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.

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.

Well located in the town, a comfortable hotel in a handsome building dating back to 1809. It makes a good base for hikers and visitors to Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall nearby. Bedrooms (some recently refurbished in the main house; some with a 4-poster bed) are also in a courtyard building across the road. Dining is in the elegant Square Restaurant or in the lively Juniper Pizza and Gin bar.

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.