An elegantly decorated Victorian country house hotel with bright bedrooms – some in a converted farmhouse or stables. The comfortable lounge has a wood-burning stove, a library stocked with books about Sark and the Channel Islands. A vast array of single malt whiskies awaits in the adjoining 18th-century Smugglers Bar (white-washed stone walls, oak beams). Carriage rides using the hotel’s own livery stables can be arranged.

Smartly refashioned into a stylish modern country house hotel, a Grade II-listed Georgian manor in glorious Herefordshire countryside, just beyond the town.  Popular for weddings and special events, the family-run hotel has bedrooms with garden views, and a fine-dining restaurant.

Just an 8-minute walk from the city centre, a hotel in fifteen acres of Italianate gardens and peaceful, private coastal land. It has unsurpassed sea views, direct footpath access to the Pembrokeshire Coast and St Davids Peninsula Coastline, a tennis court and seasonal indoor pool. On display is a collection of listed hand-painted tiles, as well as original and limited edition works by local and internationally acclaimed artists.

Opposite the stone cross on the square, a relaxed, cosy and dog friendly hotel in a well-maintained garden. Comforting dishes in the intimate dining room use locally sourced produce; the bar has an extensive cocktail menu.

A former bank, the Georgian building (Grade II listed) has a handsome array of arched windows, ornate stonework and pediments. Inside, the hotel is modern, enlivened with bright splashes of colour. Stylish and dog-friendly bedrooms have high ceilings, a lap top safe and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Beauty treatments are available. No on-site dining at the moment, but a ‘Grab and Go’ breakfast bag is offered, and nearby bars and restaurants are plentiful. On one of the city’s finest streets (some traffic noise), the railway station, metro and quayside are all a short walk away.

Within easy walking distance of the town centre and railway station, this small B&B in a Victorian villa tempts with an honesty bar, pleasant front garden; private parking is an added bonus.

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.

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.

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.

In three acres of garden, orchard and paddock an 18th-century millworker’s cottage with smart bedrooms in an architect-designed extension. B&B guests can enjoy the scenery on large garden terraces.

Stroll along the river Eden, fish for salmon, brown trout and grayling, or just relax in the inviting fire-lit drawing room of this imposing country house; a lovely terrace overlooks the water. Informal and dog-friendly, the B&B has immense, well-appointed rooms with spectacular views of the grounds. Breakfasts feature home produced and local fare; a three-course dinner may be pre-booked. On an estate with a large walled garden, four miles outside Carlisle.

Built in the style of an alpine chalet, the spacious bedrooms in this modern building have glorious views of Ben Nevis. B&B guests start the day with a noteworthy Scottish breakfast. A great base for discovering the area, by foot, kayak or bicycle, the knowledgeable hosts are on hand with helpful tips on places to visit and where to eat nearby. There are excellent transport links to Fort William, 3 miles away.

Once the village blacksmiths, the 16th-century building is now a peaceful B&B with a TV, fridge, hairdryer, radio alarm, and tea- and coffee-making facilities in contemporary bedrooms. For breakfast, local and homemade produce is served in a large open-plan kitchen. A picnic area at the front is set beside the river bank where the Kennet flows past. In a small village, 5 miles W of Marlborough.

Close to the Ridgeway path (Europe’s oldest pathway), a small, friendly pub serving cask ales from local and micro breweries, and tasty food. The original well can be viewed through a glass panel in the restaurant floor. Comfortable accommodation is in an annexe; pets are welcome in ground floor rooms. 3 miles N of Marlborough.

Up a quiet lane, this informal hotel is within easy walking distance of the centre via a pretty park. Real ales, fine wines, malt whiskies, and pub fare is taken by a roaring fire in the bar, or outside in warmer months, in a resident-only area or lively beer garden. Cosy rooms are individually decorated and well equipped. The Stuart Restaurant serves traditional British food and hosts gourmet dinners, theme evenings and special events.

With parts dating back to the 18th century, an old pub near the high street has received a stylish revamp. The bar (moody colours, leather Chesterfield seating, wide wooden floorboards) has pub fare, craft beers and ales, wines and local spirits. Contemporary bedrooms (two are dog-friendly) include four self-catering suites. Breakfast is served until 11.30 am. Grab some food for lunch, a picnic or provisions for a light supper from Golding’s Deli. In the same ownership, Market Bistro next door has seasonal and tasting menus.

Beside the River Eamont, a 17th-century coaching inn (Thwaites) has been revamped to make the most of its idyllic surroundings. It has a large modern rooftop sun terrace with splendid views, and garden seating by the water’s edge. On cold days, the cosy interior, furnished with plaids and reclaimed timber, is warmed by blazing fires. Food is served throughout the day. Some of the rustic and plainly styled bedrooms (a few are in a separate building) have views of Lake Ullswater.

Set in seven acres of beautiful grounds, a historic manor house listed in the Domesday Book, and once owned by Elizabeth I’s Lord Treasurer, Lord Burghley. Rebuilt in 1840, it still features an original fireplace in the galleried hall. Casual dining, snacks and afternoon tea are served in the Restaurant and on the large terrace overlooking the garden. The hotel is in the village of Stanton Saint Quintin, four miles from Chippenham.

Just outside Ipswich, a country house hotel with a relaxed atmosphere. Modern, spacious bedrooms have large beds, luxury toiletries, and a minibar stocked with complimentary soft drinks and biscuits. The informal restaurant is open all day for brasserie dishes such as Ingley Dell pork fillet, roasted breast of Sutton Hoo chicken and chargrilled steaks. Overlooking sweeping lawns, a covered terrace is ideal for outdoor dining or afternoon tea.