There are some hotels designed for ultimate laziness, where you can unapologetically embrace the art of doing nothing. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed. But with gorgeous cragged surroundings and Ullswater Lake on the doorstep, it would, quite frankly, be a waste to come to Another Place and spend your time indoors and immobile. That’s where this hotel excels — it leaves you no excuse not to get out into the open.
Though there’s still a level of understated luxury, it’s fair to say that muddy boots and knotty windswept hair are fully encouraged here. In the hotel lobby you’ll find a blackboard decorated with a handwritten weather forecast and the nearest hiking routes, plus a collection of wellies available to borrow. At the Sheep Shed lakeside cabin, there are wetsuits free to use whenever you fancy a wild dip (from the hotel’s private jetty), kayaks and paddle boards available to hire and a schedule of expert-led water activities (we explored the lake via paddle board, led by a cheery and encouraging local instructor).
In spite of this emphasis on the outdoors, Another Place hasn’t skimped on indoor comfort. There are 40 rooms in the main Georgian house and adjacent contemporary wing, as well as six shepherd huts, which are a stone's throw from the central building, offering an extra level of privacy and a more glamping-esque experience. Ours consisted of a double bed, a copper bath, a compact living room, a stargazing roof and a little patch of land complete with fairy lights and a fire pit perfect for toasting marshmallows.
For food, there are four eateries to choose from – you’ve got Ramsbeck for fine dining, the Living Space for something more casual, the Glasshouse for wood-fired pizza and the Brackenrigg Inn a short stroll down the road for pub grub.
If, after all that, you’re in need of something slightly more laid-back, book into the hotel’s spa or take a dip in its glass-surrounded pool and outdoor Scandi-style hot tub, which both look out onto the spectacular Ullswater vistas.
Nearby
If you want a bit more civilisation, drop by the nearest town of Penrith. There you’ll find Chestnut House, a small grocery store that stocks over 400 different gins, 150-year-old deli J&J Graham and Devonshire Arcade for all your shopping desires. For an extra dose of adrenaline during winter months, there’s the Lake District Ski Club, for a leisurely cruise down the lake, you’ve got the Ullswater Steamer and to be transported back to Cumbria’s industrial past, make sure to check out the ethereal Cathedral Caves.
Time Out tip
Need a short respite from the little ones? Another Place has an Ofsted-approved Kids’ Zone offering plenty of ways to keep them entertained for a couple hours. Besides its collection of games, books and movies, it organises discos, interactive science workshops, sports days and hot chocolates around the campfire.