Leathes Head Hotel

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. There’s a log-burner in the lounge, glorious views from the conservatory dining room, and a terrace for afternoon tea; a great spot for admiring the three-acre garden with its birds and wildlife. ‘We often saw red squirrels prancing on the wall opposite.’ Bedrooms are lightly traditional, with pale colours, soft carpets and a contemporary bathroom. There is much praise for chef Noel Breaks’s ‘excellent’ cooking, focusing on locally grown, reared and foraged produce, although readers point out that dinner is a short-choice menu that changes only seasonally. Lamb from nearby Yew Tree Farm was ‘tender and full of flavour’. There is home-made bread at the nicely presented breakfast which will set you up for a day’s exploring; many walks are from the doorstep. ‘A really nice, relaxed atmosphere about the hotel; staff were delightful, attentive without overdoing it.’ (John Barnes, Sara Price)