Six Quirky Cumbrian Breakaways to Book Now
With international travel still a little uncertain, the great British breakaway remains more important than ever
Askham Hall
In brief: A bohemian (yet stately) home-from-home where you can kick off your wellies at the door.
Our highlight: The carefully-curated wine list showcasing grapes of distinct character from across the world to accompany the Michelin-starred food.
Insider guide: This restaurant with rooms was once the family home of the Earls of Lonsdale. It’s laid back and welcoming and has something for everyone. There’s a library with an honesty bar, a small outdoor heated pool and a sauna, or treat yourself to a treatment or two. The garden are open to the public and there’s a large kitchen garden here. Fish on the Eden, explore nearby Lowther Castle or just enjoy the expansive grounds, but whatever you do, be sure to work up an appetite for dinner in the award-wining restaurant.
Askham, near Penrith CA10 2PF
01931 712350
askhamhall.co.uk
The Mortal Man
In brief: A resoundingly English inn and restaurant buried amongst the Lakeland mountains.
Our highlight: The welcoming and cosy bar with its log fire, board games and family-friendly atmosphere.
Insider guide: Aside from ensuite bathrooms and comfortable beds that help give you a wonderful night’s sleep and set you up for a full day of fell walking, the inn’s beer garden offers a different kind of comfort and warmth. Sit here all day chatting if you fancy it – the heavenly mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere aren’t going anywhere.
Troutbeck, Cumbria LA23 1PL
01539433193
themortalman.co.uk
The Yan
In brief: Converted slate-built outbuildings contain bedrooms and an unusual restaurant on a former sheep farm.
Our highlight: The cool bistro’s south-facing terrace.
Insider guide: Family-run, this is a great place to really relax and enjoy the surrounding countryside, and walking guides and useful information booklets are in every room. There’s a drying room, bike storage and dogs are allowed here too. The seven rooms (some sleeping four guests) share the same rustic style – and all have views of the surrounding fells. The Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and more modern dishes – all made from local ingredients.
Broadrayne Farm, Grasmere LA22 9RU
015394 35055
theyan.co.uk
Randy Pike
In brief: A luxurious B&B in a Victorian villa close to Lake Windermere.
Our highlight: The bold interiors which mix vintage and contemporary furnishing, and the indulgent in-room breakfast.
Insider guide: Part private home and part B&B, the four enormous suites here are crammed with custom-made and vintage finds. Fun and flamboyant, they are delightfully different, although each has a sitting area and complimentary bar (there are no public rooms here). Three have access to the garden via arched French doors, whilst the fourth suite is a purpose built chalet tucked away in the garden. Breakfast is served in your room, and it’s one worth waking up to; fine linen, colourful china and cloches to keep everything hot.
2 Randy Pike, Ambleside LA22 0JP
01539 436088
randypike.co.uk
Plato’s
In brief: A five-star restaurant with rooms, and a self-catering loft apartment.
Our highlight: The ‘do-not-disturb’ menu, which means you can enjoy the restaurant’s superb food in the comfort of your room.
Insider guide: With Egyptian cotton bedlinen and Sedbergh Soap Company toiletries, it’s all about the little touches at this stylish outpost in Kirkby Lonsdale. There are eight luxury bedrooms with huge beds, and sumptuous drench showers. The award-winning restaurant is renowned for its great food and atmosphere, and is proud to boast that all the food served is locally sourced within a 50-mile radius of Plato’s.
2 Mill Brow, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2AT
01524 274180
platoskirkbylonsdale.co.uk
Black Bull Sedbergh
In brief: A 17th century coaching inn which has undergone a renaissance over the past few years.
Our highlight: The beer garden with views of the Howgills.
Insider guide: In the middle of the pretty Cumbrian town of Sedbergh, a facelift has left this pub with a clever mix of traditional and contemporary interiors with wooden floors, beamed ceilings and wood-burning stoves. The rooms are also a mix of rustic and clean, uncluttered Scandi style, and the bathrooms sleek with slate floors and white tiling. Back down in the bar and restaurant, the Asian-inspired menu showcases the real talent in the kitchen and keeps guests and locals coming back for more. Dogs are more than welcome here, with the exception of the restaurant.
44 Main Street, Sedbergh LA10 5BL
015396 20264
theblackbullsedbergh.co.uk
