The Devonshire Fell, Burnsall, North Yorkshire

Set back above the valley road that leads up to Wharfedale, with uninterrupted valley views, and just outside the popular village of Burnsall, the hotel is easy to reach yet outside the busy village centre. Skipton and Ilkley, the nearest towns, are 35 minutes; Leeds an hour. There are walks from the doorstep and Bolton Abbey, with its 12th-century priory, tearooms, riverside walks and children's play areas, is ten minutes down the valley.

By car: 230 miles from London (5-hour drive) and 56 miles from Manchester (1-hour and 30-minute drive). Parking is available on site.

By train: Leeds station with direct links to London Kings Cross is 29 miles away (1-hour drive). Book trains to Leeds.

The solid-looking Victorian building surprises with its bright and punchy interiors from the bold-patterned, fruit-drop-coloured sofas and armchairs and breezy blue and white dining room to the raspberry and charcoal striped carpet leading up to the bedrooms. Landscapes and big modern art (some from the Chatsworth collection) and framed posters hang on walls.

There's a small bar lounge plus a conservatory - the latter popular for afternoon tea - as well as a small garden terrace. Walking routes and packed lunches can be provided plus guests have free access to the spa and pool at the smart sister hotel The Devonshire Arms, which is a ten minute drive.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Gardens
• Packed lunches
• Spa access
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are fresh and uncluttered, which helps make the most of often small-ish spaces. Bright feature walls, headboards and armchairs, together with wool throws and quirky wire-framed animal sculptures, add interest while most bathrooms offer a bath as well as shower.

Room types: Standard Double, Classic Double, Superior Double, Luxury King, Fell Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, Chatsworth Estate biscuits, tea and coffee-making facilities, Bluetooth speaker, free Wi-Fi

Evening menus offer a short but confidently cooked Modern British menu that might kick off with hot-smoked salmon bruschetta with beetroot and horseradish followed by Dales' lamb with champ potatoes or halibut with gnocchi and chorizo. There's a short but well-priced wine list, plus two or three local ales.

The Fell Restaurant: award-winning, views of the Dales, locally sourced produce. Open for lunch and dinner. Mains from £35 for two courses.