A dramatic setting for weddings, family gatherings or a special celebration, the moorland views are just part of the allure of this isolated Georgian mansion, where former visitors are said to have included Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Was he inspired here to write The Hound of the Baskervilles? Possibly. No need to venture far, though. In 7 hectares of private gardens and grounds, the whole house is for hire on a self-catering basis and offers a pack of comforts. There’s a fully equipped farmhouse-style kitchen, leading out to a BBQ area with seating, a large dining room, relaxing lounge with log fire, a lobby and a games room with a pool table, darts, table tennis and football. The hot tub and infrared sauna make relaxing diversions. Twenty people can be accommodated in nine simply decorated bedrooms (extra beds can be arranged). One has a super-king four-poster, another a sleigh bed and ‘lovely view across the moor’.

In this picturesque market town, a much-extended, 19th-century coaching inn has been endowed with light and airy communal spaces, and a spa with revitalising heat treatments and an outdoor pool. The cosy lounge has a wood fire, plumped cushions on comfy sofas; books and board games. Bedrooms vary greatly in size and style. Suites in the main house have a sitting area or a separate sitting room; the smallest rooms face the street. Inspired by seasonal Yorkshire produce, à la carte menus are served in the high-ceilinged conservatory restaurant, Weathervane, or al fresco on the poolside terrace in summer months.

Stroll along the river Eden, fish for salmon, brown trout and grayling, or just relax in the inviting fire-lit drawing room of this imposing country house; a lovely terrace overlooks the water. Informal and dog-friendly, the B&B has immense, well-appointed rooms with spectacular views of the grounds. Breakfasts feature home produced and local fare; a three-course dinner may be pre-booked. On an estate with a large walled garden, four miles outside Carlisle.