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).

In the town centre, a family owned hotel in a renovated and extended Georgian building, overlooking a historic Crown Bowling Green. Neat bedrooms have modern bathrooms. The old coaching house has been converted into a gym and spa with beauty treatments and a heated indoor pool. In a former grocer’s, Wilsons Bar & Restaurant has comfy booths, a courtyard garden and conservatory and Mediterranean dishes on the menu.

Convenient for Silverstone, the hotel once served as a stopover for Victorian railway travellers: high speed trains still run along its front. The restaurant is popular for rib eye steaks and seasonal menus. Bedrooms are straightforward; breakfasts are tasty. Music and comedy events are regularly held. On the outskirts of Blisworth, 6 miles from Northampton,

In the city known for its crooked spire, Nick and Tina Buckingham have created an unusual hotel/restaurant. It is managed by their daughters, Vicci and Emma; son Will is the co-chef. So it is a real family enteprise.

In secluded gardens and woodland, a low-built contemporary house with sun terraces and spacious accommodation overlooking acres of greenery. There’s an open-plan lounge for relaxing, and communal Aga-cooked breakfasts with a choice of home-made breads are served in a light-filled dining area. Five miles N of Lewes.

Six miles from Plymouth, an Elizabethan manor house with an award-winning spa in the grounds. Full of character, the original building retains its oak panelling, ornate ceilings, mullioned windows and stone archways. The fine-dining Gallery restaurant overlooks the beamed Great Hall, which features a coat of arms of King James I above an enormous stone fireplace. Accommodation ranges from the majestic, with four-poster beds, to more contemporary rooms situated in the courtyard and stable wings. Gaia spa has a pool, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, a relaxation room, gym and a salon with a wide choice of beauty treatments.

On the seafront, several bedrooms at this small Georgian-fronted B&B give wonderful views over Weymouth bay. Takeaway fish and chips may be eaten in the dining room; days out can be planned in the welcoming lounge.

In parkland, a white-painted country house hotel blending classic with contemporary twists. The cheerful lounge has yellow seating, and retains its period features. Oversized headboards add statement to individually styled bedrooms. British cuisine is served in Seasons restaurant overlooking Ouzel Valley Park, or outside on a sunny, decked terrace in summer. Children are offered special menus and board games for rainy days. On the outskirts of Milton Keynes, the hotel is a popular wedding venue.

Built in the style of an alpine chalet, the spacious bedrooms in this modern building have glorious views of Ben Nevis. B&B guests start the day with a noteworthy Scottish breakfast. A great base for discovering the area, by foot, kayak or bicycle, the knowledgeable hosts are on hand with helpful tips on places to visit and where to eat nearby. There are excellent transport links to Fort William, 3 miles away.

Close to the Ridgeway path (Europe’s oldest pathway), a small, friendly pub serving cask ales from local and micro breweries, and tasty food. The original well can be viewed through a glass panel in the restaurant floor. Comfortable accommodation is in an annexe; pets are welcome in ground floor rooms. 3 miles N of Marlborough.

Experience a B&B in a 16th-century timber-framed building set in two acres of landscaped gardens which has featured in Channel 4’s ‘Four in a Bed’ programme. Bursting with character, the house has roaring fires in ancient hearths, highly polished oak furniture, and wooden beams and four-poster beds in spacious bedrooms. From the peaceful Orangery lounge, there are views onto beautiful flower gardens. A la carte breakfasts include eggs supplied by the owners’ free-roaming hens. On the border between Staffordshire and Cheshire, the village (recorded in the Domesday Book) is 8 miles SW of Stoke-on-Trent.

With parts dating back to the 18th century, an old pub near the high street has received a stylish revamp. The bar (moody colours, leather Chesterfield seating, wide wooden floorboards) has pub fare, craft beers and ales, wines and local spirits. Contemporary bedrooms (two are dog-friendly) include four self-catering suites. Breakfast is served until 11.30 am. Grab some food for lunch, a picnic or provisions for a light supper from Golding’s Deli. In the same ownership, Market Bistro next door has seasonal and tasting menus.