Romantic Hotels in The Lake District

I have to give Miller Howe Hotel & Restaurant my unreserved award for the most romantic hotel in the English Lake District.  Miller Howe, ‘howe’ meaning hill or mound, sits high above Windermere in the heart of the English Lakes, with absolutely panoramic views of the lake beyond its’ beautiful, secluded gardens which wind down gently towards the lake, with little seating areas along the way where you can stop and take in the view, have a kiss or have your champagne on ice, already there for you, maybe it will be the moment you have waited for all your life…

These stunningly perfect views dominate Miller Howe with its’ blessed location.  Views that can be enjoyed from all public rooms, the outdoor garden terrace and 6 of the 15 bedrooms have their own ‘juliette’ balcony with just enough space for 2 chairs and a small table to sit and have your early morning tea or coffee, which you don’t have to make yourself!  This is one of the few hotels I have come across anywhere in this country that still serves a full breakfast in your room so that you can be private and leisurely if you so want.

I first stayed in this hotel in 2006 on my own for a break away from my demanding hospitality job – it was my treat to myself along with my westie dog, Dougie who they were more than happy to accommodate (just ask them first if you wish to take your dog). When my morning coffee arrived at the time I had asked it to, a friendly, professional French waiter asked to give Dougs his early morning walk, which so delighted me and later in the evening the receptionist took Dougs into her office whilst I enjoyed a 6 course dinner! The staff and management are superb, providing friendly, unobtrusive, first-class service that really does exceed your expectations and anticipate your needs.

The food is to die for, described as “fresh imaginative food prepared with quality, locally sourced ingredients” – a true description which the Raymond Blanc trained Head Chef and his team delivers expertly, and consistently. The airy, modern restaurant is west facing so gorgeous sunset views in the evening - they have even arranged the restaurant tables in a way so that everyone can enjoy these stunning views. On weekends there is a pianist in the restaurant, further enhancing the romantic atmosphere. The menus consist of several small well-balanced courses, with unusual twists such as pre-desserts and local cheeses served at the end on a slate board. We sampled home-made apple bread along with our starter – apples are a key feature in Cumbrian cooking. Holker venison and Herdwick lamb regularly feature as main courses. Vegetarians are catered for with flair and special diets can be accommodated by prior arrangement. The wine-list offers from both the new and old worlds. Dinner to non-residents is normally £40 pp, but the hotel often offers Sun-Fri £50 for 2 which is an absolute steal – if you aren’t staying here I would highly recommend you take advantage of this or go for lunch or afternoon tea.

Miller Howe is open all year round, has working log fires to keep you cosy in winter and a conservatory with stunning views to catch the winter sun. The bedrooms are all decorated individually with really nice touches, like John Tovey (famous lake district chef and original owner of Miller Howe Hotel) cookery books to browse through as well as Cumbria Life magazines which will inspire you with ideas of where you’d like to go on your break.

If you want to get down to the lakeside, there’s a walk through woodland paths adjacent to the hotel where you can also hire canoes and you can order a picnic lunch from the hotel, if you want to take it easy and lunch outside in the fresh air.

Miller Howe is a luxury hotel, however by Lake District standards it is in the mid price range for its’ category and in my opinion represents good value for money. Watch out for special offers such as the 2 night midweek cruise break which is fully inclusive of dinner each night, breakfast and a Lake cruise trip on the day of your choice, £120 pp per night. My booking advice to get the best to deal is to go direct to the hotel by phone, as many of their own special offers such as the cruise break will not be available elsewhere. Being a small hotel, independently owned, they will I am sure from my hospitality experience in the industry be keen to avoid high commission charges to operators and give you their best price. Also when organising a romantic break, often people want to make special arrangements such as flowers, champagne or chocolates in the room upon arrival or maybe make special individual requests which are best done directly with the helpful staff at Miller Howe, rather than through a third party. The best of Windermere hotels in the Lake District, without any doubt!

My favourite way of spending a day out with my loved one would be a boat on the lake - whether you take one of the many frequent departures on the larger boats on either Windermere or nearby Ullswater or hire a small motor boat yourself and take a picnic. You can get off at other lake towns if you go on the likes of an Ullswater steamer, have a walk round the town and return at your leisure.

The other day out I can thoroughly recommend is a lovely drive to Holker Hall Estate and Gardens, near Grange-over-sands. Explore the stately home, go on one of the many themed seasonal guided walks they offer through the gardens with a sunken garden grotto, browse in their own foodhall which stocks food produced on the 17, 000 acre estate - cheeses, Holker saltmarsh lamb and Holker venison to name a few local delicacies and lunch in the Courtyard Cafe or picnic in the grounds. In the summer Holker Hall has a programme of open-air theatre productions which are such enjoyable casual events - booking essential.

The second recommendation I'm making to you is also located in Windermere, The Windermere Suites.  They are all suite luxury accommodation with full breakfast served in the privacy of your private suite and room service available for exquisite snacks.  These 8 exclusive suites are really something else - cutting edge designer furniture, sparkling modern crystal light fittings, chic, stylish, hip, extremely sexy and "somewhere to sooth your soul" !! Your own well-equipped, uber spacious, private retreat, complete with private terrace.  Suites priced from £180 per night inclusive of full breakfast, it works out similar in price to Miller Howe, with both venues offering different benefits.  There are numerous dining out options locally if you're staying in one of these fabulous suites, Miller Howe would be top of my list for dinner and if I was lucky enough to stay more than one night, I would be inclined to dine at the Hideaway Hotel in Windermere which has recently attained an AA Rosette for their stylish food.

The Windermere Suites are awaiting my full review - watch this page!

• Read independent reviews on Budget Hotels in The Lake District and learn how to get up to 45% discount on luxury hotels
  

a dog training DVD course by a professional dog trainer makes it easy for you to learn how to train your dog with simple straightforward ways

Harnesses for dogs are the new safer way of taking your dog walkies!