Another Place - Lake District, UK
Lake District Bliss
Arrival & Setting
Let’s set the scene: we arrive at Another Place, The Lake, and the weather couldn’t be better. It’s one of those rare sunny days that makes the Lake District look like it belongs in a tourism advert—sunlight bouncing off the water, greenery everywhere, and not a single hint of rain (a miracle in itself). Pulling into the property, the first thing you notice is the massive car park, which, for anyone who's spent time desperately searching for parking at a crowded resort, is a welcome relief. I mean, who wouldn’t appreciate the ease of parking when you’re traveling with children and half the contents of your home packed into the car?
The setting itself is stunning. Nestled right on the edge of Ullswater, the views are just what you’d hope for from a lakeside retreat. There’s something almost magical about seeing the lake stretching out in front of you, framed by mountains, while the sky is clear and blue. It's the kind of scenery that makes you forget all the hassle it took to get there—until you hear a subtle yet persistent hum of road noise coming from behind the hotel.
Yes, the hotel is close enough to the road that you can hear cars occasionally zipping by, which might put a tiny dent in the “remote escape” vibe they’re going for. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s there, reminding you that you’re not quite as isolated in nature as you might have hoped.
Inside, the staff were polite and welcoming enough, but if you’re expecting them to roll out the red carpet for you, think again. It’s not that they’re rude—they’re perfectly fine—but there’s definitely a lack of enthusiasm. The greeting feels more like a routine transaction than the start of an exciting getaway. Efficient, but without any flair. You’ll get what you need, but don’t expect them to shower you with attention.
2. Kids
Now, if you’re traveling with kids, let me just say: Another Place might as well be called Another World for little ones. Our son’s face lit up like he’d just walked into a theme park—but instead of roller coasters, the attractions were trees, lakes, and swings. The place is designed to let kids explore nature in all its glory, and for a parent who just wants their child to get off the iPad and run around like kids are supposed to, this is pure gold.
One of the big highlights is the wild swimming. If you’re brave enough to let your little ones splash around in the lake, the hotel provides wetsuits so they don’t freeze. And if you’re like me and thinking, “There’s no way I’m letting my child near that lake without some serious supervision,” don’t worry, they’ve got it covered. Watching our son jump in with wide-eyed excitement, it became clear that nature truly is the best form of entertainment. And by the time he got out of the water, exhausted and exhilarated, we knew that bedtime would be blissfully easy.
Then there’s the table tennis, a classic that keeps kids entertained for hours. You’ve never really played table tennis until you’ve tried it with a five-year-old who’s more interested in swinging the paddle wildly than actually hitting the ball. It’s chaos, but it’s the kind of chaos that makes a family holiday feel right.
Beyond that, there are tons of green spaces for kids to run around in. Whether it’s climbing trees, chasing after butterflies, or swinging from the wooden structures scattered around the grounds, they’ll tire themselves out so thoroughly that you’ll be left wondering if the resort has some secret formula for creating well-behaved, exhausted children. And yes, it’s a win-win for parents—peace and quiet by the end of the day is guaranteed. Great for the kids, even better for the parents.
3. Room & Resort
Now, about the rooms. Spacious? Yes. Comfortable? Definitely. But also... a little on the rustic side. Let’s talk about the one thing no one wants to deal with on holiday: spiders. If you’re considering booking the Treehouse, here’s a tip—don’t, if you have any sort of issue with spiders. Our room had more spider webs than I was prepared to handle, and while I understand that this is a rural, nature-centric retreat, there’s no reason to share my room with Charlotte and all her little friends.
That being said, if you can look past the arachnid roommates, the rooms are cozy and comfortable. They blend modern amenities with that rustic charm you’d expect in a countryside escape, and there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around indoors too. Plus, the views of the lake from some of the rooms are downright breathtaking. You can sit on the balcony with a glass of wine, watching the sun set over Ullswater, and for a moment, everything is perfect.
