Steeped in history and dating in parts from Norman times, this extraordinary hotel has antique-filled bedrooms, an oasis rear garden bounded by the city wall, and a fine-dining restaurant.

Rising phoenix-like from the ashes of a conflagration, Andrew Pern's thatched village gastropub retains its joyful eccentricity, with quirky, rustic bedrooms in converted farm buildings, while Mr Pern's modern Yorkshire cooking has lost none of its spark.

Much altered since it was begun in 1695, the Cunliffe-Lister family's neo-Gothic, castellated fantasy castle is 'a very special place, grand and imposing', in 'simply glorious' pleasure grounds and parkland.

Michael and Johanna Wignall have reimagined a 15th-century Dales inn, creating classy, contemporary bedrooms, most in annexes with views over Rylstone Fell, and intimate dining spaces in which to sample Michael's Michelin-starred cooking.

Raise a nasturtium martini to chef/director Tommy Banks, renowned for his wildly creative cooking and use of foraged ingredients, at the family's Michelin-starred restaurant-with-rooms, with country-style bedrooms, here on the North York Moors.

Enjoy Victorian Gothic splendour and fine or more casual dining at this country mansion with a spa and golf course in parkland.

In an enchanting village, this coaching inn impresses with its cosy beamed bar, indulgent bedrooms with private patio, and Michelin-starred chef James Mackenzie's spin on classic British dishes in the restaurant.