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

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.

With its towers and battlements, wood-panelled walls and ornate ceilings, this Victorian-folly castle set in acres of grounds still manages to be ‘very relaxed; we never felt we had to be on our best behaviour’.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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