Set at a gateway to some beautiful countryside yet easily accessible just off the A65, within the walls of Hipping Hall lies another world of luxury and tranquility.

My partner and I arrived late on a Sunday afternoon, having got into the festive spirit at the Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair.

The 17th century hall is an impressive sight and boasts modern interiors designed by Lancaster's James Mackie.

We were shown to our room - one of nine - by a friendly member of staff. It was large, light and airy, with whites and creams creating a simple but sumptuous setting.

What it perhaps lacked in traditional character it made up for in comfort, as I found when I sank into the soft Vi-Spring bed .

A cup of tea did not mean a travel kettle and a UHT sachet but a call to reception and a tray laden with a proper pot and fresh milk .

There were all the usual furnishings, plus a flat screen wall-mounted TV, while the en-suite bathroom was modern and spacious.

Dinner was a real treat. We were invited to relax with a drink in the bar - me a Shiraz and my partner a Sauvignon Blanc, where the owner Andrew Wildsmith greeted us with the menus and canapes including quail's egg and oxtail.

There was a choice between a tasting menu at £60, with a £21 per couple residents' supplement and a £25 charge for accompanying wine.

The menu included hand dived scallops, pork belly with langoustine, roast halibut, roast saddle of Holker Hall venison, rhubarb and custard, cheese, coffee and petit fours.

But we chose from the a la carte menu, £49.50 for three courses including dessert or cheese. For starter I went for the sticky pig's cheek with poached hen's yolk and watercress puree, while my partner chose seared fillet of black bream with carrot puree and shrimp beurre noisette.

For mains, I opted for roast fillet of halibut with mussel chowder, baby gem lettuce and potato espuma, while she decided on the pan fried sea bass with caramelised endive, saffron potatoes, pumpkin puree and truffle jus.

We were then shown through to the impressive dining room and seated besides a huge roaring fire.

Originally a separate building, dating to the mid 15th century, it felt like we had stepped back in time, with a minstrels' gallery overlooking the room, and a giant tapestry on the wall before us.

Service was polite and efficient and the wine and food - including an unexpected appetiser of pumpkin and parmesan soup - was of the highest order.

The pig's cheek was fleshy and flavoursome, and the halibut fresh and tender but the highlight for me was a dessert of warm chocolate fondant with poached pear and ginger ice cream.

My partner was similarly complimentary about her fish dishes but was unable to manage a dessert.

A formal but enjoyable experience was rounded off in more relaxed style in the cosy sitting room with coffee and petit fours - rich chocolates rather than pastries.

After a good night's sleep it was back to the dining room for a hearty breakfast - me a full English and she smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

Then we said our goodbyes and headed for a walk in picturesque countryside nearby to reflect on a most enjoyable evening.

Whether as a late Christmas gift or an antedote to the New Year blues, a stay at Hipping Hall is a real treat.

* Room rates range from £200 to £330 per night. Bookings on 015242 71187.