I'm so-so with Rudding Park too - it's on the outskirts of Harrogate which as I mentioned earlier isn't in the Dales or Moors and is a busy Spa and Conference town. We last went to Rudding Park about 2 years ago and I don't intend to return in a hurry.
The countryside surrounding is very pleasant but not a patch on the scenic beauty of the Dales.
I'm slightly confused now as to what sort of accommodation you are looking for? My earlier recommendations were all for rural spots - and Rudding Park certainly isn't that.

Flying from geneva to Leeds/Bradford is a terrific solution.

Me three anti-Rudding Park

There is no accounting for reviews is there, such as those about the Yorke-Arms being "snobbish."

No worries, Morgana, I know where the hotels are located; that's why I'm renting a car.

I didn't find them snobbish at all. I dined there solo and they could not have been nicer - both in the Lounge and while dining.

I've never found them snobbish either, in fact just the opposite. It's the place our family go to for special occasions (birthdays, graduation etc) and even if it is a longish time between visits they treat me like an old friend. I love it there.
It's also absolutely beautiful, in a tiny hamlet with views (and walks) in all directions literally from the door.

Maybe they <i>seemed</i> snobbish to the tourist wearing a baseball cap and cut offs in the dining room ;)

Dukey -- where have you read reviews?

For instance on TA the ratings are superb.

Traveler rating:
Excellent 234
Very good 85
Average 20
Poor 13
Terrible 13

And only three of the bad ones are w/i the last two years.

The VAST majority are amazing.

"snobbish", from the man who likes Tosca :-)

Heat wave (30C yesterday) should break today