To find a gem in a quiet corner of the visitor-thronged Lake District is not easy, but this smart village inn in the lovely Lyth valley is, as one reader reports, ‘always a favourite’.

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

There is a relaxed, timeless ambience at this grown-up 19th-century country house (Relais & Château), but things have moved on apace, with fine dining now at the very heart of the operation.

They're serious about their food at this idyllic manor house hotel on the outskirts of Ambleside, with walks from the door and superb facilities for both humans and their four-legged friends.

With its indulgent bedrooms, Michelin-starred dining, attentive staff and guaranteed privacy, many look to Gilpin as the ultimate in Lakeland luxury.

For many guests, Hazel Bank is the epitome of a small country-house hotel, offering 'fantastic food, a great wine selection, charming hosts' along with the a picturesque valley setting, captivating views and walks from the doorstep.

Beyond a tree-lined drive, this Victorian villa, home to a small country house hotel, is in the safe hands of new owners Simon and Kate Hustler.

Ten minutes from Wordsworth’s Grasmere, a Victorian mansion has been completely made over to create this super-luxury hotel with Michelin-starred dining and superb accommodation.

In a touristy village on the River Eamont, at the head Ullswater, this restaurant-with-rooms provided our inspector with ‘one of the finest dining experiences I’ve had’.

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

‘A friendly, proper local pub bar, as well as a restaurant’, this 18th-century coaching inn at the heart of the Lowther Estate is set back from the A6, with a view of fields and grazing horses

Cosy, low-ceilinged and wood fire-warmed, this smartly refurbished 17th-century pub in the centre of a Lake District village is ‘friendly, fun and very convivial’.