Aynsome Manor

Step back in time to an age of quiet elegance at this 400-year-old manor house with views over farmland to pretty Cartmel village and its Norman priory church. Indeed, the house was once the home of descendants of the founder of the priory, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke. Run by the Varley family for over 40 years, the hotel is reassuringly traditional with deep sofas and glowing table lamps in fire-warmed lounges, and a polished sideboard and cut-glass crystal in the panelled Georgian dining room. A daily-changing table d’hôte dinner offers classic dishes with a sophisticated touch such as chicken liver parfait with sherry, and roast Cumbrian sirloin with red onion marmalade and Burgundy wine jus. Diners appreciate the option of two to five courses. Spacious bedrooms are pleasant with patterned wallpapers, modern oak furniture and brightly coloured bedcovers. Second-floor rooms have beams and a sloping ceiling. Breakfast is a fine affair, from poached fruits and creamy porridge to Cartmel Valley smoked haddock and a grill including Cumberland sausage and fried bread – a handsome start for exploring this quiet part of the Lakes.