The Inn at Whitewell

Despite its splendid isolation amid the wild beauty of the Forest of Bowland, there's much to enjoy at this ancient stone inn. The whole complex embraces a wine merchant, an art gallery, a shop selling home-made goodies, and 23 individually decorated bedrooms - not to mention seven miles of fishing rights. The somewhat eccentric interior is packed with a random collection of furnishings, including a vast assortment of old prints and paintings. The cooking takes a simple modern British approach: bar lunch dishes might include smoked salmon with lemon and granary bread; or spicy fried squid with soft noodles, carrot and sweet ginger salad. Bar suppers follow similar lines, or you can choose à la carte starters like smoked Goosnargh chicken salad, followed by roast pork with pancetta and grain mustard mash. There's a constantly changing selection of traditional puddings and home-made ice creams to round off the meal. There are stunning walks from the front door.