Brackenrigg Inn, Penrith

Go to the Brackenrigg Inn (Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LP) - a great place for a short break.

Ullswater is fairly central in the Lake District. Penrith, a market town, is nearby. Very local attractractions include, of course, Lake Ullswater (with its yachts and pleasure boats), Aira Force (a spectacular waterfall), National Trust properties, and of course, ..... the rest of the lake district.

Two of you can stay (en-suite), very comfortable and clean accomodation for around £250 for 3 nights, half board. Good in-room stuff (filter coffee, etc). Rooms have TVs. Beds are comfy.

The tariff includes a comprehensive breakfast menu (full english, through smoked salmon and eggs, to porage). Evening meal menus are incredible - three courses of excellent food (with vast choices, starters ranging from soup to mussels to pate to vegetarian feta salad; main courses - seafood, duck, lamb, pork, steaks - all with the most scrumptious sauces; desserts - mousses, meringues, brulees, fresh fruit). With the half-board tarrif, the evening meal is included in the price! Otherwise a 3 course meal is around £18, five courses £21. The portions are huge!

All the food is excellent, service is beyond reproach, the staff are friendly and accomodating.

The inn overlooks Ullswater. There is outside seating (the road in front is not busy, in my experience).

Ideally situated for exploring the Lake District, too, but the big bonus (apart from the quality of the catering) is the friendliness!