A relaxing base in the rugged Western Lake District, this secluded family-run B&B has six spacious, sleek and stylish suites, some with patio, some dog friendly, with the bonus of an honesty bar, outdoor hot tub, spectacular mountain views and starry dark skies.

Readers return time and again to Gary and Donna MacRae's small, adults-only country-house hotel in woodland gardens, with immaculate bedrooms, fell views, and outstanding nightly set-price dinner, preceded by aperitifs and canapés in the lounge.

In three wooded acres, this former private country house, now a charmingly traditional hotel, combines spacious accommodation, contemporary comforts, spectacular valley views and a restaurant showcasing Cumbrian produce.

Outside Grasmere's village centre, this period property boasts original Victorian features alongside boutique decor in the bedrooms.

The River Rothay runs past the back garden of this small country-house hotel with attractive, individually styled bedrooms and good food.

Set in wooded gardens on the River Rothay, this Victorian slate-built country-house hotel and spa, just a stroll from the village, has smart contemporary bedrooms, many with a terrace or balcony, and a short but appealing menu served in the glass-walled restaurant.

On the outskirts of Ambleside, this is a B&B like no other, its three house suites and stand-alone pavilion styled with exuberance and run with generosity of spirit.

Many regard Borrowdale as the Lake District's most picturesque valley, and this comfortable Edwardian country house has one of its finest locations.

At the heart of Wordsworth country, this Victorian Gothic mansion in 43 acres is home to a cool, super-luxury hotel, where chef Paul Leonard draws inspiration from the Lakeland landscape to compose Michelin-starred menus using produce from the walled kitchen garden and Cumbria's abundant larder.