In the heart of the village, a former blacksmith’s house (built in 1863) and later the village post office, has been elegantly reinvented. It has a wood-panelled bar with an open fire, seasonal menus in the contemporary bistro, and seven prettily decorated bedrooms above.

Close to the Hadrian’s Wall Path, this B&B in a Victorian house is a useful stopover for weary walkers. Comfortable bedrooms are equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities and a cooling fan for warm weather. Guests start the day with a fine breakfast; the welcoming hosts suggest where to eat in the evening. Near a busy road, rooms at the back are quieter. The city centre, train and bus stations are a 10-minute walk away.

Soul-stirring views of the Howgills and space to spread out in a luxurious, eclectically furnished Victorian country house make Brownber Hall a special place for private gatherings of family and friends. A mix of vintage, reclaimed, handmade and reupholstered furniture, with contemporary pieces, is used to decorate the eight ‘tranquil’, ‘well-appointed’ bedrooms, two large sitting rooms and a dining room, where a large table seats up to 16 people. A recently renovated kitchen sprawls across the ground floor. If the sun is shining, dining and barbecue options move to the south-facing terrace or the garden with mature trees and smooth lawns overlooking the fells. A welcome hamper of freshly baked sourdough, a jar of award-winning marmalade plus homemade cakes and biscuits is provided on arrival; fridges can also be pre-stocked with local produce, beers and wine. Home-cooked suppers can be arranged.