‘A wonderful place,’ write readers this year, of Andrew Wildsmith’s first venture, between Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

Cumbrian comforts abound at this ‘well-kept’ Edwardian country house hotel, in three-acre grounds in a ‘beautiful setting’ in the Borrowdale valley.

We hear a perennial chorus of approval from fans of Wendy and Simon Bennett’s family-friendly Victorian fantasy castle in the Eden valley, between Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

‘Always a favourite’ of Guide friends in the north, Richard Rose’s 300-year-old pub-with-rooms is in ‘one of the prettiest villages in south Lakeland’. It is promoted to a full entry this year.

Right at the water’s edge, Robert Lyons and Lesley Wheeler’s pub-with-rooms is ‘an amiable, comfortable place’ that draws regular returnees year after year.

The sun and moon make their haste, but this 400-year-old inn near the river Lune remains a dependably restful spot for travellers, walkers and their dogs.

Ideally placed for exploring the Lake District and the Yorshire dales, Paul Spencer's laid-back inn sprawls comfortably on the road to Lupton.

Surrounded by walking country, Graham and Fiona Lappin’s B&B at the foot of the Howgill fells in the far western Dales is a welcome sight for hikers and tea connoisseurs.

Craig Bancroft’s Victorian country house hotel in the Ribble valley has held a Michelin star since 1996, under former chef/director Nigel Haworth, and now Lisa Allen.

On the broad promendade of the ancient wall of this ‘lovely city’, overlooking the River Dee, Tim Mills and Michael Stephen’s Georgian villa has been made over in a spirit of exuberance.

‘It’s difficult to pinpoint what makes this hotel so special.’ Atop a winding driveway, this Gothic pile is ‘light, airy, full of boutiquey charm – and, naturally, has delightful views across Grasmere’.

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.

Grand from every direction, this ‘very smart’ Grade II listed hotel (Bespoke Hotels) is ‘a very good place to stay, peopled with polite, cheerful staff’.

An unpretentious, gabled Arts and Crafts country house has ‘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.

The verdant surrounds of this hillside Victorian country house have moved visitors since the late 19th century.

Fans of the Fab Four will want to say ‘Hello!’ to this Beatles-themed hotel, close to the famous Cavern Club.

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.