Ardanaiseig, Argyll
On the aptly named Loch Awe, Ardanaiseig has an opulent, baronial feel without any of the stuffiness that can sometimes characterise older-style hotels. This is a place for books in front of the fire, croquet on the lawn and late-night whiskies in the scarlet-walled bar, before retiring to one of the 16 seductive rooms. The hotel has its own boats, which can be used for fishing or simply pottering between the ancient ruins and islets that dot the loch. Cycling, horse-riding and clay-pigeon shooting can all be arranged.
• Doubles from £155 room-only, ardanaiseig.com
The Plough Inn, Peak District
A charming 16th-century inn on the banks of the River Derwent, the Plough makes an ideal base for exploring Edale and Hope valley, both a few minutes’ drive away. There are seven simple but comfortable rooms and two wooden-framed self-catering shepherd’s huts in the garden. Dining is hearty – fresh sardines, roasted pork belly, with vegan options, too – and there’s plenty of outdoor seating.
• Doubles from £130 B&B, theploughinn-hathersage.co.uk
The Swan at Streatley, Berkshire
The tranquil riverfront gardens and immaculate lawns at the Swan give little hint of its colourful past. In the 70s, the house was home to cabaret star Danny La Rue. Thankfully, the decor is cool rather than kitsch, with polished wood floors and muted fabrics that leave the natural colours of the gardens to shine. There’s a relaxed feel to proceedings – the Coppa Club restaurant operates on both a dine-in and takeaway basis, where guests can order pizzas or burgers and take them anywhere in the grounds to eat.
• Doubles from £130 B&B, theswanatstreatley.com
Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa, Lake District
Few hotels can beat the Lodore Falls’ spectacular location, right on the tranquil shores of Derwentwater, framed by lush woodland clinging to a dramatic peak. A recent revamp saw the addition of Mizu, a Pan-Asian restaurant, and the sleek Falls Spa. Hire a boat, canoe or kayak and strike out across the water, or simply laze by the hotel’s glorious outdoor pool and take in the views.
• Doubles from £243 B&B, lakedistricthotels.net
Storrs Hall, Lake District
With 30 rooms and six lakeside suites, Storrs is less of a family hotel than many of the larger places to stay on Windermere. With the lake just three minutes’ walk through the pristine gardens, this is a place for indulgent afternoon teas overlooking the water, romantic strolls along the waterfront and gentle excursions to nearby Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. Dinners are hearty plates of locally sourced meat and fish, with pre-dinner drinks taken at the ornate Victorian bar, transplanted from Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
• Two-night breaks from £480 B&B, storrshall.com
Bingham Riverhouse, Surrey
Two crumbling Georgian townhouses have been converted into this chic urban retreat, which is part hotel, part private members’ club. Each of the 15 rooms are different, but all have copper bath tubs and organic mattresses, with River Rooms offering wonderful views of the Thames. Outside, there’s a flower-filled garden for sunset drinks, while Steven Edwards serves up weekly tasting menus in the light, airy dining room. Guests have free entry to Bhuti, an eco spa two minutes’ walk away (treatments are payable).
• Doubles from £137 room-only, binghamriverhouse.com
Gliffaes, Crickhowell, Powys
The Usk flows through the grounds of Gliffaes, a 19th-century country house that piles on the charm without descending into chintz. Walkers, cyclists and fishers will find much to love – the hotel owns a stretch of the river – with 33 acres of grounds to explore next to the Brecon Beacons national park. The 23 rooms ooze classic style, many with glorious views across the river, while the elegant terrace restaurant serves the hotel’s signature afternoon tea. The pretty town of Crickhowell, with its bookshops and gastropubs, is five minutes’ drive.
• Doubles from £212 B&B, gliffaeshotel.com
The Lodge, Loch Lomond
For space and peace, this chic lodge is right on Loch Lomond. Most rooms have loch views, as does the Colquhoun’s restaurant – so close to the water you feel as if you’re floating. Cruise on the loch, or try standup paddleboarding or wakeboarding. The conservation village of Luss, with sandstone and slate cottages draped in roses, is a short drive away.
• Doubles from £179 B&B, loch-lomond.co.uk
Hotel Wroxham, Norfolk Broads
The Wroxham is one of the best options for exploring the Broads’ bucolic landscapes. Rooms are sleek and comfortable and the waterfront terrace is perfect for breakfast or evening cocktails as the sun sets over the River Bure. Norwich is just 15 minutes’ drive away, as is the Norfolk coast.
• Doubles from £135 B&B, hotelwroxham.co.uk
De Vere Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire
A great choice for families, the De Vere is surrounded by 152 individual lakes that make up the Cotswold Water Park. There are kayaks and canoes, wakeboarding and waterskiing and the hotel has a top-notch spa with a hydro pool. With three eateries on site, including the family friendly Muddy Duck cafe, and walks from the door, this is a car-free option. Cirencester station is an easy 10-minute taxi ride.
• Doubles from £129 B&B, devere.co.uk
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