In a Knights Templar village in the Eden valley, this personable small hotel ‘goes from strength to strength’, reports a Guide reader in 2017.

Wooded hillside forms a pleasing backdrop to this ‘comfortable country hotel’ in an ‘optimal position’ for exploring the northern Lakes.

‘A quintessential country house hotel.’ The Quinion family’s creeper-covered manor house in mature grounds ‘combines the familiar features and decor of an earlier age with exceptional service’, writes a Guide reader, a frequent guest, in 2017.

Guests are assured of ‘friendliness and an outstanding welcome’ from second-generation owners Christopher and Andrea Varley at this ‘lovely hotel in the heart of quiet countryside’.

For more than a century, the Baldry family’s ancient farmhouse has stood in this remote, ‘very special setting’, where the ‘fantastic views’ reach over the garden and the sheep-dotted fields to the fells beyond.

‘Peace and quiet’ surround Hazel Thompson’s Lake District B&B in the Vale of Lorton.

There are open fires here, and views of Skiddaw; the traditional chintz and prints are ‘part of the charm’, says a devotee in 2017.

‘Beautiful views’ of the Borrowdale valley and fells – and the ‘lovely walks’ to go with them – surround this ‘enjoyable hotel’ near Derwent Water.

‘It’s a home away from home,’ chorus fans in 2017 of the Bennett family’s ‘stunning, well-preserved’ 19th-century pile striking a pose in rambling grounds in the Eden valley.

‘There’s a feeling of complete well-being about the place,’ write Guide readers in 2017 of the Dunning family’s hotel and upmarket farm shop just off the M6.

‘We know what to expect when we come: outstanding food, lovely staff, a restful stay,’ writes a returning guest this year at Glynis and Simon Wood’s family-run hotel in Cumbria’s most popular village.

Sue and Peter Robinson’s Arts and Crafts house stands on a crag in ancient woodland, the views tumbling down the Brathay valley.

‘Hands-on’ owners Rob van der Palen and Anton Renac run their ‘excellent hotel’ with ‘thoughtful attention’, friendliness, and more than a touch of Grasmere gingerbread.

‘We love the wonderful views and the air of tranquillity.’

There’s a ‘homely atmosphere’ and ‘a sense of cosy welcome’ at this unpretentious, gabled Edwardian country house overlooking Lake Windermere and Coniston Fells.

‘What a glorious setting.’ For more than 300 years, fell walkers and climbers have sought the views and comforts from this unpretentious, dog-friendly inn at the head of the Great Langdale valley.

‘Helpful, charming, welcoming staff’ make a stay at this ‘beautiful’ 19th-century stone-and-slate country house a ‘relaxing experience’.

‘Old fashioned, but none the worse for that’, the Read family’s traditional hotel enjoys a loyal following.

Families are ‘warmly welcomed’ at this early Victorian country house, ‘ideally positioned’ for exploring the Catbells and Borrowdale valley.

Choose a room, then pick your route: Craig and Clare Dalton’s friendly, good-value guest house is surrounded by walks for all levels.

Let the hillside setting and leafy copses around this Victorian country house capture the imagination – they inspired Beatrice Potter to pen the adventures of her many woodland creatures.

A meander from the River Lune, this 17th-century inn by the old churchyard in the historic market town reserves a special welcome for walkers and their dogs.

Past fields grazed by Hardwick sheep, Diana Lewthwaite’s guest house stands against the dramatic backdrop of the Lakeland fells.

Lesley Hornsby’s modern B&B on the promenade takes in uninterrupted views across the Kent estuary.