The ‘well-kept’ gardens reach into woodland thick with rabbits and roe deer, while the ‘remarkable’ bar within the 17th-century coaching inn stocks over 70 malt whiskies. The whole is a ‘lovely’ country hotel, whose many fans think it ‘a special place’.

‘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.

When John Remington, vicar of Cartmel, entertained the Duke of Devonshire at this 17th-century stone manor in 1842, he built the very fine dining room in his honour (visitors still admire its panelling, bay windows and ornate moulded ceiling today).

Take a step back in time to a gentler age. This 17th-century stone farmhouse has been home for 112 years to the Baldry family, who welcome guests with legendary kindness.

‘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 place that draws us back.' A regular Guide reader, in 2016, paid a third visit to Robert Lyons and Lesley Wheeler’s former staging post on the Leven estuary. .

‘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.

‘What a great find!’ In a peaceful rural spot ‘conveniently’ close to the M6, this ‘out-of-the-ordinary’ motorway hotel (formerly the Westmorland) is upgraded to a full entry, thanks to trusted Guide correspondents whose stay in 2016 ‘exceeded expectations’.

In a historic market town just right for a potter, Iain and Jenny Black's 17th-century inn pleases dogs (‘and their well-behaved owners’) with its personable atmosphere.

In an unassuming village in the Lake District (best known, perhaps, for its gingerbread and its Wordsworth connection), Glynis and Simon Wood’s ‘friendly’, ‘good-value’ family-run hotel houses a remarkable restaurant offering ‘imaginative’ dishes with a local flavour.

Guests rave about the views at Sue and Peter Robinson’s ‘friendly’ guest house.

Wordsworth’s Grasmere, with its ‘multitude of small shops, galleries and cafés’, is a magnet for literary sightseers, yet this ‘lovely’ Victorian country house is a ‘haven of peace’.

A log fire still burns in the original Victorian fireplace of this one-time walkers’ hostel, but virtually everything else about the ‘beautifully renovated’, ‘comfortably furnished’ mansion is bright with a ‘fabulous’ new modern-rustic style, and a ‘superb’ team of staff to boot.

Weary fell walkers and climbers have found refuge in the comforting atmosphere and crackling fires at this unpretentious, dog-friendly inn for more than 300 years.

The Read family’s loyal following praises the ‘personable’ staff, welcoming atmosphere and ‘outstanding’ food at this extended Victorian house in ‘delightful’, well-maintained gardens.

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

‘Light, modern’ rooms and a ‘friendly welcome’ bring guests to this refreshing, alpine-style guest house run by Liz and John McGrillis.

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.

In an ‘ideal position’ on the lower slopes of Skiddaw, this family-friendly, early Victorian country hotel has ‘well-equipped’ bedrooms, and ‘excellent food, pleasantly served, in the fine dining room’.

Find a route to suit: great walks of all levels are to be found from the front door of Craig and Clare Dalton’s friendly guest house.

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 gardens bloom in a riot of colour around Diana Lewthwaite’s peaceful guest house, with the Lakeland fells as a dramatic backdrop.

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.