In a Knights Templar village with a backdrop of imposing Cross Fell mountain, a Georgian mansion and converted coach house are home to a personable small hotel.

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

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.

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

In the Langdale valley, Mark and Ruth Jones’s country hotel is a family affair: daughter Aimee is the ‘charming’ manager; son Edward cooks ‘delicious’ modern European recipes in the restaurant.

A lively spot, this family-friendly hotel on the banks of the River Leven stands in sweeping gardens, and has a cheery mix of colours and prints inside.