Something to mull over this Christmas

Get-away-from-it-all Christmas and New Year breaks for couples of all ages have just been created by one of the country’s best kept secrets – The Hideaway at Windermere. This charming restaurant-with-rooms, which enjoys a peaceful, tucked away location in the honey-pot town of Windermere, at the heart of the beautiful Lake District, has put together some irresistible festive season packages.

The Hideaway, which refurbished most of its eleven, restful rooms earlier this year, has stayed true to its winning recipe of combining fabulous food with cosy relaxation. This allows guests to sample the red rosette cuisine of chef and owner, Richard Gornall, whilst indulging themselves midst spectacular surroundings and scenery and enjoying their AA four yellow star accommodation.

Traditional values and modern twists combine to ensure the festive packages are something to mull over for anyone wishing to enjoy some escapism and a breath of fresh air this Christmas and New Year.

A three-night Christmas package at the traditional Lakeland property, built in 1890, begins on December 24. Guests arriving between 3-5pm will be greeted with tea, coffee, mulled wine and homemade cakes that have already acquired a loyal fan base.

A Christmas Eve, three-course dinner will send guests to their comfortable double rooms raving about Richard’s dishes and looking forward to their full English breakfast the following day.

Christmas Day will also encompass a delicious, eight course traditional Christmas dinner, served at 1.30pm, and an impressive, buffet sandwich supper served between 8-9pm.

Boxing Day will start with another full English breakfast, and conclude with a three-course Boxing Day dinner. The restaurant will also be open between 12-2pm, if guests wish to book lunch at an additional charge.

Those opting for some free time during the day can explore the area, perhaps taking a cruise on Lake Windermere, strolling down to the lake at Bowness or Ambleside, or visiting the Arts and Crafts House, Blackwell (admissions and prices not included in the package).

Guests will then depart on December 27, following another hearty, full English breakfast.

The cost of the stay varies according to which of The Hideaway’s delightful rooms is booked. The price ranges from £900 (£450 per person) for couples staying in a traditional room, to £1395 (£697.50 per person) for the couples opting for the most luxurious rooms - the Ultimate Comfy Rooms. Prices for other rooms occupied during this break cost £950, £1025 and £1150, (£475, £512.50 and £575 per person).

These costs are for a three night stay, inclusive of all food on Christmas Day, dinner on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, breakfast on December 25, 26 and 27 and welcome refreshments and cakes on December 24.

Delicious food and wonderful wines can also be enjoyed during a two-night New Year package. Guests will be welcomed with tea, coffee and home-made cakes, served from 3pm-5pm on New Year’s Eve, before being given time to nestle down in their room prior to champagne and canapés between 7.30pm-8.30pm.

An eight-course gourmand New Year’s Eve dinner has been lovingly planned by Richard Gornall, and the package includes champagne served at midnight, to enable guests to welcome in 2009.

New Year’s Day will begin with a full English breakfast, before guests make the most of the scenic location during the day, perhaps opting for a brisk, winter walk in Lakeland.

Any appetite built up by day will be more than satisfied once a delicious three-course New Year’s Day dinner has been consumed.

Guests will depart on January 2, following a farewell, full English breakfast.

The cost of this two-night package, inclusive of dinner and breakfast, ranges from £650 for couples staying in a traditional comfy double room (£325 per person), to £980 (£490 per person) in a luxurious Ultimate Comfy rooms.

Guests staying in rooms three, five and 11 will pay £685 (£342.50 per person), the same price as those who book Contemporary Doubles. Room 7, a larger Contemporary Double, will cost £740 (£370 per person) for this New Year break, whilst rooms 2 and 10, Super Comfy Doubles, cost £820 (£410 per person).

Rooms for either of these fabulous dine and unwind festive packages can be reserved by visiting Thehideawayatwindermere.co.uk.