Abutting the Roman city walls, this style-savvy red brick old coaching inn (Young’s Brewery) has a lively atmosphere. Inside, a host of interesting curios including a vintage sewing machine, a ship’s masthead, and splashes of colour lend a quirky yet unpretentious vibe. Microbrewed drinks and traditional pub classics are served all day in the buzzy restaurant. In balmy weather, diners spill on to the large beer garden. ‘Boutiquey’ bedrooms are themed (water, wool, cotton).

More than a century old, this former seafarers’ hotel is in a quaint street in the city’s historic maritime district. It takes its name from the famous shipping line. A Fuller’s pub, the bar stocks draught ales and a large selection of gins and wines. In the panelled dining room, menus of classic fare are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cosy, contemporary bedrooms are located on ‘decks’. Upper Deck rooms are the most spacious; bathrooms have a roll-top bath.

Off the beaten track, four miles south of Taunton, a relaxed and dog-friendly rustic inn with wooden floors, exposed stone walls, leather sofas and a log burner, Perfect pre- and post a bracing walk, the welcoming bar serves an extensive range of Somerset ales, and there is hearty fare in the oak-beamed restaurant. Bedrooms have views of rolling countryside.

Nestling by a church, a traditional, family-run country inn with a bar, comfy sofas and good food in two restaurant areas. The 17th-century building is close to Montacute House; Yeovil is a thirteen minute drive.

An historic coaching inn opposite Laughton village green, seven miles from Lewes. Rooms are in a sympathetically converted stable block. Classic pub grub and an extensive range of beers, wines and gin is served in the interesting bar and dining room, or in the large pub garden, also home to two pet micro-pigs and some clucking hens.

Overlooking the Blackdown Hills, a welcoming, dog-friendly country pub in an 18th century coaching Inn. It is surrounded by rolling fields and the Neroche Staple Fitzpaine Herepath  (a 13.5 mile off-road trail) is close by.  Bedrooms are neat and comfortable, and supplied with tea, coffee, bottled water; Chard is large enough to accommodate a family of four. In the bar, local ciders and wines accompany home-made food, such as calves liver with crispy bacon, creamy mash and gravy or Dover sole Benoit with Fowey mussels and a white wine crème fraîche sauce, and a choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all based on locally sourced ingredients.

From its origins as a 17th-century coaching inn, this hotel in Westgate (part of Peel Hotels) has expanded into a large comfortable venue for both travellers and locals. Traditional and contemporary dishes are served in the modern Brasserie; lighter meals and snacks are available throughout the day in Pastroudis Bar and Cafe. Directly opposite the entrance to Queensgate Shopping Centre.

Just across the bridge in Eton, this refurbished Georgian inn is on a corner of the high street. Simply furnished bedrooms have wood furniture, comfortable beds and crisp bedlinen; some rooms have a view of Windsor Castle or the river. The pub dishes and daily blackboard specials are cooked using local, seasonal produce, much of it sourced from the royal farm estate. At the rear, the inn’s owners (Windsor and Eton Brewery) have created a smart decked garden for eating and drinking outside in warmer months.

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,

Close to the Ridgeway path (Europe’s oldest pathway), a small, friendly pub serving cask ales from local and micro breweries, and tasty food. The original well can be viewed through a glass panel in the restaurant floor. Comfortable accommodation is in an annexe; pets are welcome in ground floor rooms. 3 miles N of Marlborough.

Bedecked with hanging baskets, a friendly local on the high street. It is owned by Wadworth, an independent brewer based in Wiltshire. Comfortably furnished bedrooms (quieter at the back) have restful tones and some original features. Real ales at the bar; pub dishes (sausage and mash, pie of the day) are sered in the characterful wood-panelled dining areas.

With parts dating back to the 18th century, an old pub near the high street has received a stylish revamp. The bar (moody colours, leather Chesterfield seating, wide wooden floorboards) has pub fare, craft beers and ales, wines and local spirits. Contemporary bedrooms (two are dog-friendly) include four self-catering suites. Breakfast is served until 11.30 am. Grab some food for lunch, a picnic or provisions for a light supper from Golding’s Deli. In the same ownership, Market Bistro next door has seasonal and tasting menus.

Beside the River Eamont, a 17th-century coaching inn (Thwaites) has been revamped to make the most of its idyllic surroundings. It has a large modern rooftop sun terrace with splendid views, and garden seating by the water’s edge. On cold days, the cosy interior, furnished with plaids and reclaimed timber, is warmed by blazing fires. Food is served throughout the day. Some of the rustic and plainly styled bedrooms (a few are in a separate building) have views of Lake Ullswater.

Ten minutes from Ascot Racecourse, this 18th-century red-brick pub is a cert for equine devotees and rural inn-seekers alike. There are nooks and crannies, tweedy fabrics. original stone floors and a welcoming open fire in cooler months. Some of the comfortable bedrooms have views over the peaceful garden which has plenty of seating and a cosy Cabana for the ultimate outdoor dining experience. Traditional pub fare is supplemented with dishes such as Wild Boar sausages, mash, lentils and savoy cabbage or braised rabbit, mustard root vegetables and tarragon.

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.

Two miles south of the University, on the busy A167, The Honest Lawyer is in a village close to the banks of the River Wear. Pleasant walks start from the hotel entrance and the city centre is within easy reach. Accommodation is in the main building (some rooms have a four-poster bed), and in the motel-style Courtyard rooms with their own entrance, popular with guests with dogs. Three inter-connecting bedrooms are ideal for a family. Breakfast (not included in the room price), lunch and dinner is served in Bailey’s restaurant. Lighter meals can be taken in the bar, Orangery or Atrium, or outside on the terrace or in the garden.