Last month I was very lucky to stay at a really beautiful location in Ullswater in the lake district. Another Place hotel is a stunning hotel with the most amazing accommodation. We stayed in one of their shepherds huts, which was super cosy and very romantic with its amazing stargazing roof panel, so you can lie back in bed and watch the moon and the stars.
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, the Another Place hotel is more than just an accommodation; it's an experience that encapsulates the essence of nature, tranquillity, and outdoor adventure.
Day 1: An Enchanted Beginning and a Dance with the Moonlit Lake
Our journey to Another Place, started on a Monday, filled with the promise of serenity and adventure. The first sight of the hotel, a harmonious blend of Georgian elegance and modern design amidst the lush backdrop of Ullswater, instantly whispered tales of tranquility and rejuvenation. The hotel, nestled within 18 acres of natural splendour, was a gateway to a world where time seemed to stand still, inviting us to embrace the outdoors with open arms.
We arrived in the early evening, so it was dark on arrival. Upon checking into our shepherd hut, we were enveloped in a cozy, rustic ambiance that juxtaposed wonderfully with modern comforts. The hut, a masterpiece by Blackdown Shepherd Hut company, featured a stargazing roof over our bed, a luxurious copper bath and a cosy lounge area with a log burner offering an intimate connection with nature's beauty. The huts are designed so pleasingly, such stunning fabrics, everything you need, good space, plus cool furnishings.
We lit the fire whilst we unpacked. The shepherds huts have an amazing amount of storage space which was very surprising. The beds were very large and extremely comfortable, being a bed snob this pleased me immensely.
After unpacking and taking in our new home for 2 days, we explored the hotel grounds as much as we could in the dark, wandering through the formal gardens and making our way to the lakeshore. The hotel’s beautiful Glasshouse, serving wood-fired pizzas, caught our eye, and we stopped for a warm cup of tea and coffee, savouring the peaceful lake views. We sadly didn't get chance to taste the pizzas but they did smell amazing!
Our first evening's adventure was a moon swim in Ullswater Lake, guided by the expert Colin Hill. Despite the overcast sky hiding the full moon and the chill of the 7°C water, it was absolutely exhilarating. I must admit, the idea of swimming in the dark, cold, open waters of Ullswater filled me with a mix of nervousness and worry. I've always been wary of the cold, and the thought of swimming in such conditions was daunting. But the presence of Colin Hill, renowned for running these stargazing lake swims, quickly put my mind at ease. His efficiency and reassuring demeanour had me suited up in a wetsuit before I could let my apprehensions take over – a clever tactic for those hesitant like myself. Then clad in wetsuits and dry robes for warmth, we ventured down to the lake. We lay out our dry robes and slowly made our way into the icy waters. To my surprise, the water was crystal clear, adding a surreal quality to our night swim. We waded deeper, acclimatising ourselves with each step, until it was time to swim. The initial shock of the cold water seeping through the wetsuit's zip was intense, but it soon gave way to a sense of exhilaration.
The experience was truly amazing. We swam a little way up the lake, pausing occasionally to lie back on our floats, gazing up at the obscured sky, and immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the cold water. With the darkness enveloping us, I felt a profound sense of harmony with nature. It was a moment of peaceful surrender, where time seemed to stand still.
After about 10-15 minutes, we turned around to swim back. Before leaving the water, we all dipped our heads under to be fully submerged, completing our immersive experience.
The entire adventure lasted about 40 minutes, leaving me feeling more alive and rejuvenated than ever. The dry robe provided was a cosy embrace against the cold, a much-appreciated comfort.
I am now hooked and want to do more of them. I felt so alive and healthy after the swim.
The water was so clear and clean. I felt amazing when I got out. My lungs seem to clear themselves like they have never cleared before. I will definitely be doing that again and I really didn’t think I would ever say that.
Before heading back to our hut, We had a quick swim and sauna to heat our bones. The small jacuzzi is outside, which is really nice to sit in the hot water whilst out in the cold air.
The pool has a stunning view of the rolling hills and lake during the daylight hours, a soothing place to relax after a days climbing or even skiing. (yes you can actually ski near here during some months)
Returning to our shepherd hut that evening, I indulged in a deep and steamy bath – a luxurious contrast to the chilly swim. The bath in the hut was exceptional, making me yearn for such a comfort in my own home.
Following some time in our hut, bathing and relaxing, our day concluded with a dinner at Rampsbeck Restaurant, where the culinary expertise of the chefs was on full display.
I savoured a delicious steak starter, followed by a succulent venison main course. However, the highlight of the meal was the dessert – a vegan Eton mess.
As someone who is dairy intolerant, finding such delightful desserts can be a challenge, but this dish, made with vegan cream, cheese, and lemon curd, was a delightful surprise. It was so divine that it lingered in my thoughts long after.
After our sumptuous dinner, we returned to our shepherd hut and spent the remainder of the evening beside the warm, flickering flames of the fire.
Our first day at Another Place was a perfect blend of adventure and romance, a testament to the hotel's ability to provide a serene yet exhilarating experience in the heart of the stunning Lake District.
Day 2: Discovering Tranquility and Culinary Delights
We woke up to the sound of birds singing. Opening our eyes we looked up to see a cold crisp morning due to the awesome star gazing clear roof.
Jon lit the fire to warm us up and put the kettle on. It was so lovely to wake up in such a cosy hut, so nice to sit in our pjs by the fire and look out the window over the lake.
