The Lake District is famous for the breathtaking views, inspiration for the Romantic poets, great fresh, local cuisine, enjoying the open water and walks – and all this can be discovered and enjoyed from one of the area’s most famous independent boutique hotels, The Daffodil Hotel & Spa.
Driving through the summer rain storm from the A66 to Grasmere, we couldn’t believe our luck with the clouds parted, blue sky appeared and sunshine welcome us to our lakeside destination.
Best views in the Lakes
Stepping into reception the calmness and warm welcome from the team sets the tone for our two days at The Daffodil. And stepping into our junior suite with duel aspect view of Lake Grasmere which the sunlight reflecting of the ripples is stunning. (Yes, I know technically only Bassenthwaite is a lake and the others are a mere or water).
The larger than King sized bed and lounge area chairs each give a different perspective on the picture postcard view which is the same vista William and his sister Dorothy Wordsworth would have enjoyed. Whatever the weather, this room would provide the luxury and comfort to enjoy the ever changing views over the lake and drama of the fells above.
Walk around Grasmere Lake – discover Faeryland
We had taken a walk around the lake when we arrived, starting from Grasmere village less than five minutes walk from the hotel carpark. With a stop off for a cup of tea at Faeryland – where an artisan tea blender has the finest collection of teas you could ever imagine, with a lakeside view of his rowing boats and Romany caravan, we continued the hour long walk. As you head down to the lakeside from the road, you get a superb view of our hotel, which nestles into the countryside. There are numerous ideal places to stop and take a wild swim along the shoreline.
Spa with thermal pool
The spa provided the perfect place to relax after our walk. Stepping into the swimming thermal pool with several different jets and bubbles was revitalising. The jets targeted those tense muscle in the shoulders and back, and revived then leg muscles. And then there was the sauna and steam room to enjoy as well.
We had time to enjoy the golden hour of light, sat in our wicker chairs with sunshade hoods, looking out over the gardens to the Lake and fells beyond with our ginger beers. The Lakeside Terrance provides a peaceful oasis to take in the true, natural beauty of the Lakes.
Contemporary dining
After changing for dinner we were treated to the very best of local produce and fine dining in The Dining Room with a superb, unspoilt view of Grasmere lake from our winder. This contemporary style dinning room, with an amazing collection of famous people for the world of entertainment, taken from the National Portrait Gallery is the perfect choice of artwork. Throughout the hotel the choice of graphics and images on the walls complements the ambience and feel of this hotel.
For my starter I went for the Goat’s Cheese and Daffodil Honey Bon Bon, which has a tantalising crispness, then was light and tangy on the tongue. This was served with heritage tomato, balsamic, black olives and basil.
I love lamb, and with so many great lamb producers in the Lake District is always my meat of choice. The Roast English Lamb Loin with confit belly, dauphinoise, aubergine, purple spouting broccoli and lamb jus was the Lake District on a plate. The crispy crackling of the confit full of the rich flavour of the lamb, and potatoes rich in butter.
To complete this perfect dinner I enjoyed the Strawberry Semifreddo with balsamic strawberries, almond shortbread and coconut meringue. The softness and rich strawberry flavour of the frozen dessert was a celebration of this classic English soft fruit. The perfect way to end meal.
A stroll around the gardens after dinner, taking in the grander of the fells and sounds of nature at night set us up for the perfect nights sleep, waking to glorious sunshine the following day.
Breakfast included Full English, and continental choices, again with perfect views of the Lake. What a way to start the day.
Where Wordsworth lived in the Lake District
The Daffodil is opposite the world famous Wordsworth Grasmere: Dove Cottage where he lived with his sister and the Wordsworth Museum. The life of the Lakeland poet is captured here, and you can see the original manuscripts with notes from both William and Dorothy – including the composition of his poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. We visiting Wordsworth Grasmere on a previous visit, and recommend it. Read more about our visit here.
On this trip we had planned to visit the house where William and his wife Mary, daughter Dora and his sister Dorothy. It was also home to Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, a co-founder of The National Trust, who now own the building and woodland gardens. Unfortunately, Allen Banks isn’t open on Mondays and Fridays, so we weren’t able to visit this time, however we did walk up to the house and take in the views that inspired many poets. It is well worth the walk up, and we will be returning soon to visit the house and gardens.
