When you come away for a short break, is there really time to relax? You recover from the journey, find a little time to explore the area around the hotel, and then you collapse exhausted at the end of the day.

Then there’s one full day to try and cram in as much as possible, before it’s time to pack up and head home.

We have a better idea. Stay a little longer this summer in the Lakes. With our special offer of four nights for the price of three, you can have a proper holiday rather than just a weekend break.

And we have some great ideas for making the most of your time here with us, while taking advantage of our perfect location. We’re just a couple of minutes’ walk from the shore of England’s largest lake, Windermere. And close to the vibrant bustle of Bowness Bay, while being hidden in a quiet, secret garden, away from it all.

So you can take the opportunity to spend your time relaxing fully, by parking the car when you arrive – and leaving it there till you set off home. How can you do this, and still enjoy the full Lake District experience? Let’s show you.

Arrive in the afternoon, find your lovely room, then come along to our lounge bar for your complimentary coffee and cake (which you can have EVERY afternoon, of course). Then wander down to the bay, have a little walk around the town, and decide which of the dozens of restaurants will be your choice this evening.

First full day, take it easy. Climb a little hill and get a great big view, by walking up our very own Brantfell. We have the maps and the guides to help you find the way; just ask at reception. Or why not stroll over to one of our very favourite places, the Windermere Jetty Museum. It’s right on the lake shore, and even if you’re not interested in boats (give it a try!) you can sit by the window in their cafe, or out on the terrace, and see the world from a new perspective. On the other hand, you might just fancy some retail therapy. We have some great independent shops nearby, and this is the least stressful shopping experience you’ll ever know.

Next day, take to the water. You could get a day ticket on a Windermere cruise and stay on board the whole time. Or you could try our favourite expedition by boat. From Bowness Bay, take the cruise to Waterhead, and from there, switch onto the “Green boat” that crosses the northern end of the lake to Wray Castle. It’s a fascinating place to explore, with wonderful trees in the grounds, and Joey’s cafe in time for coffee or lunch. Then you can walk along the lake shore, a nice gentle, level walk, all the way to Ferry House at Far Sawrey, where you can take the car ferry, which carries people, vehicles, horses and cycles. And without your car, it’s just a £1 ticket back to Bowness. Just ask at reception; we have all the timetables.

Then, how about a bus ride into the heart of the Lakes? There’s a lot you can do by bus from Bowness. The adventure option is to head north all the way to Swirls, south of Keswick, then take a hike up Helvellyn, England’s third highest mountain and the most accessible of the high

peaks. You can come back down to Wythburn, or even all the way along the ridge and down to Grasmere, and catch a bus back here.

Or you could make a couple of cultural visits, perhaps at Rydal, where a very short walk from the bus stop takes you to the historic home of William Wordsworth at Rydal Mount. There are guided tours of the house and gardens, or you can just wander lonely as a cloud on your own, taking in the beauty of this lovely heritage place. Another mile along the road, and the bus will take you into Grasmere and drop you off at the Heaton Cooper Studio, where the work of the famous dynasty of Lakeland landscape painters is on display, alongside a very tasteful gifts and book shop, and the wonderful Mathildes cafe.

Another idea for a day out by bus is to head all the way to Keswick, a fascinating town in a lovely setting among the mountains, where you’ll find our beloved Theatre by the Lake. If you go when there’s a matinee on, even better, but the cafe by the lake is open all day. We have all the bus timetables, just ask.

At the end of each day, you can stroll a few minutes into Bowness for dinner, choosing from the many pubs and restaurants with food from around the world, as well as the best of Cumbrian cooking. And after four nights (for just the price of three) you’ll feel as though you’ve had the holiday of a lifetime. Longer than the weekend? Yes, you can do it here.