We got dressed and head up to the Rampsbeck restaurant for A very yummy breakfast. We both had a full English with tea and coffee. The service is impeccable. After breakfast we went out on a little adventure around the hotel grounds with our camera and drone in hand.
As a couple who love to take photos and fly drones this location was really lovely to explore.
There is so much to do at the hotel. The hotel team can recommend lots of local walks. The waterfall walk at Aria Force (about a 10mins drive) is really nice. And, they recommend a trip on the Ullswater Steamer which goes the whole length of the lake and past the hotel.
As we were so engrossed in the beauty of the hotel grounds we simply wandered around together, taking photos and having fun.
We loved walking around the lake, through the grounds of the hotel, taking photos and chatting. We even found a swing and 'hung' around that for a little while.
At lunch time we sat in their stunning living space and ordered some food. I had a really nice Cajun battered prawn po boi.
What I love is that all menus have a full allergen listing on, as someone who is dairy and gluten free I found it so easy to order food. Jon had the Grilled four cheese toastie. Both meals were delicious.
After a delightful lunch, we ambled back to our shepherd hut, a haven of warmth and rustic charm. The allure of the wood burner, with its gentle crackle and comforting heat, beckoned us to relax and unwind. There's something inherently soothing about a wood burner; it's not just the warmth it provides, but also the homely feel it evokes, a reminder of simpler, cosier times.
Settling in, we let the tranquility of the hut envelop us, providing a much-needed respite after our morning adventures.
Later, revitalised, we ventured out again, armed with our camera, to capture the essence of Another Place. The hotel and its surroundings were a photographer's dream, with each frame a testament to the hotel's harmony with nature.
We wandered through the grounds, capturing the interplay of light and shadow, the serene vistas of Ullswater, and the quaint charm of the hotel's architecture. These photos, our own crafted memories, would serve as vivid reminders of our time here.
As the afternoon waned, we returned to the indulgence of the Swim Club basking in the serenity of the 20-metre swimming pool and the outdoor hot tub, with stunning views that seemed to stretch into infinity. The spa pool and jacuzzi were sanctuaries of relaxation, the warm water contrasting beautifully with the crisp air. Here, amidst the bubbles and soothing warmth, we found a moment of peace, a chance to reflect on the day's experiences. I also had a massage booked with the therapist which sent me into a world of slumber!
As evening set in, we made our way to the Living Space restaurant, a delightful setting for our culinary journey to continue. The ambiance of the restaurant was a blend of casual elegance and comfort, the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable meal.
My choice for the evening was the Cumbrian beef burger, a masterpiece of flavours with smoked applewood, bone marrow, caramelised onions, peppercorn mayo, slaw, and fries.
Jon opted for the Creedy Carver duck breast bao, an exquisite combination of steamed bao buns, hoi sin, spring onion, cucumber, pickled apple, and sesame tomatoes. Each dish was a celebration of taste and texture, a delightful culmination to our day.
Post-dinner, we lingered in the living space, immersing ourselves in the playful atmosphere.
We engaged in some of the games provided, a light-hearted diversion that sparked laughter and friendly competition. The evening was a blend of relaxation and enjoyment, punctuated by shared drinks and giggles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Retreating to our hut, we were greeted by the inviting glow of the fire. Here, we spent the last part of our evening toasting marshmallows, their sweet, smoky taste a perfect companion to the hot chocolate we sipped. As we nestled close to the fire, the outside world seemed to drift away, leaving only the comfort of the moment.
The night was spent in intimate conversation and relaxation, basking in the warmth of the fire and each other's company.
As we prepared for bed, the full moon cast its gentle glow through the stargazing roof, bathing our hut in a soft, ethereal light. Lying there, under the moon's watchful eye, we drifted into a cosy sleep, the memories of the day weaving into our dreams, promising another day of discovery and serenity at Another Place.
Day 3: A Serene Adieu to Lakeside Bliss
On our final morning at Another Place, we found ourselves unwilling to rush, choosing instead to luxuriate in the moment.
Breakfast at Rampsbeck Restaurant we indulged in another hearty English breakfast setting us up for a busy day ahead.
Post-breakfast, we embarked on a visit to the nearby waterfall, a decision inspired by the hotel's staff who had warmly recommended it. The journey to the waterfall was as enchanting as the destination itself, with the path winding through lush greenery and the sounds of nature accompanying us.
Upon reaching the waterfall, we were greeted by its majestic beauty - a cascade of crystal-clear water tumbling gracefully over rocks, creating a mesmerising melody that spoke of the Lake District's untouched beauty.
It was a serene finale, a moment of peaceful reflection on the natural wonders surrounding us.
Following our Waterfall chasing, our explorations took us to the charming towns of Windermere and Bowness. Here, we strolled through quaint streets lined with local shops and boutiques, each offering a glimpse into the area's culture and heritage. Each towns' vibrant atmosphere, combined with their picturesque settings, added a delightful chapter to our Lake District escapade. We meandered, taking in the sights, the sounds, and the pleasant bustle of local life, collecting memories and experiences that we knew would linger long in our minds.
As we reflected on our time at Another Place, we realised how deeply we had been touched by the harmonious blend of adventure and tranquility that the hotel offered. Its idyllic setting by the lake, coupled with the array of activities and exceptional dining experiences, had woven together the essence of a truly peaceful yet invigorating escape. From the exhilarating moonlit swim to the cosy evenings by the fire, each experience had left an indelible imprint on our hearts. Another Place had not just been a hotel stay; it had been a journey through the heart of the Lake District, a journey that had enriched us with its beauty and serenity.
