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.

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.

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.

Clearly very popular this whitewashed 17th-century village inn draws ramblers, cyclists, locals and their dogs. Reservations are recommended for the well-regarded restaurant. Above the bar, straightforward bedrooms, all solid oak and crisp bedlinen, are named for British deer. Two rooms in a converted barn, with easy access to public footpaths over the fields, are ideal for guests travelling with their dog. Stop in at the on-site farm shop for a packed lunch before striding out.

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.

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 good base for exploring the city, four listed buildings (two Georgian and two Victorian) form this hotel on the cobbled High Pavement. It has a striking Art Deco-influenced interior, and a choice of places to eat and drink.

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.

On a quaint, steep, cobbled street, an old parish hall has been imaginatively converted into a chic B&B with an on-site coffee shop. The Castle and Cathedral are a five-minute walk away,

In the historic quarter, adjacent to the King Richard 111 Visitor Centre. a beautifully renovated Grade II listed Georgian building, decorated in greys, monochrome patterns and pastel pink. Many bedrooms offer unrestricted views of Leicester Cathedral, Reception is in a separate building (St Martins House), where breakfast may be taken, in a room overlooking the peaceful gardens.

Next to the 15th-century castle, a hospitable owner and friendly pets provide the warmest of welcomes at this small B&B in a village seven miles W of Leicester. There are two homely bedrooms, a guest lounge, an outdoor pool and a gym.

Standing grandly over more recent housing development, this brick-built former manor house is two miles outside the town. The family-owned hotel includes a destination restaurant, a stylish bar, fireside sofas and intimate spaces for drinking and dining. Bright jewel colours run through to pleasing bedrooms.

Relaxed and welcoming, this revamped pub on the edge of town offers a vast selection of craft beers and real ales. To accompany them, there is an extensive range of home-made pizzas and burgers with some unusual twists. Upstairs, bedrooms are neat and modern,

In converted ecclesiastical buildings, with foundations dating back to medieval times, an atmospheric B&B. Comfortable bedrooms have opulent fabrics, old church doors, large leaded windows. Copious breakfasts are served in a room looking over the city’s castle and cathedral.

Embellished with hanging baskets, a small, brick-built hotel close to the racecourse and main sights in Warwick. Neat, comfortable bedrooms are above a friendly pub/restaurant stocking a wide selection of real ales, craft lagers, ciders and fine wines. In the rustic dining area, pub favourites, char-grilled steaks and burgers are served. Some outdoor seating; limited parking is through a narrow carriage entrance at the rear.

Adjacent to a road, a family-run hotel with spacious accommodation in a former 200-year-old former coaching house. All bedrooms have free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV, I-pod dock/radio and tea- and coffee-making facilities; less mobile guests will appreciate one of the five ground-floor rooms. Satisfying breakfasts are served in the modern dining room, and a small residents’ bar stocks local bottled real ales, lagers, wines and spirits; pubs and restaurants are a short walk away. Limited (first come, first served) on-site parking is possible).

Set in 10 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, this country house was built in 1845 for Josiah Wedgwood’s grandson. It is now a family-owned hotel and popular as a wedding venue. A grand staircase leads to characterful bedrooms, some with a balcony; others are in an annexe. A wood-panelled lounge has stunning views across the valley. Open to non-residents, home-cooked food is served for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. 4½ miles S of the city; 10 minutes off J15 on the M6.

A 200-year-old coaching inn in the centre, with beamed ceilings, exposed stonework and cosy nooks and crannies where, to the accompaniment of an original Wurlitzer juke box. ale aficionados can savour local brews. Homemade classic pub grub and Sunday roasts are served in a stone-flagged conservatory, or on warm days, outside in the courtyard. Bedrooms are in the converted stables; one has a four-poster bed and a free-standing bath; another would suit a family.

In a hamlet close to Ashbourne, this welcoming country pub is an ideal base for expeditions to the Peak District National Park or the thrilling rides of Alton Towers. After the day’s excitement, unwind over a drink and comforting food in the brick and wood bar, warmed by a log burner in winter, spreading out onto a terrace on warmer days. Modern rustic bedrooms, named after local families, have gentle floral fabrics and sturdy pine furniture.