First impressions: plush 1916 lakeside house-turned-hotel with spectacular views over landscaped gardens to Windermere and the mountains beyond.

Why it’s special: it has established itself as a haven for the well-heeled. Now run by the former newspaper editor Charles Garside and recently awarded the RAC Gold Ribbon.

Hitting the sack: the 12 opulently furnished en suite bedrooms and three suites (in a cottage in the grounds) are a riot of frills, flounces and furbelows, with heavy brocades, gold cherubs and bed drapes cascading from coronets. Stand in one place too long and they’ll put a tassel on you.

Sampling the fare: food as theatre, with guests summoned from the open-fired lounges to dine at the same time. Exceptional six-course dinners, with an enterprising vegetarian menu and keen attention to detail. Friendly staff offset the formality.

Access all areas: restaurant has disabled access; one ground-floor cottage suite has disabled access and facilities.

Added attractions: binoculars in every room for bird spotters and view fanciers; helipad; no children under eight; the Lake District.

Star quality: Ryan Giggs, Sir Clement Freud, Sue Lawley, many others, discreetly unnamed.

What we think: a shamelessly over-the-top and surprisingly unstuffy way to be cossetted.

Bottom line: dinner, bed and breakfast: £85–£175pp per night.

Need to know: Miller Howe Hotel & Restaurant (015394 42536, www.millerhowe.com ), Rayrigg Road, Windermere, Cumbria.

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