The relaxed atmosphere and fell views make this handsome country hotel, between the Lake District and the North York Moors national park, a winner.

Despite a change of ownership, this quintessential country house hotel in a peaceful Cumbrian village is still in safe hands, report readers.

In wooded grounds in a valley looking over farmland to pretty Cartmel village, this 400-year-old manor house, long owned and run by the Varley family, offers reassuringly traditional comforts.

Occupying a prime spot in what is arguably the Lake District’s most picturesque valley, Hazel Bank has ‘stunning mountain views’, walks from the doorstep, and the chance of spotting a red squirrel.

It’s traditional with a capital T at the ‘delightfully old-fashioned’ Howtown, with dinner gong, no in-room TVs, and extremely limited Wi-Fi.

More guest house than hotel, this Georgian country house overlooking Esthwaite Water has the feel of a comfortable family home, a bit lived-in – and what an outlook.

In the scenic Vale of Lorton, in the peaceful northwest corner of the Lake District national park, Hazel Thompson’s Grade II listed farmhouse B&B stands against a beautiful backdrop of fells.

This luxurious country house hotel (Relais & Châteaux) offers ‘indulgent’ rooms, Michelin-starred dining, spacious grounds, legions of staff, and ‘comfort in all the right places’.

In a ‘wonderful location’, with uninterrupted valley and fell views, this Edwardian country house is an elegant retreat for outdoors lovers who appreciate their creature comforts.

In a quietly beautiful area of the Lake District – the lovely Lyth valley – this smart village inn has a deserved reputation for good food and cosseting bedrooms.

In an old market town, this dog-friendly historic inn by the river and church has quirky rooms, open fires and cheery staff.

Broad views and the promise of walks from the door draw guests back to this traditional Lakeland hotel with up-to-date facilities.

‘The view and the tranquillity are just wonderful.

‘A big hit’ with returning guests, the Read family’s ‘wonderfully old-fashioned’ hotel is praised for its ‘superb service, excellent food and very friendly staff’.

Ideally placed for exploring the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, this laid-back roadside inn, in an 18th-century hostelry, has a modern rustic look: wide wooden tables and mismatched chairs, a wood-burning stove, sheepskin-covered bar stools under oak beams.

‘I cannot recommend it highly enough,’ concludes a visitor to this little hotel in postcard-pretty Grasmere.

Becky and Ash Dewar run their family-friendly village pub in the Lyth valley, an unspoilt area characterised by damson orchards, green pastures and broad-leaved woodlands.

On a quiet lane, opposite a ‘delightful, babbling’ river, Richard and Diney Standen’s ‘superior’ B&B is an ‘easy and pleasant’ walk from Ambleside.

‘Refreshingly different.

A motorway services hotel with inspiring views, smart bedrooms and a friendly atmosphere? Tebay Services astonished readers.

This Victorian Gothic mansion, one of Andrew Wildsmith’s small, sophisticated group (see also Hipping Hall, Cowan Bridge), manages to be stylish yet relaxed.

A gabled Arts and Crafts country house in extensive grounds with ‘tantalising’ views of Lake Windermere and Coniston Fells.

For over 300 years, this unpretentious, dog-friendly inn has been sought out by weary travellers, walkers and climbers, including some of Britain’s greatest mountaineers.

The views stretch to Windermere and the Langdale Pikes from this 19th-century stone-and-slate country house, which stands in large, landscaped grounds, in a green valley that leads to the rushing river.

Unparalleled fell views and ‘capable, obliging staff’ are found at this family-friendly spot on the lower slopes of Skiddaw.