From the moment we arrived at our luxurious four-star hideaway in the heart of the Lake District it felt homely.
The Lakeside Hotel & Spa, nestling at the water’s edge on the southern tip of Lake Windermere, is the perfect place for a mini-break and one of a few secluded hotels just a stone’s throw from England’s largest natural lake.
After a trouble-free drive north on the M6 we arrived at the hotel in Newby Bridge and were taken aback by the breath-taking views of the lake and fells that filled the skyline.
The quiet lakeside setting means visitors can avoid the bustling towns of Ambleside and Bowness at the northern end of this ten mile long lake.
The hotel, originally a 17th century coaching inn, has been extended sympathetically over the years to feature the only Aveda destination spa in England, complete with 17m swimming pool and Brasserie to become Cumbria Tourism’s Lake District 2012 Hotel of the Year.

At reception we were greeted by a friendly porter who collected our bags and parked our car in the car park just yards from the hotel and were given a tour of the facilities.
Our room provided uninterrupted views of the lake which was just a step away from the terrace and exotic gardens, from which guests are invited to take plant cuttings.

Our classic country house styled room was inviting, comfortable and cosy. Staff had left added touches from bone-china tea cups to fluffy robes and a sunken Jacuzzi bath in an Italian marble bathroom, complete with yellow rubber duck to remind you that each morning at 11am guests can
help staff feed the wild ducks on the lawn.
In the room we found plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits and an ample supply of towels. The hotel also offers free wi-fi for the duration of your stay.
After unpacking we explored the hotel and its tranquil grounds. We discovered the hotel is steeped in history as it was used as a staging post and resting place for travellers working in the thriving cotton trade of Lancashire and Yorkshire in the 1900s when guests stayed en-route to local businesses such as the bobbin mills in the area. The 75-room hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment but retains a warm welcoming atmosphere of the charming coaching inn which boasts oak-panelled lounges and a crackling log fire.

The Lakeview Restaurant, which offers fine dining, blends perfectly with the modern style of John Ruskin’s Brasserie and pub where you can enjoy a quick and simple meal. If you simply want to indulge in a divine
traditional cream tea at £28 for two or a feast of cakes and pastries (£38 for two) then head to the conservatory or terrace which provide spectacular views and an array of swans and ducks on the lawn.
For that special touch there is the king of afternoon teas featuring sandwiches, chilled gazpacho and cakes (£45 for two) with the option of half a bottle of champagne.
After tea we took a short walk to find a gift shop, cafe and coffee shop and the pick up point for the Windemere Lake Cruises. It is also home to the Lakeside to Haverthwaite Railway terminus and the Aquarium of the Lakes which are both ideal for families.
Back at the hotel it was time to don a fluffy robe and indulge in the spa and with an hour-long pedicure and foot massage whilst my partner went for a swim, sauna and Jacuzzi.
As the sun began to set we took our seats in the two AA rosette Lakeview Restaurant for a sumptuous dinner.
The dining room has a traditional but cosy feel with tables spaciously arranged to give diners privacy.
Our waiters were helpful when choosing a bottle of 2008 Shiraz at £31 from the hotel’s extensive wine cellar which holds over 200 bottles from around the world. The menu, of classic Cumbrian dishes using
local produce, is impressive and featured a mouthwatering starter of english asparagus with hollandaise sauce presented in a small copper pot and main course Cumbrian Galloway sirloin steak, cooked to perfection and served with confit tomato, field mushrooms and hand cut chips. Each mouthful underlined our decision that this visit would not be our last. This was a dining experience we won’t forget in a hurry.
The dessert menu was filled with a delicious selection of poached pear and wild strawberry and chocolate mocha parfait.
After dinner we took our Kir Royals to the conservatory to admire the moonlit lake as the resident pianist played into the night.
After a tranquil sleep and a full English breakfast, which is served until 11am, we boarded one of four steam driven cruise boats, complete
with a bar, at Lakeside jetty for a 45-minute ride to the holiday town of Bowness whose attractions include the World of Beatrix Potter.
Windermere Cruises can be traced back to Victorian times when they carried more than 1.24 million visitors each year across the lake and captured the hearts of former residents – William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and Arthur Ransome author of children’s book Swallows and Amazons.
As the steamer gently glided across the water we were treated to some of the most amazing scenery in this part of the world.
We hopped off at Bowness for lunch in the holiday town and a stroll around its many quaint shops and galleries before continuing our trip to Ambleside where we enjoyed afternoon tea at renowned food lover’s paradise ‘Lucy’s’.
After a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing day we decided to dine at the more relaxed Ruskin’s Brasserie and enjoyed a simple but pleasant cod and chips and sirloin steak in a bright and contemporary restaurant.
On our last morning we were given the task of feeding the dozens of mallards and swans who gather on the lawn for bread.
With so many attractions on offer from hillwalking to the Lakeland Motor Museum, Lakeland Miniature Village, Hawkshead and the option to ride the hotel’s two electric bicycles, we were spoilt for choice and have already made plans to return for a longer visit.

