Cedar Manor

Readers are effusive in their praise for this ‘truly outstanding’ hotel, in a Victorian villa close to Windermere, with luxurious bedrooms, thoughtful comforts and ‘first-class service’. Much of Cedar Manor’s success is down to the welcoming owners, Jonathan and Caroline Kaye, ‘who go out of their way to make you feel at home’. The ‘quiet and peaceful’ location, ‘a short walk to Orrest Head and not too far from Windermere train station’, helps too. ‘Tastefully decorated’ bedrooms have a contemporary country-house style with Herdwick wool carpets, bespoke wood furniture and spoiling touches: bathrobes, fresh milk and chocolates, plus REN products in the ultra-modern bathrooms, some with spa bath; only one is shower only. One reader loved their ‘view to the lakeland fells’. ‘There is fantastic attention to detail.’ ‘Afternoon tea is a must’, with home-made scones and cakes, while simple supper platters offer local produce. Alternatively, it’s an easy walk to the nearby eateries the Kayes recommend. ‘Delicious’ breakfasts have ‘many options’, including smoked haddock, Cumbrian grill and vegetarian alternative. (Lorraine Cedar, Barrie Gill, and many others)