An informal hotel in a renovated black-and-white Victorian building on The Embankment, with fine views out over the River Great Ouse. Rooms are prettily decorated with touches of floral fabrics and wallpaper. Throughout the day, a wide range of food is served in the homely public spaces.

Across from the station, a mid-Victorian railway hotel, that has comfortably accommodated travellers since its inception. American novelist, Nathaniel Hawthorne was a guest here. Befitting its past, the well-equipped bedrooms have been updated in classic style. Home-cooked food is available throughout the day in the coffee shop, and every evening in Restaurant Circa 1852; afternoon teas and roasts at weekends.

Light and airy, South Lodge, Wavendon, is a contemporary B&B in an acre of landscaped gardens bordering a golf course and fields, five miles SE of Milton Keynes. Spoiling additions to the comfortable bedrooms include soft fluffy robes, homemade biscuits, complimentary soft drinks and fresh milk in the mini fridge, and underfloor heating in sparkling bathrooms. A morning newspaper arrives with breakfast, which may be served in the dining room, on the patio or in one’s room. The Wavendon Arms restaurant is within walking distance; the Stables Theatre is just one mile away.

A small B&B in a detached house, peacefully surrounded by a lawn and lush gardens. It has a comfortable lounge, homely bedrooms (two share bathroom facilities) and a tasty English/Irish or continental breakfast in the morning. Dinner may be pre-arranged. Duxford and Shuttleworth airfields, the RSPB headquarters, local shops and places to eat are close by. 5.5 miles SE of St Neot’s.

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.

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.