Amid 1,000 acres of historically important gardens, pleasure grounds and woodland, this romantic Elizabethan manor house, built by an ironmaster for his bride, forms an impressive backdrop for Michelin-starred cuisine.

For 40 years, Raymond Blanc has held two Michelin stars at this beautiful country-house hotel 'and it's not surprising – every mouthful of every meal is a triumph', say Guide insiders.

Old-meets-new in this revived 16th-century coaching inn, now a 'busy, cheerful pub' in a historic Wealden village.

Charles II might not recognise his old royal hunting lodge today but, as the father of at least 11 children and a great lover of his spaniels, the Merry Monarch would enjoy the dog-friendly, inclusive ethos.

In gardens bordered by a stream, the Wild family's hotel, converted from three 17th-century cottages, a stroll from its own quayside, has well-equipped, country-classic bedrooms, formal and informal dining in restaurant and brasserie.

With smugglers' tunnels beneath, this 'beautiful, gabled 17th-century manor', five minutes from Ashford International, stands in 'a secret garden oasis with a rose and herb garden'.

A Regency mansion in parkland, once home to Percy Shelley's mother, has been reimagined as a contemporary country house hotel infused with a blithe spirit.

It is more than thirty years since Sarah Burgoyne first welcomed guests to her Georgian manor house, 'in enchanting gardens and grounds', where 'deer roam at dawn and birdsong is guaranteed'.

Once a retreat for Lord Beaverbrook, this Victorian mansion, filled with fascinating memorabilia, is home to chic contemporary bedrooms, a fine-dining restaurant, Japanese grill, library, cinema and spa.

Redolent of its sometimes racy past, this veritable palazzo, designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1850 for the Duke of Sutherland, sits in National Trust pleasure grounds above the Thames.

A colonial-style Victorian villa with galleried veranda has been refurbished in fine style, with 16 classy bedrooms and an airy restaurant serving locally sourced, seasonal, modern British fare.

Smart accommodation combines with the ambience of a country pub, replete with beams, flagstones and open fires, and a restaurant serving modern British cooking at this Cotswolds hotel.

This baronial-style Victorian manor house overlooking a deer park in the New Forest has been stylishly updated as an adults-only retreat with a well-regarded restaurant.

A Victorian house on the Sissinghurst estate is home to this 'good-value B&B in a perfect location' for a visit the iconic English gardens laid out in the 1930s by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson.

In landscaped gardens with views to the South Downs, this Georgian rectory B&B offers a tranquil retreat, traditional bedrooms with garden views, and a locally sourced breakfast.

Being remodelled as The Alfriston. An outdoor heated pool, extensive grounds, Downs views, individually styled bedrooms and refined dining are among the attractions at this dog-friendly hotel on the banks of the River Cuckmere.