Close to the station, a hotel and restaurant inside a Grade II-listed 18th-century sandstone mansion. Intimate and clubby, there is an open fire in the bar, and Gallic-influenced dishes in the informal restaurant; alfresco dining on the terrace. Modern bedrooms (some overlooking Calverley Park) have plenty of perks: a capsule coffee machine, fluffy bathrobes, chic toiletries for indulgent bathing. Within walking distance of the Pantiles.

In a lively seaside town known equally for its medieval castle and its ice cream parlour, this ancient coaching inn is today a ‘friendly’ hotel with updated bedrooms, a stylish restaurant, and a well-preserved pub whose wonky doors, open fireplace and old photographs create much atmosphere.

In lush grounds by the River Bure in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, a wisteria-hung Georgian house with a relaxed atmosphere. Graceful bedrooms have uplifting decor; some have a private balcony or terrace. The summer houses and cottages, which can accommodate four or six people, suit groups. Food is fresh, home-made and well-presented. Tailor-made treatments for face and body. The hotel’s day boat is available for hire.

A retreat from the city, the rattan swings, hammocks and sun loungers in the large walled garden of this Victorian town house make it an inviting place to hang loose. Squashy sofas encourage the laid-back atmosphere in the sitting room. Individually decorated, modern bedrooms are spread over three floors. Breakfast is in the bright conservatory. The city centre and airport are a short train-ride or drive away.

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.

Within the East Cliff conservation area, the Marlowe family’s characterful Kemptown B&B has long been a bastion of sustainable living.

Unparalleled fell views and obliging staff are found at this family-friendly spot on the lower slopes of Skiddaw. Bedrooms all overlook the landscaped gardens; most also take in the stunning scenery. Browse books and magazines, or play a board game, in the fire-warmed lounges; the spa and indoor swimming pool are a welcome retreat after a day’s sightseeing or mountain hike. At mealtimes, there are British dishes and whatever the children fancy; breakfast has plenty of choice. Many walks from the door.

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.

Above the town, this modern, family-friendly hotel in a 19th-century building overlooks a park, and has views as far as Herm and Sark. Bedrooms might be modern or traditional, with sea view or balcony. Complimentary sweet snacks are replenished all day; a range of loose-leaf teas is served for afternoon tea, in the conservatory or on the terrace. A safari theme runs wild in the striking Leopard bar.

Like ducks to water, locals flock to this stylish 18th-century coaching inn, drawn to its modern country comforts and modern British fare. Staying guests are cosseted with high-quality linens and woollen throws in ‘minimalist’ bedrooms; bathrooms are supplied with robes and complimentary goodies from the owners’ beauty company, Baylis & Harding.

Within an architect-designed complex, this contemporary hotel enjoys a ‘prime position’ in the ‘serene grounds’ of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. At breakfast in the busy refectory or on the terrace, a ‘small buffet’ and ‘well-served’ hot dishes lay heavenly foundations for the day. Guests have free admission to the cathedral and its precincts, and discounts at local restaurants, ‘many within easy walking distance’.

A ten-minute walk, over the stone bridge, from Ludlow Castle, this pub-with-rooms stands above the River Teme, its large terrace taking in the enjoyable panorama of the town. There’s a cheery atmosphere in the traditional bar and restaurant where locals and visitors enjoy well-cooked modern dishes and pub classics. Bedrooms, some snug, are up the stairs In the morning, read the papers over a breakfast of local sausages and Clun Valley eggs.

Abutting the Roman city walls, this style-savvy red brick old coaching inn (Young’s Brewery) has a lively atmosphere. Inside, a host of interesting curios including a vintage sewing machine, a ship’s masthead, and splashes of colour lend a quirky yet unpretentious vibe. Microbrewed drinks and traditional pub classics are served all day in the buzzy restaurant. In balmy weather, diners spill on to the large beer garden. ‘Boutiquey’ bedrooms are themed (water, wool, cotton).

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.

Once industrial, now simply ‘in’, the city’s lively Northern Quarter is a fitting spot for this Victorian textile warehouse-turned-hip hotel. Fronted by a cool cocktail bar, the boutique-y venue has original metal staircases, exposed brick, and added indoor greenery. Clean-cut, contemporary bedrooms have up-to-date tech. Complimentary Prosecco and nibbles in the bar in the evening. In the morning, a breakfast bag of granola, juice, fruit and a pastry is delivered to the room.

‘On arrival we discovered that our package included afternoon tea, which we enjoyed before a concert at Cadogan Hall.’

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.

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 town centre, a family owned hotel in a renovated and extended Georgian building, overlooking a historic Crown Bowling Green. Neat bedrooms have modern bathrooms. The old coaching house has been converted into a gym and spa with beauty treatments and a heated indoor pool. In a former grocer’s, Wilsons Bar & Restaurant has comfy booths, a courtyard garden and conservatory and Mediterranean dishes on the menu.

A beachfront hotel within walking distance of the harbour and the high street. Some of the compact, light and simply decorated bedrooms have far-reaching views over the Thames Estuary (binoculars provided). Even closer to the shore, former fishermen’s stores on the sea wall have been converted into appealing self-contained units (some have steep stairs). Hearty breakfasts at the hotel are a short walk away. Fresh-from-the-sea oysters and mussels feature on the French-style brasserie menu.

