England's southeastern town of Godalming lies in the Surrey Hills' "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty." The picturesque River Wey winds through Godalming en route to joining the Thames at Weybridge. A significant wool and knitwear-manufacturing center until the 19th century, Godalming was the birthplace of the cable stitch, the classic pattern of tennis and cricket sweaters. Godalming's comfortable hotels offer easy access to the town's charming shops and historical center, and to Surrey's natural beauty.
Dating back to the 1930s, when it was the Lake House, the Inn on the Lake is a country pub and hotel on Godalming's outskirts. Each of its 14 guest accommodations features comfortable, stylish furnishings. Many overlook the hotel grounds sloping to the River Wey canal. Each has a shower and work area, LCD television and Internet. Rooms for families of four are available.
Rates include a buffet breakfast. The hotel pub serves snacks, lunches and dinners of seasonal, contemporary British cuisine with hints of the Mediterranean. Roasted rack of lamb, with cumin, chanterney carrots and a small shepherd's pie is a typical dinner entrée. The pub also offers extensive selections of wines, beers and cask ales.
The Inn on the Lake
Ockford Road
Godalming, Surrey GU7 1RH
United Kingdom
011-44-14-8341-9997
theinnonthelake.co.uk
A 3-diamond Visit Britain establishment, the Highview Bed and Breakfast is in an updated, private Victorian home. Guests of the Highview will be a five-minute train ride from the shopping and theater town of Guildford, and a 15-minute stroll from the center of Godalming. Its two first-floor guest rooms have crisp, pastel color schemes and share a full bath. The hotel retaining many of its Victorian accents, the Highview is equipped with Wi-Fi Internet access.
Room prices include a choice of continental or full English breakfast prepared with locally sourced -- organic, whenever possible -- ingredients. Next door to the Highview is the Cricketer's Pub, serving sandwiches, salads, and traditional bar food. A vegetarian version of traditional bangers 'n' mash --sausages with onion gravy, mashed potatoes and minted peas is available.
Highview Bed & Breakfast
39 Nightingale Road
Godalming, Surrey GU7 2HU
United Kingdom
011-44-14-8386-1974
highview-bedbreakfast.co.uk
Mahogany sleigh beds, hardwood floors, fully tiled bathrooms and flat-screen televisions with DVD players await guests in the 17 rooms at the Godalming Hotel, a 15-minute walk from the town center. Family rooms are available. The televisions have PlayStation and X-box ports. Guests can choose a full English breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans and grilled tomatoes or a cold breakfast of fruit, cereal and juice. Less than a half-mile from the Broadwater Golf Course, the hotel is also within walking distance of the Bel and Dragon pub, with a menu of British and Mediterranean cuisine.
Godalming Hotel
65 Meadrow
Godalming, Surrey GU7 3HS
United Kingdom
011-44-14-8342-1800
godalminghotel.co.uk
