A 'haven of peace and calm, with excellent pub food and friendly, efficient service', this 18th-century inn stands beside a Saxon church in a stunning village in Teesdale. It is owned by a local farming family with deep roots in the Teesdale soil. 'There is attention to detail – fresh milk for the tea tray, homemade biscuits, food served on hot plates.' Pick between characterful, country-chic main-house bedrooms and more contemporary courtyard rooms with outside seating area.'Especially comfortable' Laithkirk has 'a range of books that would do credit to any library'. 'Number five courtyard room is smaller than the others, but comfortably appointed, with a good shower.' Food is served in the dog-friendly bar at lunchtime, and alongside more ambitious dishes at night in the bar and oak-panelled dining room. 'Dinner was superb, a skate dish that would have been a winner on Masterchef, and a fish platter so generous my wife could not finish it.' 'The best pork chop and apple sauce I have ever eaten – so good I had it twice!' A 'hearty breakfast, with locally sourced produce' is cooked to order. 'Would love to go again.' (DG, TS, and others)