The Inn at Whitewell

On the banks of the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, this ‘cheerful, doggy’ inn is chock-full of tradition, with stone-flagged floors, open fires, oak furniture and walls bedecked with paintings and hunting cartoons. Run by third-generation Bowmans with a team of ‘extremely friendly and helpful staff’, it serves local ales in the bar and has a good reputation for its food. Chef Jamie Cadman turns out ‘outstanding’ dishes such as slow-roast belly pork, whole roast grouse (in season) and a famed fish pie. Although carnivore heavy, the menu has ‘good vegetarian and vegan options’. There’s an ‘excellent’ wine list, too – and a wine shop if something takes your fancy. Bedrooms, including four outside rooms up a steep slope, are furnished with antiques, country-print fabrics and handsome artwork. Many have working fires, some have Victorian cabinet baths, four-posters, and restful river views. If you want to take full advantage of the waterside setting, there are seven miles of riverbank fishing, with the services of a ghillie should you need them. ‘We couldn’t recommend it more highly.’ (JS, R and MM-D)