A beautiful hotel in the Lake District has been named the very best in England at the ‘Oscars’ of the UK hospitality industry.
The AA Hospitality Awards 2023 crowned The Forest Side hotel as the AA Hotel of the Year for the entire country.
The former mansion has been converted into a hotel, which sits on the edge of the village of Grasmere i Ambleside and is home to a Michelin-star restaurant.
Around two hours away from Leeds, The Forest Side was praised by inspectors for its charming interiors, relaxed atmosphere and its excellent food offering, including the produce grown in its own walled garden.
The hotel is built out of Lakeland stone and it’s believed to date back to 1853.
Image: The Forest Side
These days, it’s home to 20 beautiful bedroom, each one decorated in a heritage English style, with delicately patterned wallpapers and fabrics.
The Forest Side has incredible views of the surrounding countryside and lake.
AA inspectors said: “Located on the edge of Grasmere village, this former mansion house has been lovingly converted into a charming and relaxing hotel.
“Dinner is a must – the kitchen the team working closely with local suppliers and also growing much of their own produce in the walled garden, or by foraging the local area.
“The bedrooms have stunning views of the hills and countryside beyond.”
On winning England’s Hotel of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards, Alasdair Elwick of Forest Side in the Lake District said: “I’m not going to lie – we’re absolutely buzzing to win the AA Hotel of the Year for England, it’s an absolutely mega-achievement for us all at The Forest Side.
“We work so hard doing our thing, in our way and how we want to do it, our guests love it, and our honest and genuine approach clearly has been recognised. We’re going to have one awesome party!”
Grasmere itself is famed for its rugged fells, with some of the country’s most incredible walks based in the hills that surround the village and The Forest Side.
It’s also famed for its gingerbread, with a dedicated gingerbread shop in the village.
This is the landscape that inspired poet William Wordsworth, with plenty of attractions dotted around the area, including the Wordsworth daffodil garden.
The Forest Side has several packages for people wanting to stay and dine, including a two-night Autumn Getaway deal from £799, which includes dinner and bed and breakfast.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
You can stay in a converted barn loft apartment in North Yorkshire
Thomas Melia
There's a converted barn staycation in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside that also double as a loft apartment which you can try out.
Ever wanted to live out your loft apartment dreams? Ever wanted to trial out rural country living? Well now you can in this converted barn which also doubles as a loft apartment.
This gorgeous staycation is situated in the cosy and quiet hamlet of Azerley in North Yorkshire just a one hour drive away from Leeds city centre and 40 minutes from the North York Moors National Park.
The holiday home has everything you could possibly wish for, from a perfect balance of rustic and modern elements with its interior to impressive views of the picturesque green landscape.
Inside the converted barn loft apartment situated in Azerley, North Yorkshire / Credits: Airbnb (via Supplied)
If that wasn't enough, there's a covered balcony at the front of the converted barn meaning you can enjoy sitting outside regardless of the weather, and being in North Yorkshire this is handy, especially if there's a downpour.
Inside you're spoilt for choice when it comes to cushions and throws with an array of these cosy companions adorning every piece of furniture waiting to provide you with the ultimate comfort.
This rural rental barn is suitable for two guests as it has one bedroom which has its own attached en-suite bathroom and due to its limited bed options is not suitable for anyone with children.
On this staycation's description, the host Jo mentions that she has her own sheep and hens meaning you might get to admire some adorable animals during your time at Chequer Barn Apartment.
The living space and en-suite bathroom at Chequer Barn Apartment / Credit: Airbnb (via Supplied)
One previous visitor even mentioned, "[I] loved sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine while watching the chickens run around in the garden, thanks Jo we had a great time".
If you want to stay in this converted barn loft apartment, Chequer Barn Apartment is available to book whenever and you can find a range of dates and more information HERE.
Featured Images: Airbnb (via Supplied)
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Daisy Jackson -
16th October 2023 
