Hugged by wooded grounds, the peaceful atmosphere, broad views and walks from the doorstep draw guests back to this comfortable Lakeland hotel.

‘In a beautiful setting, with valley and fell views all around’, this country house, built for the daughter of a Liverpool ship owner, retains the leisured ambiance of its Edwardian past.

‘Everything about this small, personal hotel was faultless, from the accommodation, food and helpful staff to the overall atmosphere.’ Readers loved this year’s stay at Kath and Liam Berney’s restaurant-with-rooms on Whinlatter Pass.

'Glorious fell views’, ‘excellent food’ and ‘capable, obliging staff’ are found at this family-friendly spot on the lower slopes of Skiddaw.

‘Great hotel, great food,' enthuse American readers in 2019, rating Gary and Donna MacRae’s ‘Lakeland gem’ as the ‘best hotel of our five-week European trip – and we stayed in some superb places’.

'A really classic walkers' delight', the former 18th-century farmhouse and one-time miners' tavern continues its century-old tradition of providing accommodation for visitors and hikers, and the Downey family's inn now provides food too.

A cream tea on arrival and a hot tub in the grounds are among the pleasures that make Hazel Thompson’s B&B, in fans’ eyes, ‘the best in the Lakes’.