Close to the northernmost of the Lakes, under Wythop Woods in the shadow of Skiddaw, this 300-year-old coaching inn, managed by Matthew Wylie, is ‘a very special place, say fans’.

Here is an exemplary hotel, according to a discerning Guide Reader, ‘elegant and comfortable’, it has ‘an air of confidence’ that sets guests at ease.

Since Chris Staines and Silvana Bandini bought The Ollerod 18 months ago, its transformation into a ‘restaurant-led’ establishment has continued apace.

Widescreen vistas of salt marshes and big skies rush to this family-friendly, quayside hotel. Helmed by Emma Stannard, with 'universally friendly and efficient staff', the north Norfolk grand dame is approaching its centenary.

‘Bravo! I spent three marvellous days at The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds.’ A reader in 2019 raves about her stay at this Elizabethan coaching inn with roots in the 1300s.

'In a lovely location in quiet countryside’, Christopher and Andrea Varley’s 400-year-old manor house stands in wooded grounds with views across the Vale of Cartmel.

‘Little has changed’ at this ‘beautifully maintained and furnished’ pink brick Queen Anne mansion. Guests on a return visit after many years likened it to a wonderful 'time warp'.

‘Whenever a special date crops up, we make a beeline for Gravetye and have never been disappointed.’

An 18th-century town house combines with its 17th-century neighbour as an atmospheric small hotel, a stroll from a charming survivor of this market town’s Georgian heyday, the Theatre Royal.

‘The real break we had hoped for.’ ‘We haven't had a bad meal here in over 30 years.’ High praise from readers in 2019, suggesting this small restaurant-with-rooms was right to name itself after Yeats’s ode to tranquillity and relaxation.

The River Marlais runs by the garden of Annabel and Stephen Thomas’s 16th-century country house in a village on the edge of Brechfa Forest.

‘In a beautiful setting’ in wooded grounds, with trout lake and the River Irfon running through it, Jean-Pierre Mifsud’s hotel is especially praised for its ‘location, ambience and welcoming staff'.

In a sylvan setting on the remote Lleyn peninsula, Gunna and Chris Chown’s Georgian country house has had an entry in the Guide for many years.

Some forest findings with your roast Jerusalem artichokes? Estuary greens with the scallops? Nature's wild bounty features prominently at this lauded restaurant-with-rooms owned by Michelin-starred chef Chris Harrod and his wife, Kirsty.

In the middle of nowhere, this 18th-century coaching inn-turned-gastronomic destination defines the village to which it gives its name.

'A real star, we enjoyed our stay,' enthuse Guide regulars, who visited several hotels on either side of this year's Scottish cruise. 'It was by far our favourite.'

‘A very special place,’ say guests in 2019, of Sian and David Ibbotson’s Victorian hunting lodge overlooking the Irish Sea. ‘The accommodating hosts went out of their way, more than once, to ensure we had a terrific time.'

‘They make you feel welcome and at home’ at Sally and David Ruthven-Fox’s dog-friendly hotel ‘by the shores of Loch Sunart and surrounded by hills’.

High above St Peter’s Port harbour, this elegant, extended 18th-century town house allows guests to awake to 'fantastic views' across rooftops and a sea frescoed with boats, to neighbouring islands.

‘Utter comfort – a fire lit after breakfast in the drawing room, drinks from the bar when needed.’ An endorsement from a regular visitor, following another stay at this family-run hotel.

Flower decked without, welcoming within, this 'excellent' village pub, contrived from three former miners’ cottages, is liked by readers flying out of nearby Bristol Airport.

We have readers who have been returning for more than 20 years to the Wild family’s traditional hotel ‘in a picturesque village’ once known for oyster fishing.

‘We arrived on a golden Indian summer late afternoon to a warm welcome, culminating in tea on the lawn, looking beyond the ha-ha to a field.’

‘It is impossible to criticise this hotel,’ wrote a reader, praising everything from the service to the ‘delicious food’ at this mellow stone hotel.