening entertainment is optional, with live music available at the nearby Brackenrigg Inn from 8.30pm.
Adventure and Exploration
Saturday morning brings an invigorating appointment with the Fellside Sauna. The ritual involves warming in the sauna before sprinting to the wooden pier, plunging into the 14-degree waters of the mere, and dashing back to the heat. This cycle repeats for an hour, leaving participants feeling thoroughly revitalised.
Later, a walk to Pooley Bridge becomes a scenic three-hour detour, sustained by delicious soup, tea, and cake at Verey Books. The return journey is wisely made via the local electric bus, as the roadside walk lacks safe kerbs. The afternoon's exertions are perfectly offset by downtime in the hotel's 20-metre heated indoor pool and hot tub, which is blissfully child-free at that hour, though the hotel is notably family and dog-friendly.
A Fitting Finale on the Water
Sunday begins with an excellent breakfast in the Rampsbeck, featuring scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and flat whites, all served in a beautiful room by attentive staff. The culinary standard is bolstered by the hotel's own vegetable and herb garden.
The weekend culminates with a guided boat trip on Ullswater with resident expert Colin Hill, a renowned open-water swim coach and the first UK male to complete an Ice Mile. After skimming across the sunlit water, guests take a short woodland walk before entering the cold, clear lake. The session includes swimming and the adrenaline rush of clambering up and jumping off a 12-foot ledge several times, ending with a final dive into the stunning scenery before the journey home.
This weekend break successfully marries comfort and adventure, offering a unique way to experience the timeless beauty of the Lake District.
