It's seven miles west of Kendal, but there's a reason to head out so far – this hotel sits in a gorgeous spot overlooking the little-visited Lyth Valley, famous locally for its damson plums. Rooms are really attractive, with solid wooden furniture and patches of exposed brickwork (we liked the quirky names too, such as Hopping Hare and Quacking Duck).
The oak-panelled restaurant (mains £13.95 to £18.95) is high quality.