Win a Celebration at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House as it Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

2/1/2012 7:06 AM EST

Win a very special celebration at the AA’s English Hotel of the Year 2012 as Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere is looking for 25 special couples to share a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The award-winning luxury hotel is marking its 25th anniversary by offering long-term couples the chance to win a fabulous all-inclusive break. One of those 25 lucky couples will also win an exclusive stay for 12 people in the stunning six-bedroom Lake House, worth £4500, for a fabulous celebration with their family and friends.

The AA’s English Hotel of the Year 2012, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, is situated in the heart of the southern Lake District, one of the UK’s most breathtaking locations. Renowned for its sumptuous facilities, warm hospitality and delectable food and wine, it is the perfect place for a memorable occasion.

Gilpin has been owned and run for the past 25 years by the Cunliffe family (John, Christine, Barney & Zoë), and in that time they have hosted thousands of special celebrations, ranging from romantic dinners à deux to large family gatherings. Accordingly, the Cunliffes decided that the ideal way to celebrate their anniversary would be with other couples enjoying equally enduring relationships.

Zoë Cunliffe said, “People come to Gilpin for all sorts of celebrations – anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, engagements – and we are very privileged to play our part in turning these important milestones into cherished memories. That’s why inviting long-term couples to tell us their stories and join us to celebrate them is the perfect way to mark Gilpin’s 25th anniversary.” Barney Cunliffe adds, “We’re really looking forward to meeting the winning couples and learning the secrets of their relationship success.”

The Prize:
The 25 lucky couples will each receive an inclusive mid-week overnight stay at Gilpin Hotel, worth at least £400, including afternoon tea, and later, Champagne followed by a five course dinner with matched wines and full English breakfast the following morning.

During their stay, each couple will also be given the opportunity to enter the competition for the grand prize of exclusive overnight use of the fully serviced and staffed Lake House for themselves and up to 10 friends and family members. They will also be asked to share their thoughts and experiences of love and relationships, previous anniversaries and special occasions.

The ultimate celebration prize is worth £4,500 and includes sole use of all facilities at the Lake House, which featured in the ITV series ‘The Lakes’. It is set on a private lake in 100 acres of grounds and has its own swimming pool, hot tub and sauna.

The winning couple will be greeted with Champagne and an in-room spa treatment in the master bedroom, ‘Harriet’. Later, they and their guests will enjoy a Champagne reception, a delicious bespoke dinner prepared by the chef at the Lake House and, before checking out at 11am the following morning, they will be served a full English breakfast.

Rules of the Competition:
To be eligible to enter, couples must have been together for at least 10 years and need to provide two photos of themselves – one from the early days of their relationship and one taken more recently.

To enter the competition:
Please go to www.gilpinlife.co.uk/25th-anniversary to submit your story. Entries close on 15 February 2012 at 11am, and the 25 winning couples will be announced on 28 February.

For more information about Gilpin Hotel & Lake House:
Please visit www.gilpinlodge.co.uk or call 015394 88818. To read the Cunliffe family’s blog about life in the hotel business please visit their online magazine www.gilpinlife.co.uk. You may also follow Gilpin on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GilpinLodge and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/gilpinhotel.