A retreat from the city, the large walled garden of this suburban Victorian town house is an inviting place to hang loose.

On the site of the Roman Forum, this sleek Bailgate area hotel is ‘superbly’ located between cathedral and castle. Comfortable, compact bedrooms in the main building, modishly decorated in earthy hues, overlook the castle walls or have views of the medieval cathedral. Courtyard rooms are in the peaceful 250-year-old coach house, all conveniently on the ground floor, with parking just outside.

The views stretch to Windermere and the Langdale Pikes from this 19th-century stone-and-slate country house, which stands in large, landscaped grounds, in a green valley that leads to the rushing river.

George Dailey’s honey-stone roadside inn, north of Oxford, is a popular village hub where locals come for the ‘excellent’ cooking – and where farther-flung guests settle in for ‘a very nice stay’.

‘A genuine sense of hospitality’ – and an interesting collection of local art – fill Una and Dermot Brennan’s ‘attractively priced’ hotel, in a pretty town between the Ring of Beara and the Ring of Kerry.

It’s not just the ‘stupendous view’, but ‘the whole ambience’ that guests find appealing about this Victorian hotel and spa on Salcombe’s tranquil estuary.

Homemade and locally sourced treats, afternoon tea, a five course festive lunch and plenty of mince pies, all topped off with card games and heartwarming evenings in characterise Christmas at Sands Hotel.

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).

Taste life at sea at this contemporary, ocean liner-like hotel jutting out over a private marina.

Take the dog for a walk across the moor and work up an appetite for Christmas at this blissful country house with all the trimmings.