In the rural Ribble valley, this extended Victorian manor has basked in Michelin stardom under chef/co-owner Nigel Haworth for more than 20 years. Today, a ‘convivial atmosphere’ presides – the contentedness of the well fed and well rested. Stylish bedrooms in the contemporary country house are equipped with bathrobes, complimentary soft drinks and up-to-date technology; some have a private terrace. Lodge bedrooms, across the garden from the main house, share their own lounge and pantry kitchen. In the dining room, a chandelier dazzles over Nigel Haworth and Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s modern cooking. The seasonal menus (including one for vegetarians) use plenty of organic produce from the kitchen garden in dishes such as juniper fern-cured fennel, wasabi, pickled radish, wild herbs; Herdwick lamb, sour onions, nasturtium, whey. Breakfast, accompanied by the day’s newspapers, has the same gourmet touch: pick from a choice of omelettes, salmon smoked over juniper and beech, a melting Lancashire cheese soufflé. There’s ‘easy access’ to this ‘lesser-known but stunning area’ and its riverside paths, ancient villages and medieval abbey. Northcote is also a member of Pride of Britain hotels.