Umpteen happy weekends at the British seaside are imprinted in our memories, and now we're in the mood for a refresh. Cue lakeside holidays, which have the same water-based appeal but allow us to explore new parts of the country. The Lake District is the obvious place to start, a vast and glorious AONB that has inspired everyone from Wordsworth to Beatrix Potter.

Elsewhere, unspoilt beauty-spot lakes in Hampshire and the Cotswolds, Devon and the Scottish Highlands have also caught our eye. Where weekends away are concerned, Britain's many inland lakes hold huge appeal, especially those with gorgeous boutique hotels within a stone's throw. Whether you're a hardcore wild swimmer in search of new waters, or prefer a cosy afternoon tea by a roaring fire, here are our top picks.

Scenic stays: our favourite lakefront hotels in Britain

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Lime Wood Hotel

The latest addition to the manicured Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest is the newly opened Lake Cabin, nestled on the far side of the estate's private lake. Hidden away down its own winding pathway, perched right over the lake and secluded in nature, the property tempts with a freestanding bath, your own kitchenette and the luxuries of Lime Wood's farm-to-fork restaurant and Herb House spa just a stroll away.

Address

Lime Wood Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst Hampshire SO43 7FZ

N/A

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Glenapp Castle Hotel

This 21-bedroom Scottish castle hotel is at once grand and cosy, with a decor that looks like something from The Crown and hot toddies served by the roaring fires after dinner. Glenapp overlooks the islands of Ailsa Craig, Arran and the Mull of Kintyre, and has its very own lake within the sprawling private grounds. Secluded trails weave around the so-called Azalea Pond, leading to a vast Victorian glasshouse that supplies the kitchens with fresh produce. The Ayrshire woodlands are at their best during the autumn: a sea of red, orange, yellow and brown, and just perfect for wildlife spotting. It’s also an excellent spot for stargazing – on clear nights you can occasionally even see the Northern Lights.

Address

Glenapp Castle Hotel, Ballantrae, Ayrshire KA26 0NZ

+44 1465 831000 Go to website

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Eilean Shona House

Nestled in the mouth of Loch Moidart, the private island of Eilean Shona – a natural haven for indigenous wildlife – is one of Scotland’s furthest flung extremities. The stately home combines the style of a luxury boutique hotel with all the warmth of a much-loved family dwelling. We recommend booking a five-night “experience break”, where you can go swimming in the clear, invigorating waters of the loch, seek out hidden coves along its shores, enjoy a ceilidh or a fire-cooked feast on the beach.

Address

Eilean Shona, Acharacle, Argyll, PH36 4LR

+44 1967 431249 Go to website

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Storrs Hall Hotel

Sitting right on the shores of England’s largest lake, Storrs Hall is the grand duchess of the Lake District – a stately home with its own private jetty hidden within gorgeously verdant grounds. The brave can dive in to the bracing water directly from the hotel garden, just steps from the lake’s edge, but no judgement shall be made if you decide instead to curl up with a big slice of cake and a good book in the living room. Bag a lakeside suite to enjoy a view over the water from your own private hot tub.

Address

Storrs Hall Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3LG

+44 1539 447111 Go to website

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Kinloch Lodge

Isle of Skye , United Kingdom

Venture down a long drive to the head of Loch na Dal and you’ll find Kinloch Lodge, positioned at the foot of a mountain. In the Isle of Skye – a locale justly described as one of the most spectacular places on earth – Kinloch Lodge is held in high regard. Rooms are decorated in dusty shades and luxuriating textures, chosen to reflect Skye’s distinctive landscape. With views across sea-Loch na Dal, roaring fires and giant beds, if it weren’t for the whisky on tap downstairs we’re not sure you’d ever leave your bedroom.

Address

A851 Sleat Isle of Skye IV43 8QY

01 471 833 333 Go to website

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Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Windermere, United Kingdom

The first point of order at Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is to choose your room. Will you opt to stay at the Georgian main house, the Garden Suites (they’ve a hot tub) or the Spa Suites (premium cabins with treatment beds and private sauna and steam rooms)? If your budget won’t quite stretch to the Spa Suites, the hotel’s main spa, the Jetty Spa is right on site and open to all guests. With treatment rooms positioned by a private lake, The Gilpi is the ultimate in plushness and pampering, and thanks to the layout you’ll feel like you’ve the place to yourself. Just before all that soaking makes you start to prune, head back to your suite, change from robe to glad rags and report to the drawing room for pre-dinner libations at 8pm sharp.

Address

Crook Road Windermere LA23 3NE

+44 1539 488 818 Go to website

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The Forest Side

Ambleside, United Kingdom

We’d go as far as to say designer James Mackie has perfected the contemporary country look at The Forest Side hotel. It’s a spot that was made for adventurous epicureans and the design-minded alike. After checking in, draw a bath and strike up a fire for a cosy in-room experience. Just the right amount of twee, rooms come with (eye-roll) “postcard views” in the form of fluffy Herdwick sheep grazing on the grounds – almost too lovely to believe.

Address

Keswick Road Grasmere Ambleside LA22 9RN

015 3943 5250 Go to website

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Another Place

Penrith, United Kingdom

Fell-flecked scenery, private lakes and great food; are we in Eden? Positioned on the shores of Ullswater and set in 18 acres of National Park, Another Place The Lake is a great base from which to discover the Lake District. On the lake-step, you’ll find running trails, horse-riding, cycling and kayaking – and even wild swimming for the brave. They do a good job at coaxing guests into exercising here too – “active relaxation” is their guise for striking a balance between getting among the elements, getting cosy, having fun and finding quiet. Regardless of your expected excursion levels, no pep talks are needed for a trip to the Rampsbeck restaurant. Expect regional produce, with local Herdwick lamb and Morecambe Bay shrimp.

Address

Another Place, The Lake Rampsbeck Grange Watermillock Penrith Cumbria CA11 0LP

+44 1768 486 442 Go to website

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Bovey Castle

North Bovey, United Kingdom

Two words: rolling valleys. Located in the heart of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, Bovey Castle is serious stuff. First opened as a hotel and golf resort in 1930, this castle hotel comprises of 60 grandiose bedrooms in addition to 22 self-catering country cottages. Now that you’ve your sleeping set-up sorted, who’s up for a country pursuit? Grab your waxed jackets and wellington boots, folks – we’re going on a moorland AF excursion. There’s a range of activities – from horseback riding to off-road driving – available, but if afternoon tea is more your game, attentive staff will be able to arrange a booking for you.

Address

Dartmoor National Park North Bovey TQ13 8RE

016 4744 5000 Go to website

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