On a pedestrianised street across from the Victorian Pavilion Gardens, this ‘elegantly decorated’ B&B stands in ‘an attractive, convenient location’ in the old spa town. Maggi and Gerard Heelan are the ‘pleasant, attentive’ owners – ‘and helpful to boot, as we discovered during Buxton’s busy Festival period,’ say trusted Guide correspondents this year, who were impressed by their stay. The traditionally styled 19th-century house faces the lake in the public park; come in to find potted plants, leather armchairs and a wealth of books, magazines and travel guides in the ‘very comfortable’ lounge. Most of the bedrooms are on the upper floors (pause to browse the book-swapping library on the landing). ‘Lots of nice details in our room: proper coat hangers; an elaborate towel arrangement of swans on our bed. Facecloths, too, in the bathroom – always a good sign.’ There’s ‘excellent bacon’ at a ‘good breakfast’ (‘just two niggles: foil-wrapped pats of butter; canned, though quiet, classical baroque background music’). Chatsworth House is a half-hour’s drive away; the Heelans can arrange discounted tickets to visit the stately home and gardens. (Stephen and Pauline Glover)