LUXURIOUS Lake District hotel Forest Side has been ranked the most romantic hotel in the country, according to a prestigious award.

The Grasmere haven made an appearance in the 40th birthday edition of the Good Hotel Guide 2018 as well as receiving praise for its dreamy setting.

The prestigious hotel guide was compiled of 424 entries from across the country and every year Cesar awards, named after Cesar Ritz, are presented to the properties which display excellence in their field.

Forest Side, which is part of Cumbrian group Wildsmith hotels, bagged the title of 'most romantic,' in what has been a week of national award wins for the business.

The kitchen, run by Kirkby's Kevin Tickle, also retained its Michelin star for a second year, and sister hotel Hipping Hall was crowned Best Hotel Restaurant in the UK at the Food Awards England, as well as winning Best Restaurant in the North.

Hotel owner Andrew Wildsmith said “I am very proud of the team at Forest Side for the experience they have developed at the hotel. Grasmere is beautiful and we aim to reflect the atmosphere and calm of the Lake District throughout the hotel and restaurant.

"To win a Michelin star takes a great deal of precision and rigour and the team deserve this very much.”