'In the middle of nowhere down narrow country lanes', John and Sue Cushing's Georgian manor house hotel sits among five acres of brimming gardens, a prolific source of fruit and vegetables, cut flowers and perennial joy.

Named in honour of Shrewsbury's famous son, this Grade II* listed Sandford House, moments from the Severn towpath, has evolved into a B&B full of Darwin references, with animal and plant wallpapers, maps and natural history objets.

An Edwardian homage to 17th-century style, this beautiful manor house with rich Jacobean-inspired interiors is run as a luxury hotel with fine-dining restaurant where you can enjoy a 'truly memorable meal'.

Modern mixes with medieval on the ramparts of what remains of Nottingham Castle, with this sleek hotel the perfect place to escape the bustling city.

There is no isle here, no lake, no bee-loud glade, but the name of Richard and Janine Burton's lauded restaurant-with-rooms draws inspiration from WB Yeats's Innisfree, a place of serenity and escape.

There is a wide choice of generously equipped rooms at this substantial, dog friendly, family-friendly hotel on the edge of the Burghley Estate, with a pleasantly informal ambience and imaginative, seasonally inspired food served in the bistro.

Behind the Tudor black-and-white facade of this old coaching inn lies a gastropub big on sustainability, with some quirky options for an overnight stay.

Refurbished throughout by a new owner, this Georgian coaching inn in the city's historic heart offers a good choice of comfortable bedrooms, bars and dining options.

A once boarded-up village boozer with views over the Dove valley, this is today a thriving gastropub with well-equipped, stylish annexe rooms, and a menu of pub staples and creative seasonal dishes, served alfresco when the sun shines.

Occupying two Georgian villas in gardens bordered by the old castle moat, this friendly hotel has a wide choice of well-equipped, individually styled rooms, and inviting food in the light-filled conservatory.

You can dine well in historic splendour in the old drapers' guild hall at this singularly atmospheric restaurant with individually styled rooms.

This red-brick Georgian coaching inn, 10 minutes from foodie-central Ludlow, has been smartly updated with a breezy open-plan bar and restaurant, and country-chic bedrooms.

In the centre of a lively market town within walking distance of the Shropshire hills, this 'splendid' B&B is run by Diane Chadwick, a 'wonderfully energetic' and 'cheerful' hostess.

Fabulously photogenic, this Grade I listed Jacobean building with an ornate, timber-framed facade stands in a 'wonderful position' in the heart of town, a few minutes' walk from the main square and castle.

In landscaped grounds on the edge of the Wolds, this 18th-century-cum-Victorian manor house mixes antiques with modern comforts, fine and casual dining in restaurant and dog-friendly Pig & Whistle.

Behind the unmissable Tudor façade of this former coaching inn, you will find bedrooms blending modern comforts with original features, delightful staff, imaginative sharing plates and brasserie dishes in the restaurant and bar.