Fodor's Expert Review Highfield Hotel

Slightly austere on the outside but charming within, this Victorian hotel overlooks the lawns of Hope Park and has accommodations with great character, including rooms in the turret and the former chapel. The balconies of the common areas have superb valley views, and some rooms look out to Derwentwater or Skiddaw. The well-regarded restaurant (open to nonguests) has a regularly updated menu of dishes such as locally smoked breast of duck, haunch of venison, and Cumbrian fillet steak. Check out the fine wine list and 25 whiskies in the bar.