Much altered since it was begun in 1695, the Cunliffe-Lister family’s neo-Gothic, castellated fantasy castle is ‘a very special place, grand and imposing’, in ‘simply glorious’ pleasure grounds and parkland.

A riverside conversion of a Victorian grammar school and headmaster’s house gains an A* for splendid, characterful, boutique-style bedrooms, some with terrace and hot tub, and short, set-price, foodie-pleasing menus.

Leave the fuss and fret of the AI(M) at Scotch Corner to reconnect with the land at this idyllic hotel, centred on a Georgian coach house amid gardens, parkland and woodland.

On the edge of the village, with sweeping views over Wensleydale, this Victorian rectory B&B in landscaped gardens is slightly austere without, belying exuberant and stylish interiors, mixing antique and modern pieces, contemporary artworks, cool bathrooms and cocktails.

Rooms are a quirky mix of rusticity, wit and chic at this 18th-century watermill on the River Bain, complete with mill machinery, where breakfast brings free-range eggs from a neighbour’s hens.

In a ‘beautiful setting’, with views stretching across the Dales, this family-run hotel in an Edwardian country house is on a quiet lane one mile from town.

With sweeping views south over Swaledale, you may find it hard to leave this large stone villa with its spacious rooms, home-made cake, triumphant breakfasts and walks from the doorstep.

In ‘England’s book town’, under mighty Howgill Fells on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is just the place for a drover’s platter and a pint – or Korean beef, shiso and sesame with a shot of wasabi vodka.

Against the backdrop of Stag Fell, with views over Wensleydale, this many-gabled stone-built retreat offers the perfect country house escape, with antiques, comfy armchairs, warm hospitality and modern cooking of local ingredients.