From the moment we arrived to the minute we left, our stay was perfect. Nothing was too much trouble and we left feeling refreshed.

THE Swiss city of Lausanne is one of the few in the world to offer skiing in winter and a cocktail under the shade of a palm tree in the summer.
Spread out over a 500-metre height on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Olympic capital is an ideal destination for a city break. Flights to Lausanne take less than two hours from Bristol and 50 minutes by train from Geneva Airport.

The city, which dates back to the fourth century AD, sits against the backdrop of the Alps and at the foot of the largest lake in central Europe.
Our base for three nights was the Hotel Mirabeau – a Best Western Plus, which is a 400-metre walk from the train station and 15 minutes from the water’s edge.
We were greeted by friendly staff and enjoyed a comfortable and spacious suite with panoramic views of the lake from the balcony. Getting around couldn’t be easier using a travel ticket on the metro and trolleybus, with a bus stop directly outside our hotel but it’s a great city to explore on foot.
Our sightseeing took us along the paved streets of the medieval city to the many iconic buildings, art galleries, designer boutiques and restaurants.
Perched high above the rooftops is the 13th century Cathedral of Notre Dame which is the largest and most beautiful gothic church in Switzerland.
Every night the cathedral’s famous night watchman calls out the hour, something he has been doing since 1405.

It is home to a 105-panel rose window and an impressive organ boasting 7,000 pipes.
Nearby we found the former Bishop’s Palace which houses the Lausanne History Museum
and provides an insight into life in and around the city.
Just in front of the cathedral we discovered the picture perfect steps of Escaliers du Marche and the beautiful café ‘Barbare’ which served us a heart-stopping hot chocolate.
One of the city’s trendy restaurants The Brasserie du Grand-Chene at the five star Lausanne Palace and Spa is an ideal place to stop for lunch in between shopping or sightseeing.

With its solid wood staircase and green leather seats that have hosted stars such as Monica Bellucci and The Rolling Stones, you will find the charm of the Parisian brasseries of old. Its popularity is a testament to the quality of food and service.
During our three-night stay we chose to eat at the fashionable Le Nomade in the trendy district of The Flon where the cost of the meal was above average but the presentation was impressive.
The Flon boasts avant-garde architecture and is a hot-spot for Swiss nightlife. We also dined at the restaurant in our hotel, which is praised by the locals, and sampled exceptional Swiss and French fine dining in its artdeco inspired restaurant.

On our last night we visited Café du Grutli. The rustic restaurant lies within one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating to 1849. It is run by husband and wife Heike and Willi Prutsch, who pride themselves on their warm welcome and excellent service and didn’t
disappoint. We enjoyed the traditional dish papet vaudois’ (leek vegetables with sausage) but cheese lovers might want to order its renowned fondue made with Swiss Le Gruyere cheese.

If you are searching for a glass of the city’s regional wine and traditional Swiss dishes then visit the oldest bistro in Lausanne ‘Pinte Besson’ on the
Rue de l’Ale which dates back to 1780.
It’s impossible not to visit a chocolatier while in a country famous for its chocolate. Master chocolatier Dan Durig, of Durig Chocolatier, gave us a masterclass in the art of chocolate-making, which needs to be booked in advance, during which we had a go at making our own chocolate figurines.

Just a short walk towards the lake and you will arrive at the impressive Olympic Museum in the former fishing port of Ouchy. The state-of-the art museum is the only one of its kind in the world, spans more than 2,200 years and contains 87,000 items. Set over three floors, visitors
are can explore huge audiovisual demonstrations of iconic Olympic images and interactive exhibits for both young and old and is truly inspiring. Its current exhibition ‘The Olympic Games: Behind the Screen: an exploration of the world of Olympic broadcasting’ runs at the museum until January
26, 2016. Lausanne is also home to the Unesco world heritage site –
the Lavaux Vineyard which is made up of 10,000 terraces. The Lavaux Express (a Dotto road train) runs up past the terraces of vines to give you breathtaking views of the lake and mountains opposite. Tours run during the high season.

If you are planning a trip to Lausanne’s popular Christmas Market in December you will be able to experience the magical Festival Lausanne Lumieres which brings the city to light using light sculptures and projections such as glowing public benches, clouds and animals on walls and rooftops, alongside the traditional Christmas decorations.

For more information visit
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch