The Punch Bowl Inn

This gorgeous inn is hard to beat. You’re in the hills above Windermere in a pretty village encircled by lanes that defeat most tourists. It’s deeply rural with ten-mile views down the valley and a church next door; there’s a bench to drink in the view, bell ringers practise on Friday mornings, the occasional bride glides out in summer. As for the Punch Bowl, it was rescued from neglect, renovated beautifully, and now sparkles, a mix of old and new.

Outside, honeysuckle and roses ramble on stone walls. Inside, rustic elegance runs throughout: Farrow & Ball colours, rugs on wood floors, sofas in front of the wood-burner. Innovative menus in modern British/French style have won many awards and the wine list is plentiful. Bedrooms sport beautiful linen, pretty fabrics and Roberts radios. Excellent bathrooms have double-ended baths, separate showers and white robes.

Wake to hearty breakfasts before you set off on bracing walks.