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This delightful Hotel, overlooked by majestic fells in the Vale of Grasmere, makes a wonderful base to enjoy a holiday in the English Lake District in Cumbria. The hotel is run under the personal supervision of Chris Carss, the Managing Director.

Chris brings his considerable experience of around thirty years in the hospitality industry and Lake District hotels to bear in the day to day management and on-going development programme of the Rothay Garden Hotel and Restaurant.

Dinner is taken in their elegant candlelit conservatory, in a magnificent position to admire the splendour of their expansive gardens, whilst enjoying their renowned five course menu, created by Master Chef Andrew Burton and his brigade of six, who take full advantage of the abundant local produce. The meal includes: an amuse bouche, a starter, a complimentary sorbet, the main course, a sweet or cheese and coffee with petit fours.

'The loveliest spot that man hath ever found' is how William Wordsworth described Grasmere Village. After visiting the scenic spots around the Lake District, it's only natural to look forward to a good lunch or a sumptuous dinner, and the Signature Restaurant does its bit to cater to the needs of the hungry diner. Located within the Wordsworth Hotel and Spa in the heart of the pretty Grasmere Village, the restaurant has the distinction of being awarded two AA Rosettes for fine food.

Carpaccio of local venison served with pickled carrots and duo of mayonnaise tops the à la carte menu, whilst grilled fillet of black bream and pan-fried bacon chop at lunch time add a local touch. The table d'hôte is a welcome addition for those who'd like to do away with the routine of deciding on what to eat, and diners might notice an Italian influence in the dessert section with a goat's cheese pannacotta.

The wine list is global and covers over 250 varieties from countries as diverse as Chile and Lebanon to the traditional Chablis area.

Picturesquely located at the north end of Rydal Water, this house, formerly owned by William Wordsworth, offers undying proof of the wisdom of the old adage, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Little changes here, except perhaps the five-course menu, fixed until you reach the puds, which includes as a delightful afterthought, a cheese board with some genuine local contributions mingling with the rest. Prices are reasonable to the point of disbelief. A wine list of well above average interest with house wine at £10.95 and about ten or so by the glass completes the picture.