belsfield

i'm not the biggest fan of the lakes but its proximity (haha) means i've accidentally found myself there more often than one would think. went immediately post exams jan 2013 because we'd exams after christmas break and it wasn't really a holiday (only that i refused to be cheated of festive cheer so still had a nice holiday hehe). was also in the lakes a couple of times for wilderness medicine events, during the october junior doctor strike that didn't happen and now over the early may bank holiday weekend two weeks from finals, and maybe 36h before my surgical exam.

so i hoped this wouldn't bite me in the backside and live in fear of hedonism catching up with me. not wanting to jinx it but so far so good hehe. surgical exam cleared (woohoo!) and all raring to go for finals now. it was the last of six in course assessments we've had and we need to be wholly competent across four domains to progress to finals. for friends who've had a run of bad luck, this last one was pretty darn high stakes because a third strike in any one domain would mean failing the year before even sitting finals (!!!) which to me is more than a little unfair but hey, i don't make the rules. silly, nevertheless. 

the belsfield is a lovely grand hotel and recently undergone a massive refurb. prime location overlooking the lake with beautiful views all round, living up to the mental picture i had of the lakes. cute town of windermere and when the weather cooperated (day 2) we had some lovely scenery and boaty action on the lake!

the library is gorgeous settings for a spot of tea - all muted palate and brand new furniture.

bay windows at the brasserie, the more casual dining option

our suite was inviting and almost too big for two! but with the weather the way it was, i was refusing to budge.

sole custody eggs and joint custody fry-up at breakfast

we'd room with dinner and breakfast and found it incredibly good value for what we were paying. dinner was an elaborate five course in the well-appointed dining room, lovely grand setting with huge windows overlooking the lake etc. can't fault them! would defo recommend for a quick getaway and i only wish we'd time to have cream tea in the afternoon. well we did have time but i was sleepy and full from a 3h lunch so maybe on our next visit :)