The first of its kind, Another Place The Lake, at Ullswater is a hotel where children can be seen and heard, as Emma Mayoh discovered
When the Rampsbeck Hotel in Ullswater closed its doors it signalled a changing of the guard. Much like its rival over the water – The Sharrow Bay – this 18th century hotel long represented a traditional glamour and elegance. With two AA Rosettes, a 4 red-star status and a Lancashire Life Food & Drink Award for Lake District Hotel of the Year – along with some of the best views in the area – it was a place that had carved out a great reputation. Now it has gone through a fundamental and, no doubt, expensive change. It is now called ‘Another Place, The Lake’ and, while there are a few reminders of its former days, this is now a modern Scandi-style hotel. Another Place is a very different kind of place.
While the exterior of this fine Georgian hotel remains largely unruffled, a peek inside reveals a sympathetic but modern renovation. I don’t think anyone would disagree it’s a bit of a playground for wealthy families – suites and family rooms can cost around £300 a night, although there are seasonal deals to be had on their website.
And there’s paddle boarding, canoeing, sailing and archery as well as the opportunity for wild swimming enthusiasts to indulge their hobby just a few steps away. Children will never be bored with activities that include games, arts and crafts and campfire cooking. There’s also an Ofsted registered ‘Kids Zone’ and, once you’re done with the outdoor pursuits, the inside offers luxurious surroundings, many enjoying spectacular lakeside and Lakeland fell views.
Another Place is the brainchild of Will Ashworth. It is his second hotel, the first was Cornwall’s Watergate Bay, his family’s old-style seaside hotel now transformed into a popular ‘ski resort on a beach’.
Nods to this first business can be seen in the top-of-the-range beauty products, resort-style experience and first class facilities – a canny plan when you consider both the Lake District and Cornwall feature in our top five favourite UK holiday destinations.
There are 20 bedrooms in the main house and we stayed in one which was in a prime position for those wonderful views and interiors that still had echoes of the Rampsbeck.
In two new wings there are a further 20 bedrooms that have brilliant family suites, some dog-friendly.
In between, you’ll find a fabulous 65ft indoor pool, spa and gym proving that Another Place isn’t just for adrenaline junkies and outdoorsy types. It was here I enjoyed a Drench facial, a particular treat. And if you do want to be outdoors without the strenuous activity, I recommend a particularly comfortable hammock just a few strides from the front door.
There is no denying the Watergate Bay formula has transferred well - throughout our two night stay it was buzzing with guests of all ages. On the Saturday evening, large family groups piled into the main restaurant, bringing great atmosphere. On a weekend night it was refreshing to see that young children were not banished from the restaurant.
The food comprises well-executed Lakeland and Lancashire fare such as Herdwick lamb, Cumberland sausage and Morecambe Bay shrimps and there’s a menu that will appeal to most children of all ages.
Family holidays don’t have to be spent shivering in a tent on a wet weekend. Will and his team have seen to that. What Another Place offers is a luxury experience but one where you won’t get derisory looks or hostile comments if you have a snotty two year old being seen AND most definitely heard. u
Emma Mayoh was a guest of Another Place, The Lake, Watermillock, Ullswater, near Penrith, CA11 0LP. 017684 86442. another.place
