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.

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.

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.

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.

Five miles from the foodie town of Ludlow, two 300-year-old cottages with beautiful long views to the Clee hills form a rural haven for exclusive use gatherings. In the spacious house, there are oak floor boards, wooden beams and wood burners. Rustic bedrooms (one with French doors opening onto a balcony) have luxury quilts on large beds and look out over tranquil green spaces. At the end of a winding board walk, a cosy wooden cabin for two (The Retreat) has a small kitchen and access to decking with a fire pit and a private hot tub, and may be rented separately. Within the large garden, an outdoor dining area, BBQ, a lawned area for outdoor games and a treehouse.

A well-managed chain hotel in a good location, convenient for the shops, station and the Trent Bridge cricket ground. Impeccable rooms have excellent beds and open storage. Paid parking nearby.

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.

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.