Macdonald Leeming House in Watermillock, England

The Regency Restaurant holds an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence and serves modern British cuisine with local ingredients. Guests can also choose the conservatory and terrace for informal lunches and dinners, or order from the special diet menus and wine list. The hotel has received a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence, reflecting the quality of its food service.

The hotel sits on 22 acres of grounds that include a croquet lawn and a private fishing license for guests on the river. A private helipad is available on site, and the gardens lead directly to the shores of Ullswater for outdoor recreation. Guests can also use the drawing room, library, and sitting rooms with log fires in winter.

The 40 en-suite bedrooms are decorated in a traditional style, each with a flat-screen TV and seating area. Some rooms include balconies that offer panoramic views of Ullswater Lake and the Cumbrian Fells. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, and Elemis toiletries are provided in the bathrooms.

The hotel is dog-friendly and allows dogs in designated areas, including the bar and lounge for meals. Dogs are charged £20 per night, and the grounds offer ample walking areas with direct access to the lake for swimming. Staff provide treats for dogs at reception and remember pet names during the stay.

The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the M6 motorway and 7.5 miles from Penrith. Nearby attractions include Aira Force waterfall (3 miles), Lowther Castle, and Glenridding Village. A regular bus service passes the hotel entrance, and the Ullswater Way walking route is easily accessible from the grounds.

Dining: AA Rosette-awarded Regency Restaurant

Grounds: 22 acres with croquet lawn and private fishing

Location: Ullswater lakeside with direct shore access

Rooms: 40 rooms, some with lake-view balconies

Amenities: Private helipad

Pet-friendly: Dog-friendly with designated walking areas