The Plough

Frankly, it isn't fair to have to choose a room at the Plough – they are all gorgeous, in an earthy, stylish, Farrow and Ball kind of way, with handsome country furniture and big bouncy beds. And when they say "fabulously large bathroom" they mean it – in the rooms named Torsin and Redman in particular you could pretty much hold a conference while soaking in the lovely roll-top baths. Some artfully arranged old-fashioned bottles, high-end toiletries, soft lighting, rain-showers the size of dinner plates – sigh . . .why aren't all bathrooms like this? In the end, choice might not come into it, because there are only six rooms, and the Plough is already a well-known getaway, very handy for the M6, Kendal and the South Lakes (and even closer to Kirkby Lonsdale, just down the road). A great bar and restaurant downstairs helps to explain the rest of its popularity, so if you want to stay, book ahead is our advice – just remember to bring your SatNav to navigate your way around the bathroom.