Rothay Manor

Ambleside, on the north end of Lake Windermere, is the setting for Rothay Manor, a Regency-era country house that’s been tastefully updated for the boutique-hotel era, retaining the period character that makes it distinctive while modernizing its facilities and comforts. Of particular note are its culinary offerings, from its highly regarded afternoon tea service to its restaurants, one a Japanese- and Scandinavian-inspired fine-dining concept and the other a hearty and slightly more casual bistro-style eatery. The diversions, naturally, are focused on the outdoors, and include hands-on mushroom foraging tours and professionally guided walks.