'One of the finest dining experiences I've had' was enjoyed by our inspector at this restaurant with rooms in a touristy village on the River Eamont, at the head of Ullswater.

Refreshingly different from some more traditional Lake District offerings, this contemporary hotel is in a beautiful setting overlooking Grasmere.

The River Rothay runs past the back garden of this small country house hotel with attractive individually styled bedrooms and a choice of dining options.

The humble setting of this former coaching inn, half a mile from the Scottish border, belies its chic bedrooms and creative cooking.

With a passion for locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients and great culinary flair, Simon Rogan has created a serious three-star foodie destination that is still on the side of fun, with rooms spread around a delightful village.

Overlooking the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland, this sprawling 18th-century manor house is joyously traditional, with stone-flagged floors, open fires and bags of atmosphere.

Hipping Hall will be closing permanently on the 24th July 2023. Between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District – and just ten minutes from the M6 – Hipping Hall is a surprising foodie find with understated yet luxurious bedrooms, spacious gardens and a relaxed atmosphere.

Book well ahead to stay at this luxury restaurant-with-rooms, in a centuries-old hall, where reverence for terroir, traceability and sustainability are at the heart of Mark Birchall's modern cuisine.

Despite its rustic-sounding name, the occasional brick or timber feature and 1960s bamboo hanging chair, themed riverside suites at this gastropub-with-rooms, art gallery and deli, are bold and contemporary, while menus are modern and eclectic.

In the buzzy Georgian quarter, a Victorian carriage works has been reimagined as a hotel, with industrial-chic style, spa, minimalist bedrooms and modern British menus.