A grand manor house, a luxury spa and 500,000 acres of countryside: Why Cumbria's Eden Valley is more than just a gateway to the Lake District

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Standing at a quiet crossroads not far from our hotel in Cumbria, it was hard to escape the feeling we were surrounded.

To the west was the formidable outline of the Lake District National Park, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Turning 180 degrees to the east, it was the hills of the Pennines - and our drive had already taken us close to the Yorkshire Dales to the south.

Appleby Manor Country House Hotel (pictured) is the perfect starting point to explore the stunning Eden Valley and nearby Lake District National Park

Cumbria's Eden Valley has some 500,000 acres of rolling green fields - a stunning contrast to the more mountainous areas that surround it

But while these famous landscapes all made for incredible views, my visit to this spectacular corner of Britain was to experience a lesser-known treasure.

We were driving through Cumbria's Eden Valley, some 500,000 acres of rolling green fields - a stunning contrast to the more mountainous areas that surround it.

My wife and I were staying in Appleby, an ancient market town 12 miles from the Lake District National Park and even closer to the Pennines.

Our base for two nights was the luxury Appleby Manor Country House Hotel, a ten minute stroll from the town centre.

Our journey to the North had been as simple as could be, catching a high speed Virgin Trains service from London and arriving in Penrith in the heart of Cumbria after a relaxing three-hour journey watching Britain fly by.

The spa features a hydrotherapy pool with 'massage loungers' (pictured), a relaxing outdoor fire and spa baths, saunas and steam rooms, a bubbling foot spa and six treatment rooms

The new Garden Spa facility is billed as a chance to go on a 'unique aqua thermal journey'

In the evenings, guests need look no further for food than the in-house restaurant (pictured)

On arrival, we were met by a representative from Co-Wheels, who showed us to our transport for the next two days, a hybrid Toyota.

The car-pool scheme is a social enterprise that encourages people to leave their own cars at home and explore the area in a good value, low carbon-emitting hire car.

It could not have been more convenient and within 25 minutes we were at the doors of the hotel - a grand Victorian building with original features, log fires and comfortable-looking antique chairs at every turn.

After checking in, we took the opportunity to try out the hotel's new Garden Spa facility - a chance to go on what the hotel describes as a 'unique aqua thermal journey'.

Guests can look forward to a hydrotherapy pool with 'massage loungers', a relaxing outdoor fire and spa baths, saunas and steam rooms, a bubbling foot spa and six treatment rooms.

There are garden-themed features throughout, including trowels fixed to the wall for use as clothes hooks.

Staff will even bring you a glass of fizz while you're sitting in one of the two outdoor hot tubs.

The hotel is the ideal base for visits to the area's many landmarks, including Appleby Castle (pictured)

Eden Valley has plenty to offer in its own right, including the ruins of Pendragon Castle (pictured)

It is one of the many features the hotel can justifiably boast about. It also claims to be carbon neutral and one of the greenest Lake District hotels.

There are luxury bedrooms throughout, including the Heelis Suite we were staying in - a large room, furnished beautifully with original oak panelling from what was once the Victorian Billiards room.

The suite has a super king-sized bed, a 42ins television, its own lounge area with an espresso machine, Bluetooth DAB radio and two comfortable sofas.

And as if the spa experience was not enough, the bathroom has its own Jacuzzi bath and luxury spa toiletries.

In the evenings, guests need look no further for food than the in-house restaurant. We tucked into a feast of regional produce, including a stunning beef dish, excellent local cheeses and fine wine while the breakfasts ranged from grilled Manx kippers to traditional full English with Cumberland sausages.

The hotel is perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the incredible surroundings - and when it comes to getting out and about, guests are spoilt for choice.

A ten-minute walk down a picturesque lane takes you to the centre of Appleby, one of the many communities ravaged by devastating floods in Cumbria in December.

Julian's first stop was Ullswater valley (pictured), a breathtaking area with a vast lake nestled among towering fells

The town has retained its old world charm over the years and, away from the bustling main street of Boroughgate, features peaceful riverside walks and picnic areas alongside Eden river. 

There are more than enough pubs and restaurants to entertain tourists for a few days. 

But while there is plenty going on in the town, we decided on our second day to set out on a road trip, heading north towards Penrith, before heading in to the Lake District National Park.

Our first stop was Ullswater valley, a breathtaking area with a vast lake.

For a better view of the epic scenery, we spent a few hours walking up Aira Force, a dramatic, tumbling waterfall found in ancient woodland with plenty of spots for picnics and a seemingly endless network of footpaths winding their way upwards.

Julian spent a few hours walking up Aira Force, a dramatic, tumbling waterfall found in ancient woodland (pictured)

A drive up Kirkstone Pass (pictured) proved memorable. It's the Lake District's loftiest road

Our day trip then took us on a memorable drive across the Kirkstone Pass, an awe-inspiring road with an altitude of 1,489ft making it the Lake District’s highest pass open to traffic. 

It is well worth stopping at the top to take in the views of the valley below - but the ascent is not for the faint-hearted.

Stopping off at beauty spots along the way, we completed a huge loop, creeping through picturesque villages, inching along narrow lanes, eating at country pubs and breathing in the fresh air. 

The local council's motto here is 'Ad Montes Oculos Levavi' meaning 'I shall lift up mine eyes unto the hills'.

In this part of the world, it's hard to do much else.