S is also for The Samling

When the globe beckons, it's hard to convince yourself that a trip to Lake Windermere could really cut it as a top-class holiday.

But, given our new fear of flying, and the threatened downturn in economic fortunes, holidaying in the UK suddenly makes perfect sense. And all the more so since The Samling in the Lake District opened its doors.

The place is grand but laid-back, with creature comforts at every turn - fat armchairs, crackling fires, large G&Ts proffered to soporific guests prone on sofas. This, as any knowledgeable Japanese tourist will tell you, is Wordsworth country. You may well want to wander lonely as a cloud over distant fells, but The Samling is designed to induce a lazy haze. Until recently, the ten-room hotel was only available for hire in its entirety, but now guests can opt for a single suite. It's not cheap, but it is exceedingly special: hot buttered toast and late breakfasts are served in your room; picnics for hikes can be arranged; and the dining room serves the kind of food that demands you walk it off the next day. The Samling's bitter chocolate tart would surely get into heaven if it wasn't so wicked.

There's a helipad in the grounds, which gives some clue as to the Brad'n'Jen aspirations of the place. Victoria Beckham has indeed visited The Samling, and the very discreet driver will hint at celebrity guests sharing the open-air hot tub with its view over the lake. This is bliss.

A-Z travel guide for 2002