Dalegarth Guest House

This perfectly sited Alpine-style guesthouse sits in its own gardens on the shores of Buttermere, a mile or so south of the nearest pub. It’s a real bargain – prices are surprisingly low for the Lakes – with pleasing rooms (a tenner more for en-suite), stripped-pine floors, painted panelling and a cosy lounge with a log fire. They’re really used to walkers (don’t worry if you arrive covered in mud), and the breakfasts are excellent. A simple campsite in the grounds (two minutes from the water’s edge) offers even more realistically priced accommodation, and has its own shower block and drying room.