There is plenty to enjoy in Grasmere, and we took the stepping stone walk through Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden, each of the 3,000 plus stones engraved with the names and locations of each donor who became a Friend of Grasmere and helped fund the tree lined garden that leads to the gravestones in the little church, where William, Dorothy, and their family lie.
Where to find Cumbrian produce & artisans
The garden is near the equally world famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop that seems to have a perpetual queue of people eager to buy the freshly made gingerbread form the original house where Sarah Nelson invented the sweet treat.
There are many little independent shops and cafes as well as chain store outdoor shops in Grasmere, and Sam Read bookshop, established in 1887 is a great place to explore something new to read. Also the former garden centre in the village is now a celebration of Cumbria products and producers. Grasmere Gather brings together some of the finest artisan products, carefully curated to celebrate craftsmanship. The aroma of the local candles and soaps to the great herwick rugs, bags and clothing. From photography and prints, to watercolours, preserves to handcrafted furniture, this is a beautiful place to see what Cumbria and also the UK has to offer.
The food of Cumbria is also celebrated in the Thirteen Valleys Kitchen which is part of Grasmere Gather, where we enjoyed a fine coffee, sat int he sunshine, taking in the views.
Best afternoon teas in the Lake District
We returned to the Daffodil for something I have heard so much about and was so excited to be invited to enjoy – their afternoon tea, The Daffodil is famous for it’s afternoon teas, and we were not disappointed.
I was grateful to the waitress, who told us at the start, if we couldn’t eat everything in one siting they could box up our remaining cakes to take home. This way we didn’t over eat, but savoured every delicious flavour (and had plenty to take home).
The selection of teas as well as coffees was the first decision to make. The Mood-o-Meter helps you select the tea to match your mood. I went for the Teapigs peppermint leaves. Then the main even arrived looking splendid on the three tier platter.
On the top tier the savouries were mouth fulls of divine flavour explosions. Starting with the Beetroot, smoked salmon and cream cheese eclair, we moved onto the Serrano ham, buffalo mozzarella, pesto, sun blushed tomato focaccia, a taste of Italy. The Panko fried prawn, avocado salsa and crispy filo was a snap of the east while the red pepper and tomato gazpacho with basil oil divine. The sweetness of the red pepper and freshness of the basil a perfect combination.
The second tier took over our sweet taste buds. Raspberry, Chocolate and Pistachio Tartlet with a crisp case. The Coconut and Rose Pannacotta with the perfect wobble, was served with rose petal jelly and coconut and rose shortbread. The Carrot and Apple with its perfect glazed dome had the snap of the biscuit base with carrot cake and apple compote cheesecake cream – yum. The Tiramisu with Mascarpone custard, Chantilly cream and sponge soaked in Kahlua and espresso another full bodied taste of Italy.
The final tier ended the extravaganza with Buttermilk Plan and Fruit scones, Raspberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream.
After this delicious meal we had to take to the wicker loungers to recline into the relaxing gardens and take in the sun and scenery again. No need for dinner after that afternoon delight.
Where to discover the Lake District
We had thought about catching the Lakeside 599 open topped bus to take the views from Grasmere to Bowness and Windermere, taking in Braithwaite Fold, Blockhole, Ambleside and Rydal that picks up regularly from the village. For just £2 you can go on this route with Stagecoach. However, we found plenty to enjoy, taking our time, walking around Grasmere, the Lake and enjoying the facilities of the Daffodil Hotel and Spa and the easy, walks around. Once you arrive at The Daffodil you can leave your car keys behind.
Grasmere is the ideal location to explore what the Lake District has to offer, and The Daffodil Hotel and Spa the perfect place to stay. We were fortunate to be invited to stay at the Daffodil, and we will return to this unique place on the Lake. Next time we’ll bring our paddle board and sail out from the gardens, enjoy some wild swimming in Grasmere and find time to enjoy relaxing in the lounge. We can’t wait to return.
To check out my daughter’s experience of a weekend at The Daffodil Hotel & Spa visit PostcardsfromKatie
Thanks you to the Daffodil Hotel and Spa for the perfect weekend away.
This was a gifted stay in return for an honest review.
