This Victorian gothic mansion might appear a little forbidding, but step inside and you are overwhelmed by a warm ambience and beautiful interiors, while some guests choose to sleep out in the woods in a timber-lined 'hive' or tree house.

Amid rolling hills, where Shropshire nudges Herefordshire, Pippa and Willem Vlok's restaurant-with-rooms comprises a picturesque set piece of medieval and Georgian farm buildings.

With walks from the doorstep, views of Peak District hills, a peaceful garden, breakfast feasts and restful bedrooms, it's no surprise that Underleigh wins so much praise.

Modern mixes with medieval on the ramparts of what remains of Nottingham Castle, with this sleek hotel the perfect place to escape the bustling city.

Part of the nascent and fast-growing Signet Collection, this hotel, has an easy-going vibe, smart bedrooms, some very affordable, some with views over Rutland Water, relaxed brasserie dining and, now, an outdoor spa.

This old pub in a tiny rural village had stood empty and rotting for years when it was rescued and revived, with smart bedrooms in a converted piggery, and cooking of a very high order.

After standing empty for almost nine years and falling into decay, this handsome village pub was rescued by the community a decade ago and thrives today as a friendly local and smart pub with rooms.

On the edge of a tranquil village, yet only 10 minutes from historic Oundle, the Marriott family offers comfortable B&B rooms in converted buildings on their traditional arable farm.

Behind the Tudor black-and-white facade of this old coaching inn lies a gastropub big on sustainability, with some quirky options for an overnight stay.

A rustic aspect belies the rather smart interiors at this pub on the Chatsworth estate serving pub classics and more imaginative fare.

An olde-worlde pub in a Chatsworth estate village combines here with a modern brasserie, while individually styled bedrooms are spread between the inn and three cottages.

Refurbished throughout by a new owner, this Georgian coaching inn in the city's historic heart offers a good choice of comfortable bedrooms, bars and dining options.

A Peak District former shooting lodge 'in a pretty walled garden' on the Derbyshire Wye, this hotel has been completely refurbished by new owners, restaurateurs Alistair Myers and Tom Lawson.

Amid water-meadow pasture, this foodie restaurant with beautifully presented rooms and a cookery school are spread across an ancient, timber-frame farmhouse and converted outbuildings.

With onsite brewery, boutique-style bedrooms in the main building and a converted barn, and a menu of popular classics and more exotic dishes, this modernised 300-year-old village pub retains plenty of character.

'Over five decades the dear old George has never missed a beat, and our stay was as perfect as ever in this beautiful, old but supremely comfortable hotel in a lovely town.'

'Treehouses, boathouses and shepherds' huts are scattered around 70 acres of glorious grounds on the Consall Hall Estate at this deconstructed, dog-friendly hotel.

This red-brick Georgian coaching inn, 10 minutes from foodie-central Ludlow, has been smartly updated with a breezy open-plan bar and restaurant, and country-chic bedrooms.

Behind the unmissable Tudor façade of this former coaching inn, you will find bedrooms blending modern comforts with original features, delightful staff, imaginative sharing plates and brasserie dishes in the restaurant and bar.