A sweeping driveway, seven acres of landscaped grounds, sounds of the quietly gurgling river nearby, inglenook fireplaces and period furniture, the Broadoaks Country House is the kind of place to drop by when you feel the need to listen to your body and take a break. And yes, the standards have not been compromised here, and as a result the 5 star Guest Accommodation rating from the AA and a Michelin recommended kitchen really say something.

The daily changing carte might start with naturally smoked Cartmel haddock poached in a cream, white wine and black grape sauce, and spicy tomato and basil soup. Mains are well selected too, chicken breast fillet served on savoury couscous with a Thai spiced coconut milk sauce and stir fried vegetables, and a 5oz Aberdeen Angus fillet with a choice of traditional stock gravy or au poivre or Diane sauces.

When not relaxing in one of the beautifully designed bedrooms at Broadoaks, you could also spend time trekking, fishing or clay pigeon shooting nearby.