‘The fairest place on earth’- those are the words William Wordsworth used to describe Grasmere.

And it’s not difficult to agree with him when you arrive in the idyllic village, which is surrounded by majestic Lakeland fells and named after the adjacent lake.

Few places in England can compete with the outstanding beauty of the Lake District, which is a renowned haven for those who love the great outdoors thanks to its sweeping mountains, large natural lakes and rolling hillsides.

The region is also packed with history and culture including the literary landmarks of Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, both former homes of William Wordsworth.

Grasmere’s association with the Lake Poets makes it a top spot for the millions of tourists every year. And if you’re searching for a place to stay there, Rothay Garden is of the finest luxury and the newest contemporary four-star hotels in Cumbria.

Situated on the edge of Grasmere village, the hotel is surrounded by Lakeland fells, its very own riverside gardens and offers some of the finest dining for miles. Following a major £3 million redevelopment in 2008 and further investment in 2010, the hotel has 30 bedrooms, including five loft suites, six riverside suites and two garden suites.

It also includes a new garden restaurant, which boasts two AA rosettes, lounges and a bar.

The conservatory restaurant at Rothay Garden is only one of a few Grasmere hotels with two rosettes.

It is managed by head chef Andrew Burton, one of only 300 Masterchefs of Great Britain.

We arrived at Rothay Garden with our dog Rosie for a two-night stay in one of the riverside rooms.

It is centrally situated for the Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick area and we made the most of the day saver ticket on the 599 bus which connects all the local tourist hot spots – and Rosie enjoyed her first bus ride.

The Lake District is a long drive from Dorset, but once you’re there the spectacular surroundings make it more than worthwhile. Bowness-on-Windermere, which is situated on the edge of England’s largest lake, has for many years been the region’s most-visited tourist destination, with many of the 12 million annual visitors flocking there each year.

There’s something for everyone on and around the waters and within the town where a wide choice of shops, stores and eating places are all close to the lake. Everywhere is dog friendly in the Lake District and although Rosie wasn’t permitted to be in the lounge or communal areas at the hotel, she soon made herself at home in our riverside room, which opens out onto its own outdoor area.

Relaxing in the hotel spa and sitting in the conservatory restaurant which overlooks the hotel’s own idyllic gardens was a real highlight of our Grasmere stay.

Woodland walks, lakeside strolls and cosy pubs makes a visit to the Lake District a real treat and one of the best places to be in the country. The Lake District offers accommodation of all prices and standards for visitors looking to get out into the great outdoors to those who want to relax in luxury and take in the majestic scenery.

Rothay Garden attracts the same visitors back two or three times each year and if it is fine food, spectacular views and a peaceful, modern and luxury stay you’re looking for then it is the hotel for you.

It is close enough to make the most of everything the region offers but based on the edge of peaceful Grasmere, so you can completely relax and take a break from everyday life.

And if it’s in your price range, the fine dining, spa and location alongside the river makes the stay at Rothay an attraction in itself.

Getaway

Rothay Garden was awarded Bronze for its third place in this year’s VisitEngland “Best Small Hotel” Excellence Award, and offers special short break and holiday packages throughout the year. 

Weekend Breaks are from £224 per person for two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast, and include late checkout and complimentary Sunday lunch.  

All guests are able to use the exclusive Riverside Spa. 

The hotel also runs special Food & Wine, Christmas and New Year Break packages.  

Telephone 01539 435334 or visit rothaygarden.com for more information.