UKSECRETS
How long did you stay in each
I spent an average of two days in each place.
Which airline did you fly
Jet Airways.
Did you like the airline meals
Yes, for a change I liked airline fare! It helped that I got upgraded
to business class on both legs. The Indian sweet rasmalai and the
choice of ice creams were worth a star each; freshly popped corn
to complement the on-board movies was a special touch.
The best hotel on the trip
Sharrow Bay in Lake District. Located on the shores of
Ullswater and surrounded by mountains all around, the hotel
is wonderfully quiet while being within whispering distance
from commercial hum. You want to do little more than
smile here, lest you should wake up the silence or disturb the
tranquil waters.
The rooms boast stunning design—every available wall and
corner is done up with valuable artworks and artefacts. From
your window, you see the water with sailing boats bobbing in
them, the colours of the sky and the moods of the sun.
Although it’s a rather small property, the management has
invested in the best of chefs who ensure that each meal is an
exquisite one.
Lounge in your room, or the common living spaces, or in the
exquisitely done-up lawns—it is true English country lifestyle
where you can opt to live in any era of your choosing.
The city you loved the most
I’ll have to toss the coin between Glasgow and Newcastle—both
wondrous cities. But if I must choose, I will give the deciding
point to Newcastle.
You actually get two for the price of one here: Newcastle
along the north bank of the Tyne River, and Gateshead along
Sharrow Bay Hotel in Lake District,
located on the shores of Ullswater
and surrounded by mountains all
around, is wonderfully quiet
September-October 2015 Travel Secrets 43