The Black Bull

Appleby-in-Westmorland sits in the Eden Valley surrounded by walking country, with 12th-century Appleby Castle a few hundred yards from the High Street and St Lawrence Church on the riverbank nearby. The Black Bull occupies one of the town's finest buildings, a grade II listed former coaching inn that has been welcoming visitors for centuries. Inside, the place retains its period character: exposed beams, flagged floors and original doorways throughout create the sense of stepping into the building's long history.

Four double bedrooms and one single are spread across three floors, with five bathrooms between them—each of the four doubles has its own en-suite. The ground floor holds a living room with wood-burning fire and a dining room with another fireplace, plus a full kitchen with gas hob and electric oven for self-catering, and a utility room equipped with washing machine and tumble dryer. Wifi, bed linen, towels and heating are included; fuel for the fires is provided too. On-site parking accommodates three cars, and the rear garden has furniture and patio space. The property sleeps nine and takes one well-behaved dog. No smoking indoors.

The Pennine Way passes nearby on its route through the Eden Valley, and High Cup Nick and Dufton Pike are a short drive away for serious walking. The Lake District National Park lies less than 30 minutes away by car. Note that the property has steep stairs inside and a few steps in the garden.