Close to the northernmost of the Lakes, under Wythop Woods in the shadow of Skiddaw, this 300-year-old coaching inn, managed by Matthew Wylie, is ‘a very special place, say fans’.

Bong, bong! It is dinner time at this ancient farmhouse-turned-hotel in grounds bordering Lake Ullswater, where the gong still summons guests to table.

By the water’s edge, watching the tide race in at Robert Lyons and Lesley Wheeler’s pub-with-rooms is a thrilling sight.

‘This will become our stop-over of choice on the way to west Scotland.’ A full entry this year for Alison and Andi Sambrook's ‘small, unpretentious hotel’ opposite the green in a village bypassed by the A66.

Enfolded within verdant gardens, an 18th-century country house with ‘stunning views’ across to the Langdale Pikes.

By an arched stone bridge, ‘an imposing edifice’ surrounded by gardens that sweep down to the River Leven, the Bardsley family’s ‘good-value’, child-friendly former 17th-century coaching house is a lively, welcoming spot.