La'al Lodge in Kendal, Gateway to the Lakes

The picturesque Lyth Valley plays host to this charming 17th-century inn, which stands beside a pretty church. Guests are split over multiple dining areas, including a more formally elegant space and a cosy beamed bar, which is ideal for a pint. The cooking centres around traditional, well-executed dishes showing off the best of local produce, such as Cumbrian lamb loin with an intensely flavoured, well-reduced jus. Cosy bedrooms are available if you want to stay the night and explore more of the local landscapes.