Homey and faintly bohemian, the Lowther family’s Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion is surrounded by terraces, topiary and lawns.

‘With a tradition of service that’s second to none, this is without doubt one of the finest country house hotels – if not the finest – in England,’ raves a regular Guide reader this year.

‘People go to the Lakes for beauty, peace and solitude. New House Farm has all of this in abundance.’ Close to Wordsworth’s birthplace, Hazel Thompson’s ‘beautifully restored’ Grade II listed 17th-century farmhouse marries the romance of tradition with the comfort of modern amenities.

‘A fine example of a Good Hotel’, this 18th-century house has been run as a ‘friendly’ hotel by Stephen Bore, and Angela and Adrian Hyde since 1992.

With ‘no rules – just plenty of warm, friendly staff, and wonderful food and service’, Wendy and Simon Bennett’s Victorian fantasy castle continues to win rave reviews.

Overlooking Lake Windermere, Stephen and Lisa Leahy’s ivy-clad Victorian hunting lodge is ‘an enjoyable oasis’, say Guide readers this year.

Tracey Robinson and Joanna Harbottle’s ‘very welcoming’ Lake District retreat is in a 19th-century stone-and-slate country house set in extensive landscaped grounds, the views stretching towards Windermere.

A fine base from which to potter about the south lakes, this Victorian country house was once the home of the celebrated author who wrote about the exploits of Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin.

The River Leven rushes past this family-friendly hotel, spa and popular local pub, on its way out to Morecambe Bay. Take advantage of the riverside location and arrive by boat – there are sheltered moorings for guests.