Escape to The Lakes with Another Place
/We set off early; a light breakfast, girls excited with their bags packed ready for the journey. We watched as the motorway changed from shades of grey to greens and browns. Voluptuous hills hugged us from either side and we spotted sheep by the dozen; we breathed deeper and felt ourselves relax. Finally the winding roads, lined with copper bushes give way to the first glimpses of the Lake; Ullswater, a ribbon lake, much more rugged and wild than its more quaint neighbour Windermere. The girls pointed and gasped as they saw peeks of the silver grey water from their car seats.
The crunch of gravel under the car marked that we had arrived. We slowed and stared at the view of the lake as we pulled into a parking space.
The hotel is a mix of old and new; the front is so pretty with its shades of grey stone. As we have stayed at Another Place’s sister hotel Watergate Bay, we knew that there was going to be everything we could possibly need as a family. We had a thoughtful little itinerary booked for us so we could have a little taste of what was on offer.
The room we stayed in was gorgeous! The huge bed, the details and of course the windows that let us drink in the view of the mountains and lake. It really was breathtaking every morning to see and watch the light change.
All of us delighted in the jar we found in the fridge, filled with shiny wrapped Tunnocks tea cakes. They’re also dotted around the hotel. A perfect little pick me up as you come and go.
I do feel that the children’s room needs a little lift; maybe warmer toned bedding or some fun artwork on the walls? I think that someone like Wolf Noodle would be wonderful! And a few cushions too.
But honestly, I love that the hotel has kept it’s original building and added onto it. It makes it feel like a home from home. You can wander around and have a great choice of where, what and when to eat. They have a kids’ tea time where they lay out a little buffet so you can get them to bed or to the kids zone, whilst the grown ups get a right fancy dinner to eat in peace!
Our dinner date night was amazing! The food was delicious and beautifully presented. I love that the menu is concise and not overwhelming. Everything was so well thought out and I appreciated that me and Chris got to make each other laugh and shoot the breeze.
Afterwards, we walked up the little hill to collect our babes whilst it rained lightly. I honestly could go on and on about how amazing I thought kids zone is! The people who worked there were exceptional, not just in their knowledge and passion in what they did at the kids zone but their warmth and understanding.
As we were there at the end of November, the girls had the staff and place to themselves (pretty much). They kept begging to go back! So that is always the most reassuring and encouraging of reviews. It was a safe haven for them. And I honestly felt so inspired by the way they had set it up in there and all the beautiful toys! Wooden, earthy and thoughtful.
Unfortunately the rain meant we couldn’t paddle board like we’d hoped but we managed a few trips to that dreamy pool. And yes, that view from the pool, is every bit is as glorious, if not more, in real life as it is in all the pictures you’ll see of it. It’s so peaceful if you make it in non kiddy pool times too. I can imagine how wonderful it must be to watch the seasons change through those windows.
We were also gifted tickets on the Ullswater Steamer, which was for sure a highlight! If it had been a little less cold and Zora had been feeling better we would have done the walk to Aira Force and hopped on and off a little more. But even the little return trip we did was stunning.
I can’t really put into words how completely awestruck we all were watching the mountains and hills whoosh past us. The colours!!! Uff! I don’t think there could be a better season to see the lake in honesty. I can imagine how poets and painters have been inspired by this beautiful lake. (One of my Instagram friends in fact has painted the scenes around this majestic lake, Victoria is her fine name! )
To get cosy and warm we popped into the National Trust cafe which is across the road from where you need to head down towards the jetty. The car park is also there if you’re driving around. We sadly didn’t spot any red squirrels but I could imagine them up to mischief amongst the beautiful copper of the trees.
After our trip, going back to the hotel and our room felt like going to a home from home. It’s a mark of an amazing hotel in my opinion, to feel both luxurious and homely. To feel safe and comfortable and not out of place.
The last luxury was a lush spa treatment in their spa. I have to be honest here, in both Watergate Bay and Another Place, their spa areas aren’t at the same level as other similar hotels who offer spa treatments. I wouldn’t say I’m a spa connoisseur but I have been lucky enough to spa in some amazing and fully immersive spas (I should write a post about that soon!).
I just feel that whereas with the level of attention to detail and ambience in the rest of the hotel is wonderful and thoughtful, it is somewhat missing in the treatment area. Don’t get me wrong, my actual massage was lush! But, the music wasn’t massage/chill music and I could hear other hotel guests chatting loudly in the spa waiting area. The lighting is too bright and I think some simple changes would give it the vibe of, you’re here for total relaxation and time for you, leave the world behind when you step in. Would I suggest you skip the spa? No, I don’t think I would. It is of course more spa treatment based than a full spa experience in any case but I do feel that they need to up the spa vibes a few notches. They need to embrace that pool view ambience and channel it into creating that sense of calm and peace.
Oh my gosh! I’m at the end and I’ve not even talked about the breakfasts! Well they’re faultless ! So delicious and making your own waffles was still a complete joy!!! I mean, seriously such fun but loved the variety too. Delicious smoked salmon, eggs, plenty of veggie options, cheeses and fruit! The works!
We checked out but were allowed to stay to mooch around the hotel. The girls pleaded with us to spend more time at the kids zone, so me and Chris got some bonus solo time over a little lunch whilst they played happily.
You know, even the small criticisms I’ve detailed above, don’t tarnish our stay at the least because overall, it’s a stunning, homely, comforting, thoughtful and beautiful place to stay. Whether you’re a family, with friends or even on your own. There is something to do to take you out your comfort zone should you wish or just truly be very much nestled in your comfort. The warm fire places, board games and comfiest sofas to welcome you; food and drink to nourish you and oh my heart, the views! It will undoubtedly be a stay we will always remember and use as a measure for other stays as a family.
This was a gifted stay but as always thoughts are honest and all my own.
