With a fairytale name and address (Magic Hill), and its setting off Whinlatter Pass in England’s highest mountain forest, this restaurant with rooms has long enchanted our readers. Beth and Jack Bond – Beth front-of-house, Jack head chef – bought the 17th-century inn in the summer of 2024, and have continued to build on its reputation, retaining its coveted Michelin star. Choose from cosy cottage bedrooms including larger mountain-view rooms with spa bath, a loft room with Velux windows, roll-top bath and walk-in shower, or the dog-friendly Garden Room with its own entrance, lounge area and wet room. Thoughtful touches include homemade biscuits, handmade crockery, filter coffee, Sedbergh organic toiletries. From the dining room, with wraparound terrace, there are spellbinding views across the valley to Skiddaw. Here, tasting menus inspired by the landscape showcase home-grown, local and foraged ingredients in dishes such as white asparagus, ajo blanco, pickled white strawberries, smoked almonds, ground elder; duck leg ravioli, damson, Szechuan, onion tops, duck sauce. Special diets can be accommodated with notice. Awake to birdsong, make a bid for a window table, and watch red squirrels on the feeders as you breakfast on Cumbrian farm produce.