THE LAKE DISTRICT - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 625

Overwater Hall Built in the late 18th century, this is a Georgian man-
sion with a castellated roof added by the Victorians. All the bedrooms, though stan-
dard in size, are extremely ritzy, having been furnished with top-quality antiques.
Surprisingly, this hotel permits dogs, but the hotel is so immaculate that you wouldn't
know it. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the drawing room, and an exquisite set
dinner in the restaurant each evening.
Overwater, Ireby (2 miles north of Bassenthwaite Lake), Cumbria CA5 1HH. www.overwaterhall.co.uk.
& 01768/776566. Fax [phone] units. £170-£230 double. 2-night minimum stay Sat-Sun.
Rates include English breakfast and dinner. MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; lounge;
room service. In room: TV, hair dryer.
MODERATE
The Pheasant A former 17th-century coaching inn near the northwestern tip
of Bassenthwaite Lake, this inn evokes old-fashioned English coziness. Fireplaces
warm a moderately eccentric bar area, a fusion of antique and old-fashioned furni-
ture, and individually decorated country-style bedrooms with windows overlooking
forest and parkland. Two bedrooms offer sitting areas. The restaurant serves a fine
daily menu, which can include turbot, mackerel, and sea bass.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9YE. www.the-pheasant.co.uk. & 01768/776234.
Fax [phone] units. Mon-Fri £150-£166 double; £194 suite. Rates include breakfast. MC, V. Free
parking. Located midway between Keswick and Cockermouth, signposted from the A66. Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; room service. In room: TV (on request), hair dryer.
Skiddaw Hotel This hotel lies behind an impressive facade and entrance mar-
quee built right onto the sidewalk in Keswick's market square. The owners have
refurbished the interior, retaining the best features. Bedrooms are compact and eye-
catching, with seven units large enough for families. The upgraded Summit rooms
offer extras such as bathrobes and mineral water. Guests may use the pools and spa
at Lodore Falls Hotel (see above), a 10-minute drive away, and golf at Keswick Golf
Club during the week.
Main St., Market Sq., Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5BN. www.lakedistricthotels.net/skiddawhotel.
& 01768/772071. Fax [phone] units. £154-£198 double. Rates include English breakfast. MC,
V. 2-night minimum stay Sat-Sun. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; golf, pool, and spa nearby; room service;
sauna, limited free on-site parking and free parking permits in adjacent public parking lot. In room: TV,
hair dryer.
INEXPENSIVE
Edwardene Hotel This 1885 gray-slate house stands in a residential area, about
a 3-minute walk from the town center. The three-story gabled house is well main-
tained with tasteful, comfortable accommodations. These rooms take their names
from the Lakeland landscape—Myrtle, Bramble, Heather, Poppy, and so on. Atten-
tion to detail is paid by the hospitable owners, and guests assemble on chilly nights
in the lounge by the fireplace. Cumberland sausages and free-range eggs are featured
at breakfast.
26 Southey St., Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4EF. www.edwardenehotel.com. & 01768/773586. Fax
01768/773824. 11 units. £86-£88 double; £124 family room. Rates include breakfast. MC, V. Free on-
street parking. In room: TV, hair dryer.
Side Trips
Northwest of Keswick on the A591, Bassenthwaite is one of the most beautiful of
Lakeland villages. It nestles on the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake, the northernmost

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