For those planning on spending time in the pool, you’ll be happy to know that there are specific hours designated for families—9 am to 6 pm. It’s enough time to let the kids have their fun without feeling like you’re intruding on anyone’s peaceful swimming session. The fact that there are designated pool hours also means you don’t have to feel guilty when your child decides to cannonball into the water—everyone knows what they’re getting into during family swim time.
One of the standout features is the outdoor gear the hotel provides. Whether it’s wetsuits for lake swimming or wellies for exploring the grounds, they’ve thought of everything. And trust me, in the Lake District, having a pair of wellies on hand is a game changer. You can let your kids splash around in puddles without worrying about them soaking their clothes—and you don’t have to pack half their wardrobe for the trip.
There’s also plenty of green space for kids to run around, as well as swings hanging from trees, which my son instantly declared as “the best thing ever.” It’s simple, it’s old-school, and it’s perfect for kids who are used to being cooped up indoors. Nature is the entertainment here, and it works.
On the other hand, the Shepherds Huts are another option if you’re looking for something a bit different. They offer amazing views of the lake and are adorable, but—and this is a big but—they’re also quite small. It’s a cute, cozy option for a couple, but if you’ve got kids with you, prepare to feel a bit squished after a couple of nights.
4. Food & Service
This is where Another Place starts to lose a few points. Let’s start with the food. On our first morning, we eagerly went down for breakfast, only to be met with cold eggs. Cold eggs! I’m not a culinary expert, but I’m pretty sure breakfast is one of the few meals where eggs should never, ever be served cold. It wasn’t exactly the hearty start to the day we were hoping for.
Then there was the chicken burger I had for dinner on the first night. I can’t quite put my finger on what was wrong with it, but something was definitely off. It wasn’t inedible, but it wasn’t something I’d order again, either. Let’s just say it was strange—not quite what I expected from a place that markets itself as a higher-end resort.
However, not all was lost on the food front. The real winner? The pizza in the Victorian Glasshouse. Now, this was a meal that hit all the right notes. The pizza was delicious—crispy, flavorful, and everything you’d want after a day of running around with the kids. The setting was casual and relaxed, which was exactly what we needed after a busy day. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind without worrying about what your kids are up to. If there’s one meal you don’t want to miss, it’s the pizza night at the Glasshouse.
Now, let’s talk service. The staff were all perfectly friendly—no complaints there. But if you’re expecting five-star service, you might be left a little disappointed. There’s a relaxed, casual vibe here, which is nice for a family retreat, but it also means that service can sometimes feel a little too laid-back. There were a few times when we had to wait longer than expected for drinks or food, and while it wasn’t a deal-breaker, it did feel like the kind of service you’d expect from a much more relaxed venue. If you’re used to being pampered by hotel staff who remember your name, your room number, and your drink order from the first day, Another Place might not be the place for you.
“ “The loveliest spot that man hath found.””
5. Conclusion
So, would I recommend Another Place, The Lake? If you’re looking for a family-friendly, nature-focused getaway, then yes, absolutely. The setting is stunning, the kids will have a blast running around outdoors, and there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Just don’t expect luxury. The rooms, while comfortable, come with a few quirks (namely spiders), and the food is hit-and-miss. But if you can get past that, the views and the natural beauty make it worth the stay.
Would I rush back? Probably not. While the setting and outdoor activities were great, the lackluster food and service left a bit to be desired. It’s a great place for a family holiday, especially if your priority is to tire out the kids and enjoy some fresh air. But for a truly luxurious, stress-free retreat, there are other options that might hit the mark a little better.
If you’re after spectacular views and a location where the kids can be entertained from morning until night, then Another Place will tick a lot of boxes. You’ll love watching your children explore nature, and you’ll probably even get a few moments of peace and quiet, which—let’s be honest—is the dream for any parent on holiday. Just keep your expectations in check when it comes to the food and service, and you’ll have a great time.
It’s one of those places where the right weather makes all the difference. On a sunny day, with Ullswater sparkling in the distance, it feels like you’ve found a little slice of paradise. But add in some clouds and cold food, and you might find yourself wishing you’d booked a more refined experience elsewhere.
Setting 3.7/5
Kids 4/5
Food 2/5
Resort 4/5
Overall Rating 3.5/5
