Aynsome Manor

Two generations of one family have run this traditional Lakeland hotel for 30 years; Christopher and Andrea Varley are in charge, helped by his parents, Tony and Margaret. One of them is always on hand. 'Everything is as it should be; food, service, management, value, faultless as ever,' is a comment from a regular visitor. Dog owners thought the hotel 'an excellent place'. The Varleys have a loyal following (readers staying for the fourth time were 'positively the junior veterans; others were on their 20th-plus visit'). Bedrooms vary in size; some are suitable for a family, two are in a cottage across the cobbled courtyard. A smaller room at the top was 'comfortable, with a good view across rolling fields'. This year, two of the bathrooms have been revamped, and the boiler has been upgraded to a pressurised system; both lounges have had their sofas and chairs replaced. 'Smart casual' dress is required in the oak-panelled restaurant where ingredients are sourced within Cumbria for Gordon Topp's 'very pleasing', daily-changing five-course dinner menu. Typical dishes: terrine of pheasant studded with pistachio; pan-fried breast of guineafowl. Lighter options are always available. At busy times there are two sittings for dinner. (CB, DR)