Overlooking the Blackdown Hills, a welcoming, dog-friendly country pub in an 18th century coaching Inn. It is surrounded by rolling fields and the Neroche Staple Fitzpaine Herepath  (a 13.5 mile off-road trail) is close by.  Bedrooms are neat and comfortable, and supplied with tea, coffee, bottled water; Chard is large enough to accommodate a family of four. In the bar, local ciders and wines accompany home-made food, such as calves liver with crispy bacon, creamy mash and gravy or Dover sole Benoit with Fowey mussels and a white wine crème fraîche sauce, and a choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all based on locally sourced ingredients.

Nestling by a church, a traditional, family-run country inn with a bar, comfy sofas and good food in two restaurant areas. The 17th-century building is close to Montacute House; Yeovil is a thirteen minute drive.

Off the beaten track, four miles south of Taunton, a relaxed and dog-friendly rustic inn with wooden floors, exposed stone walls, leather sofas and a log burner, Perfect pre- and post a bracing walk, the welcoming bar serves an extensive range of Somerset ales, and there is hearty fare in the oak-beamed restaurant. Bedrooms have views of rolling countryside.

Opposite Taunton Racecourse, a charming 17th-century lodge set in over an acre of gardens. Some of the B&B accommodation is in spacious rooms in the main house – one has an emperor size bed, a bathroom with his and hers washbasins, free-standing bath, a separate power shower, and views to the Blackdown Hills. Characterful suites in the former stables have beams, a 4-poster bed, Persian rugs on traditional slate floors, and their own private access. A well-equipped, self-catering two-bedroom cottage is also available.

A smart, well-appointed B&B situated in the heart of town. A Continental breakfast is served in a contemporary dining area, or may be taken in the room.

In a rambling, five hundred-year-old house, this family-run hotel is decorated with a mix of traditional and quirky features. Bedrooms have ornate beds, rich fabrics and uneven floors. Downstairs, there are original inglenook fireplaces and fine furnishings in the elegant public areas. The restaurant (open Monday-Thursday) serves set two- and three-course menus for dinner.

In an elevated position, large, bright bedrooms at this welcoming B&B overlook glorious landscapes. Built mainly of flint, the house is in a small village five miles from Bridport, and surrounded by its own stone-walled garden. Coffee and cake is served on arrival; in the morning, there is a generous, varied breakfast.

In the centre of this bustling market town, a family-friendly (Fullers) hotel in a handsome Grade II listed former coaching inn. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, menus include moules frites and steak frites. Quirky rooms have bold wallpaper. The flower-filled courtyard garden is ideal for sunny days and balmy nights. https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-bull-dorset.en-gb.html?aid=311076

Worth the climb. This contemporary guest house is at the top of a hill with glorious views over Lyme Bay. Breakfast is taken in the light, airy conservatory or on a sunny terrace; bedrooms include a fridge with fresh milk and a laptop safe.

Close to the sea front, a 16th-century house with a rich past, and a French-inspired light, airy interior. During summer months the whole house can be rented for up to 12 people.

A stylish guest house, just off the high street, and ideally placed for the historic Cobb harbour, beaches, beautiful gardens, pubs and restaurants.

In over an acre of grounds, this traditional country house hotel occupies an ivy-covered Regency-style building three hundred yards from the harbour. There are characterful bedrooms and a restaurant specialising in local fish and in-season locally grown fruit and vegetables. Lighter meals are available in the bar and comfortable lounge.

Floors slope, stairs are steep and narrow and views of the Cathedral and Green are wondrous from this old and quirky building. Downstairs, home-made Italian cuisine in Rugantinos restaurant.