The Brimstone Hotel in England’s Lake District is a fabulous place to treat yourself

IT’S not often you look forward to bad weather on holiday but a stay at Brimstone Hotel will have you praying for rain.

The reason being that the rooms are so luxurious you want any excuse to lock yourself inside and soak up every moment you are there.

Since opening its doors in 2013 the £3.5 million hotel has won numerous awards and accolades and it’s easy to see why.

Nestled on the 35-acre Langdale Estate, in the western Lake District near Ambleside, Brimstone is the kind of place my wife Katy and I will reminisce about for years.

The sheer luxury of the room was enough to stop us in our tracks when we arrived.

The room had a king-size bed and a 42-inch smart TV in the bedroom the perfect comfy home cinema.

A control panel next to the bed had lighting buttons designed to cater for whatever mood you might want to set, including perky, lazy, sexy and even tinkle, should nature call in the middle of the night!

The room had a large seating area with couches, another huge flatscreen TV and a

mini-bar stocked with Champagne, Prosecco and spirits.

Glass doors led to a private balcony area that overlooked a large, tranquil pond.

And to keep things cosy on those rainy days (well, the lakes have to be topped up somehow!) were log-burning stoves.

There was something extremely homely and comforting about having the fire crackling away as we relaxed in the room.

Something else that made it difficult to leave the hotel was its Reading Room, stocked with a mouth-watering array of drinks and snacks all complimentary to guests.

On our first night we ate at Purdey’s restaurant on the estate.

It has a classy feel but in a relaxed way that lets you know you’ll eat like a king without having to adhere to stuffy royal protocol.

The next day we drove to Ambleside to enjoy the beautiful countryside.

We had our gear with us but don’t worry if you forget as Brimstone offers guests complimentary use of a range of the latest Berghaus equipment including jackets, trousers, boots and rucksacks.

Starting at White Moss Walks car park we strolled along what is cheerily known as the old Coffin road as it was the route used to take the dead of Rydal to the church in Grasmere for burial.

Despite its grim name the walk is great and lets you enjoy stunning views of Lake Grasmere.

Along the way we stopped off at Dove Cottage, home of Lakeland poet William Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808.

Draped in flowering wysteria, it was clear to see where he drew inspiration to compose poems about the beauty of the English countryside.

Ambleside is a great starting point for any number of excursions in the Lakes whether walking, cycling or driving as it is at the hub of the area’s road system.

For example, a short walk from the centre of the village leads to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall.

The town itself has specialist shops offering a welcome variation to what you find on most high streets.

They sell an array of locally-produced goods such as slate ornaments and artworks of the area as well as local food including cheeses and ales.

The hotel is also just a short drive from Lake Windermere which offers similarly stunning views and Bowness in Windermere home of the Beatrix Potter museum.

Just off the main street, it’s a fascinating look at the life of the author who loved the Lakes and bequeathed her home and much else to the National Trust after her death.

Her house, on the opposite side of the Lake, is a fascinating time capsule, unchanged from her time.

On our second night at Brimstone we ate at the estate’s Terrace Restaurant.

The Mediterranean-inspired menu had plenty to offer and we opted for pizza and lasagne in the relaxed surroundings.

On our second day we couldn’t resist going for a swim in the pool that is part of the spa complex.

The facilities are some of the best in the Lake District and are available for all guests throughout their visit.

Brimstone is a top-notch hotel with prices to match but there are a range of prices depending on how much you want to be pampered.

I’d recommend treating yourself or someone you love to what will undoubtedly be one of the most luxurious breaks they’ll ever have.InfoThe Brimstone Hotel has 16 contemporary boutique rooms and suites.

Each room comes with a double bed and most rooms have a wood burning stove.

Prices start at £275.

You can also save 20% by booking 30 days in advance.

Call 015394 38062, visit brimstonehotel.co.uk or email reservations@brimstonehotel.co.uk