Reputed to be England’s oldest hotel, the characterful building dates back to 1573, and has accommodated many illustrious Elizabethans, as well as the hapless Mary Queen of Scots. Today’s guests appreciate its blend of tradition with modernity and its great location opposite the beautiful Pavilion Gardens and Buxton Opera House.

Well located in the town, a comfortable hotel in a handsome building dating back to 1809. It makes a good base for hikers and visitors to Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall nearby. Bedrooms (some recently refurbished in the main house; some with a 4-poster bed) are also in a courtyard building across the road. Dining is in the elegant Square Restaurant or in the lively Juniper Pizza and Gin bar.

A 200-year-old coaching inn in the centre, with beamed ceilings, exposed stonework and cosy nooks and crannies where, to the accompaniment of an original Wurlitzer juke box. ale aficionados can savour local brews. Homemade classic pub grub and Sunday roasts are served in a stone-flagged conservatory, or on warm days, outside in the courtyard. Bedrooms are in the converted stables; one has a four-poster bed and a free-standing bath; another would suit a family.

Hardwick, Hartington, Hassop, Hathersage? Beginning with ‘H’ each of the ten modern bedrooms in this centrally located hotel is named after a Peak District village and tells a story with local artwork and photographs on the walls. Staying guests join locals in the Lounge Bar which is open until 9 pm, for a Continental breakfast (cooked extra), snacks, afternoon tea and bar meals. Or head to the Bakewell Pudding Parlour for the town’s famous tart.

Converted from former design studios of the Spode pottery works, a modern aparthotel with an on-site café. Spacious suites are kitted out with a kitchen area and comfy sofa. The industrial-design café has bare brick walls, large windows and interesting repurposed features. It is open (Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 11.30am-4pm) for breakfast, snacks, lunches and afternoon tea, and can be hired for weddings and functions. A short distance from the town centre. On-site parking is available.

Experience a B&B in a 16th-century timber-framed building set in two acres of landscaped gardens which has featured in Channel 4’s ‘Four in a Bed’ programme. Bursting with character, the house has roaring fires in ancient hearths, highly polished oak furniture, and wooden beams and four-poster beds in spacious bedrooms. From the peaceful Orangery lounge, there are views onto beautiful flower gardens. A la carte breakfasts include eggs supplied by the owners’ free-roaming hens. On the border between Staffordshire and Cheshire, the village (recorded in the Domesday Book) is 8 miles SW of Stoke-on-Trent.

Set in 10 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, this country house was built in 1845 for Josiah Wedgwood’s grandson. It is now a family-owned hotel and popular as a wedding venue. A grand staircase leads to characterful bedrooms, some with a balcony; others are in an annexe. A wood-panelled lounge has stunning views across the valley. Open to non-residents, home-cooked food is served for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. 4½ miles S of the city; 10 minutes off J15 on the M6.

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,

A luxury hotel in the centre. The grand Grade II listed Victorian red brick building (formerly the Leeds and County Liberal Club) has wood-panelled walls, stained glass windows and an elegant winding staircase leading to classically-styled bedrooms. The Porter’s Lodge Bar & Lounge serves light snacks, lunch, afternoon tea and supper.

Dark colours and artful lighting lend a moody atmosphere to this sleek hotel in central Leeds. Grills are a speciality in the basement restaurant; a wide selection of cocktails, wines snacks and light plates are served in the glamorous bar.

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.

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.

Occupying an 18th-century mansion this large hotel (part of QHotels group) sits in beautifully landscaped gardens, SE of Leeds. It has a spa, conference and wedding facilities, and a 27-hole championship golf complex in its grounds. Leeds train station is 5 miles away.

In a hamlet close to Ashbourne, this welcoming country pub is an ideal base for expeditions to the Peak District National Park or the thrilling rides of Alton Towers. After the day’s excitement, unwind over a drink and comforting food in the brick and wood bar, warmed by a log burner in winter, spreading out onto a terrace on warmer days. Modern rustic bedrooms, named after local families, have gentle floral fabrics and sturdy pine furniture.