One hundred and seventy-five acres of rolling countryside surround this Grade I listed country house, with opportunities for golf, clay pigeon shooting and boundless walks; treatments and a Jacuzzi in the restful spa. Characterful bedrooms, some timbered, some panelled, have four-poster canopy beds. Fine dining menus in Carrier’s restaurant make use of fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden.

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.

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.

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.  

Two miles outside Scarborough in the North York Moors National Park, a dog-friendly country house hotel set in seventeen acres of gardens and grounds. Individually designed bedrooms and suites are in the main house, or set around a wisteria-clad courtyard; some have direct access to the garden. The traditional, stone-walled bar has comfortable seating by a cheerful wood-burning stove, and there is a choice of dining – traditional Yorkshire gastro pub fare in the Bistro, or more creative cuisine in the Courtyard restaurant.

Within the Bowood Estate, a purpose-built country house with adjacent golf facilities and an award-winning spa (infinity swimming pool, gym, rock sauna, crystal steam room, aromatherapy shower and relaxation room, and treatments. The Shelburne Restaurant, Bar & Library have all-day dining and parkland views. Guests receive complimentary access to Bowood House & Gardens (April to October). Chippenham is a 6-mile drive away.

Overlooking Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe, a baronial edifice with luxurious suites, some in the main mansion; others, in a characterful building close by, have a sitting room with a wood burning stove, a fully stocked kitchen with Aga-oven, and a restful bedroom upstairs. Savour stunning views of mountains or loch, and in the evening, the option of a seasonally-inspired, candle-lit five-course dinner, served in the room.

Occupying an 18th-century mansion this large hotel (part of QHotels group) sits in beautifully landscaped gardens, SE of Leeds. It has a spa, conference and wedding facilities, and a 27-hole championship golf complex in its grounds. Leeds train station is 5 miles away.

In parkland, a white-painted country house hotel blending classic with contemporary twists. The cheerful lounge has yellow seating, and retains its period features. Oversized headboards add statement to individually styled bedrooms. British cuisine is served in Seasons restaurant overlooking Ouzel Valley Park, or outside on a sunny, decked terrace in summer. Children are offered special menus and board games for rainy days. On the outskirts of Milton Keynes, the hotel is a popular wedding venue.

Stroll along the river Eden, fish for salmon, brown trout and grayling, or just relax in the inviting fire-lit drawing room of this imposing country house; a lovely terrace overlooks the water. Informal and dog-friendly, the B&B has immense, well-appointed rooms with spectacular views of the grounds. Breakfasts feature home produced and local fare; a three-course dinner may be pre-booked. On an estate with a large walled garden, four miles outside Carlisle.

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.

In fifteen acres of landscaped grounds, a red-brick Queen Anne mansion that was originally built for the Churchill family. Afternoon tea is served in The Polo Bar and Lounge or outside on the terrace. FORK restaurant (casual dining), and some of the modern bedrooms have views over the lovely garden, where outdoor activities include a croquet lawn, tennis courts, shooting hoops and giant snakes and ladders. Part of Exclusive Collection.

In Plympton St Maurice, on the edge of the city, this Georgian manor was once a convent. Now a hotel and events venue, tranquillity remains in calming, modern bedrooms and in the surrounding nine acres of gardens and sweeping lawns. Local and regionally sourced produce appears on the restaurant’s fine dining menus: perhaps curried white crab with pea panna cotta, pink grapefruit and fresh pea shoots; Tournedos Rossini – fillet of Devon beef on crispy crouton with chicken liver parfait, dauphinoise potato, wild mushroom and baby onion jus.

Roaming peacocks add a colourful note to the setting of this country house hotel near Liskeard. Within its 40-acre grounds, roaming guests will discover ornamental ponds, fishing lakes, barbecue areas, woodland walks and a horse-riding school. In the bar and airy restaurant, there are flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and open log fires. Two of the well-quipped, traditionally furnished bedrooms are ideal for a family; some rooms have a four-poster bed.