In Plympton St Maurice, on the edge of the city, this Georgian manor was once a convent. Now a hotel and events venue, tranquillity remains in calming, modern bedrooms and in the surrounding nine acres of gardens and sweeping lawns. Local and regionally sourced produce appears on the restaurant’s fine dining menus: perhaps curried white crab with pea panna cotta, pink grapefruit and fresh pea shoots; Tournedos Rossini – fillet of Devon beef on crispy crouton with chicken liver parfait, dauphinoise potato, wild mushroom and baby onion jus.

A contemporary, quirkily decorated B&B in a Grade II listed Victorian property within easy reach of the Cathedral, Quayside, university and train stations, Parking permits are provided.

Six miles from Plymouth, an Elizabethan manor house with an award-winning spa in the grounds. Full of character, the original building retains its oak panelling, ornate ceilings, mullioned windows and stone archways. The fine-dining Gallery restaurant overlooks the beamed Great Hall, which features a coat of arms of King James I above an enormous stone fireplace. Accommodation ranges from the majestic, with four-poster beds, to more contemporary rooms situated in the courtyard and stable wings. Gaia spa has a pool, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, a relaxation room, gym and a salon with a wide choice of beauty treatments.

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

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.

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.