Iona Sound, frescoed with gently bobbing boats, provides a tranquil outlook for the row of crofters’ cottages that form this ‘amazing little hotel’.

A horse-drawn carriage brings guests to this rose-covered, 16th-century farmhouse on a car-free island.

‘We will never tire of the stunning location, lovely rooms, superb food and excellent hospitality.’ Praise from readers, on a fourth visit to Richard Lee’s Georgian country house overlooking Esthwaite Water.

Surrounded by rolling countryside, yet just a hill away from the sea, this ‘first-rate’ former Victorian farm B&B ‘is a very special place set in beautiful grounds’.

In ‘a splendid location’, Fiona and Richard Trevor’s 18th-century church manse looks out at fishing boats bobbing on the water of a tranquil inlet.

In the otherworldly landscape of Romney Marsh, this extraordinary 1920s house was built by Clough Williams Ellis for Hollywood actress Hedda Hopper.

‘Set in a period property, this hotel pampers its clients like friends, and captures an age of country house hospitality,’ write readers this year, of Barbara Garnsworthy’s former dower house in a feudal village.

‘Well liked by traditionalists and locals,’ Emma and Hugh Asher’s creeper-smothered hotel was buzzing on a Saturday night when Guide readers arrived.

‘From the moment you pull up at this beautiful hotel, you are treated like royalty,’ writes a reader on a return visit to this Victorian country house on the shores of Loch Faskally.

‘A convivial local gathering spot’, Piers Baker’s 15th-century, timber-framed inn stands ‘in a prime situation’ in ‘this endearing village of variously coloured houses’ in Constable Country.

‘One of my favourites.’ ‘Deserves a glowing account.’ Readers are full of praise for the Reynolds family’s dog-friendly, people-friendly hotel in the Dales.

‘Five stars’, ‘Highly recommended’, ‘Faultless.’ ‘Frances, Tim and their lovely staff treat guests as if they are treasured members of the family.’ This year’s Guide received plentiful accolades for Tim and Frances Meeres Young’s B&B in an 18th-century coach house.

Drawn by the possibilities for walking, climbing and cycling, ‘enthusiastic, hard-working’ Amanda Walker and Peter Jaques invite visitors to share in Dales living at their lovingly restored Victorian house.

‘Such a peaceful, quiet place to stay. The log fire was lit ready for our arrival.’ A new endorsement this year for ‘perfect hosts’ David and Louise Farrance’s wisteria-festooned B&B.

Warm hospitality, centuries-old architecture and ‘beautiful countryside’ again delighted loyal fans of this ‘exceptionally good-value oasis of peace and tranquillity.’

Friendly and welcoming as ever, this B&B is run by second-generation owners Michael and Judith Cooper, and their son, Oliver.

There’s ‘a good night’s sleep’ and more at Jean Urquhart’s ‘lively’ Ceilidh Place – a popular fusion of cultural hub, bookshop and small hotel, one street back from the ferry terminal.

A scattering of jazz memorabilia sets the tone – and hits the right note – at this Georgian country house B&B on a ridge overlooking the Cary river valley.

‘We were welcomed with a complimentary Pimm’s,’ write Guide insiders, who dined at James Moffett’s historic stone manor house in the Peak District national park.

A babbling brook etches a course past Louise Dinnes’s ‘good-value, thoroughly dependable’ Victorian pub-with-rooms, where visitors find ‘outstanding food’ and ‘welcoming, efficient service’.

Famous distilleries, ‘lovely walking trails’ and trout-rich lochs are within easy reach of this traditional Scottish country hotel, an Islay fixture for over 150 years.

‘Log fires were burning in the bar and residents’ lounge when we arrived on a miserable day,’ write readers this year, of a visit to Nick and Nikki Horne’s ‘very efficiently run’ hotel on the Loch Linnhe shoreline.

Breakfast is served at a carved oak refectory table by the Great Hall’s massive log fire at Ann and Ian Dyer’s B&B in a manor house with private chapel.

A 19th-century cottage and barn combine as one exceptional B&B on private land within the Peak District national park.