In 300 acres of parkland originally laid out by landscape designer Humphry Repton, this welcoming and romantic Grade I listed Regency mansion comes with impressive modern facilities. There are two golf courses, a private cinema and an award-winning rooftop spa with saunas, steam rooms, an infinity pool and herb-infused treatments. Sleek accommodation ranges from suites (some with a private terrace) in contemporary wings, to cottages and lodges. Inspired by the seasons – creative dishes are ‘exceptionally good’ in the glass-sided spa restaurant, Horto. Vegetables, fruit and flowers come from the delightful kitchen garden; the hotel’s natural springs supply the water. In the glamorous Clocktower Restaurant and Bar, a 400-year-old Catalonian olive tree takes centre stage in the light-filled conservatory.

Just outside Mumbles in mature gardens, a Georgian manor house has standard, superior and family rooms as well as self-catering apartments, a friendly ambience, and casual all-day dining in the modern, light-filled bistro. An Early Bird menu is served from Monday to Sunday. A stroll along the front to the recently renovated pier (one of Swansea’s oldest and most famous landmarks), is recommended.

In this picturesque market town, a much-extended, 19th-century coaching inn has been endowed with light and airy communal spaces, and a spa with revitalising heat treatments and an outdoor pool. The cosy lounge has a wood fire, plumped cushions on comfy sofas; books and board games. Bedrooms vary greatly in size and style. Suites in the main house have a sitting area or a separate sitting room; the smallest rooms face the street. Inspired by seasonal Yorkshire produce, à la carte menus are served in the high-ceilinged conservatory restaurant, Weathervane, or al fresco on the poolside terrace in summer months.

Convenient for Silverstone, the hotel once served as a stopover for Victorian railway travellers: high speed trains still run along its front. The restaurant is popular for rib eye steaks and seasonal menus. Bedrooms are straightforward; breakfasts are tasty. Music and comedy events are regularly held. On the outskirts of Blisworth, 6 miles from Northampton,

In the heart of the maritime quarter, an imaginatively modernised hotel in a converted Regency Port Authority building (Grade II* listed). Featuring Welsh produce, the restaurant is in an impressive former boardroom on the first floor (it is open to non-residents from Wednesday evening through to Sunday lunch). Catch major sporting events on the large screen in Morgan’s bar while enjoying a chilled beer, classic cocktail or wines from around the world. The Champagne bar is a sophisticated alternative. Some of the well-equipped modern bedrooms are across a small side road in The Townhouse.  

Guests are welcomed with a glass of wine or beer at this relaxed B&B which has direct access to the private, 4-acre August Gardens. Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and home-made cake are available throughout the day. The grand, cream-painted 1850s merchant’s house is furnished in a clean-lined, contemporary style.

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.

By Forbury Gardens, striking design meets civic grandeur in a grand brick-built building (formerly The Forbury hotel, and County Hall offices). Opulently restored by India-based hotel group Roseate Hotels & Resorts, an impressive chandelier trails down; plush fabrics and ritzy wallpaper add glamour. In luxurious bedrooms there is fine bedding, original artwork, and state-of-the-art lighting and audio systems. Cerise restaurant is for sophisticated dining. Soothing treatments await in Aheli spa. Reading rail station is a 5-minute walk away.

Set in sixteen acres of gardens, fields and woodland, the Whymant family’s hotel is in a sympathetically updated Georgian-style house, three miles from the market town of Beverley. Individually designed, the elegant bedrooms range from Intimate to Suites, spread between the main house , the farmhouse wing and The Granary, a separate stone cottage. Some rooms have a fireplace, beams, a four-poster bed, garden views. All have homemade biscuits, chilled water, fresh milk; books to browse. Lunches and dainty afternoon teas are served in The Library. For dinner, East Yorkshire’s larder influences the restaurant’s modern British menus.

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 centre of this bustling market town, a family-friendly (Fullers) hotel in a handsome Grade II listed former coaching inn. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, menus include moules frites and steak frites. Quirky rooms have bold wallpaper. The flower-filled courtyard garden is ideal for sunny days and balmy nights. https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-bull-dorset.en-gb.html?aid=311076

In a ‘scenically superb area’, this ‘good-value’ hotel stands opposite the green of this village (known for its magnificent castle) on the North Sea coast facing Farne Island. Fronted by potted plants and a coat of arms, it is managed by Graham Young

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.

Amid sheep-grazed pastures, this 16th-century farmhouse with outbuildings lies at the foot of the Rhinog mountains and has glorious views over Cardigan Bay to the Llyn peninsula. Guests make themselves at home in a converted granary, where three lofty rooms have their own access, beverages and self-catering facilities – a table, fridge, toaster and microwave. Exposed timbers and quirky old features join modern comforts in unpretentious bedrooms. Breakfast is delivered to the room; local restaurants and pubs are recommended. A wonderful location for exploring the area around Barmouth, there are walks and bicycle rides up the Mawddach estuary as well as castles and ruins to explore.