Location
Situated in Great Clifton, it’s just outside of Workington. Keswick and some of the lakes are within easy driving distance e.g. Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater. There are some nice paths and cycleways nearby to get out and enjoy the local countryside. All the staff were very pleasant and helpful, including about what to do in the area. There are leaflets in reception to help you pick things to do.
The property was originally a farmstead which was converted into a hotel in 1981, which explains the layout of outbuildings for the rooms (see picture).
Rooms
We had room 33 which is across the car park (there is no covered walkway to reach the room but there are parking spaces very close to the entry door). It was a large room with enough open floor space to fit another couple of double beds in. Simple and fairly plain decoration, the double bed was comfortable but a little noisy when you moved around in it. Equipment included, TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making tray and telephone. There was complimentary WiFi but it was a bit slow and flakey in the room, much better speed and signal in reception where there are some comfy chairs to relax in whilst writing your review. No aircon or in room safe but there was a nice big radiator to keep the room toasty on a chilly Spring night. Bathroom had a spacious and luxuriously powerful shower and thick soft towels. Shampoo, soap and shower gel are supplied, all good quality. Mother in Law had the room next door which was slightly smaller but had a seat in the shower. Overnight it was very quiet, no road noise etc. You could occasionally hear a little noise from other rooms in the block.
Meals
Breakfast is served in the room opposite reception. Cereals, juices, bread, yogurts etc. are self service but tea/coffee is served along with hot food, which is cooked to order. Nice variety on the breakfast menu (see picture) and well cooked. Loved the Cumberland sausages. On our last evening we had a table of 10 for family to have dinner with us. Although it’s normally order at the bar, the staff helped us out and took the food orders at the table. Good choice of meals, including kids meals and daily specials, plus smaller portions for older children and seniors with a reduction in price. The meals were very tasty and generous portions, my shoulder of lamb was probably the whole flock. Staff were keen to accommodate any reasonable request and our two 90 years olds shared one meal, with two plates of course. Overall a very satisfied family.
Accessibility
There are rooms on the ground floor that are step free to access. The bar reception/lounge area and part of the dining room can all be accessed step free but the main bar and the remainder of the restaurant require a few steps to access. On our first two days the self service breakfast was down about four steps but the staff offered to serve at the table for our 92 year old. Not really an accessibility point but on the wall of the block nearest to reception a case marked Defibrillator is attached to the wall. First time I’ve seen that.
Overall
The sign outside says good food, quality accommodation! I wouldn’t argue with that, we enjoyed our stay here and would stay again.
