‘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.

In the Lune valley, between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, this ‘comfortable hotel with modern, well-appointed bedrooms’ was Andrew Wildsmith’s first foray into the hospitality field.

‘Nothing compares’ with the Cunliffes’ ‘really special’ country house hotel and its glamorous satellite, Lake House, with spa, half a mile away.

'A very special place.’ ‘Utterly charming.’ 'It’s not the Ritz, but you will feel like a lord.’ Lavish and frequent praise in 2019 for Wendy and Simon Bennett’s Victorian fantasy castle in the Eden valley.

Soul-stirring views of the Howgills and space to spread out in a luxurious, eclectically furnished Victorian country house make Brownber Hall a special place for private gatherings of family and friends.

'Glorious fell views’, ‘excellent food’ and ‘capable, obliging staff’ are found at this family-friendly spot on the lower slopes of Skiddaw.

‘Kevin and Nicki Winsland, with their daughters Charlotte and Bex, have created a hotel of great charm and warmth.’ Readers enthuse over a stay at this small Victorian country house with gardens running down to the River Rothay, in a village forever associated with Wordsworth.

In an ‘outstanding location’ in the Ribble valley, Northcote is known principally for its restaurant, but it is also a luxury hotel (Relais & Châteaux).

‘Simply awesome,' writes a reader this year, about this 'fabulous' hotel on wooded slopes overlooking Grasmere.

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

A gabled Arts and Crafts country house in extensive grounds with ‘tantalising’ views of Lake Windermere and Coniston Fells.

On a wonderfully scenic perch above Windermere, Tracey Robinson and Joanna Harbottle’s 19th-century stone-and-slate country house is a ‘very welcoming’ retreat.

Visitors to Diana Lewthwaite’s country house in Beatrix Potter country are guaranteed a colourful welcome – its grounds, designed into ‘garden rooms’, provide blooms across all seasons.