By
Andrew Sercombe, UK
Destination
Kendal, Lake District, UK
Categories
Family,
Singles, Over 50's
Length
of Stay 4 Days
When
Travelled 2003
Price
Range From £30
per night
Overall
Review
The Lake District in winter is a UK Best-Kept Secret. Gone are the hoards
of tourists. Instead you have clear frosty mornings, sunny days, showers
carefully timed to send you into the nearest coffee shop for elevenses
, moody clouds and snow-capped hills that have a way of calling to your
deepest emotions. Many places in the Lakes are open all year round, and
the log or coal fires glowing in the grates of most inns reminded us of
by-gone days. Rest is a certainty in January in the Lake District. No
"trying harder" or targets to meet. Just the old-fashioned simplicity
of northern hospitality in an environment that has our family hooked.
Room with a view… and plenty of both.
Stayed
at Beech House Hotel The
Beech House Hotel in Kendal is scrummy. Our executive room was the sort
you dream about, with the most tasteful of bedrooms in rich purple, gold
and blue, overlooking a delightful granite low-walled square of trees
and green grass. Our room had a beautiful modern-tiled bathroom, with
roll-top slipper bath, a basin each for my wife and me, and glass shelves
suspended on fine wires. Halogen lit for mornings, the bathroom was provided
with a plethora of nightlights and a little gas lighter for the ultimate
relaxing evening bathing experience. Ah, romance! Expensive flat-screen
TV and luxurious petite Chesterfield sofa completed the dream. No, the
elegant sashes at the windows and rich chocolate drink, with macaroons,
served in large white porcelain did that. Breakfast? Brilliant. Log fires
and oil-paintings, this month’s magazines and comfy chairs in the
attractive guest lounge, and the outstanding, sensitive hospitality of
Hilary ... Just go there!
Fab
Tips
No euros needed. An early morning drive
up means you avoid the trucks on the M6. We left before dawn and added
another day to our break away. Pack
warm clothes and wellies, and keep them handy in the boot of the car.
Good binoculars will enable you to "climb" the mountains from
the comfort of your car - if you like. Take a good friend and a good book
to share the quieter moments, mull gently and enjoy.
Useful
Website www.beechhouse-kendal.co.uk
©2003
Fabulous Holidays