Edenfell Hall

With six impressive bedrooms, a copper hot tub, a games room and 3 acres of peaceful gardens, this superb retreat for 16 is made for relaxing together after days spent exploring the Cumbrian countryside. You'd be forgiven for spending your whole stay at the house, but when you feel like exploring, the foothills of the North Pennines are right on your doorstep.

Climb Cold Fell, 6.5 miles away, or head to the rugged peatlands of RSPB Geltsdale, 6 miles away, where you may spot black grouse and short-eared owls. Hadrian's Wall and its numerous turrets (11 miles) are well worth a visit, and continuing along this route is Thirlwall Castle and Housesteads Roman Fort, which are both within a 22-mile drive.

Nearby, Cumbria's capital, Carlisle (9 miles), offers a growing arts scene alongside many bars and restaurants, and then on the way back, enjoy a hearty dinner by the fire at the welcoming pub at Castle Carrock village (500 metres). Step inside this striking Georgian gem, where a sensitive restoration and characterful interiors bring the period home beautifully back to life.

In the lounge, a flickering wood burner and TV set the mood for a night in, while the Drawing Room is an impressive space for cocktails, with beautifully upholstered furniture and quintessential design. The bespoke, handmade kitchen, with its 4-metre-long marble countertop, is a dream for any keen chef, with more than enough appliances for group cooking and plenty of space to manoeuvre.

You may even like to hire a private chef if you don't feel like cooking. In the same room, a large dining table with 12 chairs suits any meal, and also boasts views of the garden.

Afterwards, enjoy a post-dinner coffee on the adjacent sofas. The games room is majestic and stacked with entertainment, whether you're using the board games, watching the TV or playing a game of pool.