Swing round a winding road to this turreted, Jacobean-style baronial mansion in a beautiful setting on the shores of Loch Awe. It is filled it with a dazzling collection of artwork and statuary. From the marble-pillared drawing room there are views over gardens, loch and woodland across to the distant peak of Ben Lui. Well-supplied bedrooms might have a four-poster bed, fireplace or roll-top bath. A three-course menu is served in the informal dining room.

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.