Crown & Mitre Hotel, Shap

Lake District. Sleeps up to 24

Constructed in the mid-18th century this fantastic hotel is now the ideal holiday venue for a family gathering or group of up to 24. After parking in one of the handy off-road spaces for four cars, or one of the three spaces nearby, progress into this grand building, and be welcomed by an entrance hall that boasts an opulent chandelier. Turn to your left to be drawn into a large living/dining room that offers plenty of seating for the whole family to settle down on, as well as a TV and a bar area with fridges and dishwashers for your use. After cosying up with your loved ones, continue to the amply equipped kitchen, thanks to its commercial nature, the space offers industrial-grade appliances, including glasswashers, a dishwasher, as well as all the utensils you need to prepare delectable dishes. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the nearby dining room, which offers two banqueting tables that seat up to 24 in total; crack open a bottle of wine, and toast to this impressive retreat, before tucking into a tasty meal. As night falls, venture out to the patio and savour a soothing soak in the hot tub in your calming surroundings, whilst the younger members of the group head to the games room for a air hockey or table football tournament. When you begin to feel weary, make your way up to the first floor to find eight of the 12 well-presented bedrooms in the property, including: a super-king-size, two king-size, two doubles and three twins; all of the bedrooms on this floor boast access to their own en-suite shower rooms, with one of the twins hosting an en-suite bathroom, replete with a roll top bath. Continue to the second floor where four more beautifully decorated bedrooms are situated, including a studio-style room with a super-king-size bed, dining area, sitting area and woodburning stove, which is ideal for those seeking some extra privacy, as well as a super-king-size, king-size and a family room hosting three single beds. The second floor also hosts a bathroom that has been finished to a very high standard and boasts a roll-top bath and a separate walk-in shower; the ground floor also features two cloakrooms with multiple basins and WCs, for added convenience. In the morning, get to know the local area and explore the nearby RSPB Haweswater nature reserve or the ruins of Shap Abbey, before stopping in the village of Shap to purchase any essentials from the local post office & village shop, or relish a hearty meal at one of the many friendly pubs. A day out in Pooley Bridge awaits with; plenty of watersports to be experienced at the adjacent Ullswater; hikes to be embarked upon through the enchanting woodland of Dunmallard or along River Eamont; horses to be ridden at the local Park Foot Pony Trekking Centre. Why not visit Penrith, home to a walker's paradise in the form of Penrith Beacon's surrounding woodland, the beautiful Thacka Beck Nature Reserve, or the historian's favourites of Penrith & Eden Museum, and the remains of Penrith Castle. Penrith backs onto a fantastic golf range, it is the home to the breathtaking Brougham Castle, as well as the Lakeland heritage centre & cinema of Rheged; you'll rarely find yourself lacking things to do here! With the sights of the Lake District National Park on your doorstep, and the towns of Kendal, Windermere and Keswick within easy reach; there is so much to see with a stay at the Crown & Mitre Hotel.