In converted ecclesiastical buildings, with foundations dating back to medieval times, an atmospheric B&B. Comfortable bedrooms have opulent fabrics, old church doors, large leaded windows. Copious breakfasts are served in a room looking over the city’s castle and cathedral.

On the site of the Roman Forum, this sleek Bailgate area hotel is ‘superbly’ located between cathedral and castle. Comfortable, compact bedrooms in the main building, modishly decorated in earthy hues, overlook the castle walls or have views of the medieval cathedral. Courtyard rooms are in the peaceful 250-year-old coach house, all conveniently on the ground floor, with parking just outside.

In the late 17th century, the Honourable Order of Little Bedlam (an aristocratic drinking club) rampaged through this coaching inn – today an altogether more upstanding crowd come for the modern pub grub, cinema nights and the garden’s ‘pizza potting shed’ (open on warm-weather weekends). Characterful bedrooms mix vintage furnishings and modern conveniences. Some have exposed stones or feature wallpaper, perhaps an original fireplace, mullioned window.

A good base for exploring the city, four listed buildings (two Georgian and two Victorian) form this hotel on the cobbled High Pavement. It has a striking Art Deco-influenced interior, and a choice of places to eat and drink.

Cool, colourful and contemporary, all essentials are covered by well-thought-out facilities and friendly staff. A complimentary Grab & Go breakfast includes hotel drinks, orange juice, yoghurts freshly baked pastries, and fruit.

A conveniently situated hotel with air-conditioned accommodation ranging from a spacious executive suite to a snug double room. The adjacent Tavan restaurant serves Moroccan and Turkish cuisine and has a cocktail bar. In the morning, a Continental breakfast is brought to the room.

Across from the station, a mid-Victorian railway hotel, that has comfortably accommodated travellers since its inception. American novelist, Nathaniel Hawthorne was a guest here. Befitting its past, the well-equipped bedrooms have been updated in classic style. Home-cooked food is available throughout the day in the coffee shop, and every evening in Restaurant Circa 1852; afternoon teas and roasts at weekends.

From its origins as a 17th-century coaching inn, this hotel in Westgate (part of Peel Hotels) has expanded into a large comfortable venue for both travellers and locals. Traditional and contemporary dishes are served in the modern Brasserie; lighter meals and snacks are available throughout the day in Pastroudis Bar and Cafe. Directly opposite the entrance to Queensgate Shopping Centre.

On leafy New Walk, this welcoming family-owned town hotel is formed from a row of Victorian residences. It is within easy reach of the city and station, the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the University.

In the historic quarter, adjacent to the King Richard 111 Visitor Centre. a beautifully renovated Grade II listed Georgian building, decorated in greys, monochrome patterns and pastel pink. Many bedrooms offer unrestricted views of Leicester Cathedral, Reception is in a separate building (St Martins House), where breakfast may be taken, in a room overlooking the peaceful gardens.

Next to the 15th-century castle, a hospitable owner and friendly pets provide the warmest of welcomes at this small B&B in a village seven miles W of Leicester. There are two homely bedrooms, a guest lounge, an outdoor pool and a gym.

Help-yourself home-baking and books galore add allure to Rob and Roberta Aitken’s handsome Victorian house, in an historic mill village near Darley Abbey, on the edge of the Peak District national park.

A rural B&B in a large, quaintly furnished farmhouse with oak staircase, beams and parquet floors, on a working dairy farm. Overlooking fields and pasture, Derby is just a ten-minute drive away. Seasonal produce, and free-range eggs for breakfast.

In the town centre, above an airy tea and coffee shop, hot drinks and cakes might be delivered to your spacious room depending on the time of day, and breakfast brought up in the morning, if desired. Or nip down for lunch or afternoon tea for a tempting array of home-made quiche, delicious cakes, desserts, salads and sharing platters.

In the city known for its crooked spire, Nick and Tina Buckingham have created an unusual hotel/restaurant. It is managed by their daughters, Vicci and Emma; son Will is the co-chef. So it is a real family enteprise.

Relaxed and welcoming, this revamped pub on the edge of town offers a vast selection of craft beers and real ales. To accompany them, there is an extensive range of home-made pizzas and burgers with some unusual twists. Upstairs, bedrooms are neat and modern,