Warm and welcoming, with an enchanting garden… Overlooking the Vale of Clwyd in Denbighshire, the gardens surrounding Firgrove are a blend of exotic, colourful and inspired planting that will delight gardening enthusiasts and non-gardeners alike. The house itself is a Grade II listed Georgian gem and home since the mid-1980s to your hosts Philip and Anna.

Casually elegant, with amazing views of the town… Originally a terrace of six 17th Century weaver’s cottages, it was converted in 1985 into a fabulous home from home with panoramic views over the town towards Salisbury Plain. This spacious bed and breakfast was purchased from the world record-breaking aviatrix and motor racer, The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce - the first lady to win the Monte Carlo Rally Coupe Des Dames in 1928 and the first Englishwoman to fly solo around the world. Fascinating memorabilia relating to her exploits are displayed in the house.

One of Hampshire's oldest buildings now transformed into a luxurious B&B  Find a ready welcome into a family home that blends traditional grandeur with very modern comforts. Three guest bedrooms ooze period charm on a stately-home scale, beautifully developed into a luxury mansion very much of the current age. The opportunity to stay in this historic property is not to be missed. At its heart is a medieval five-bay core dating back to 1333 that may have been a monastery. Since 1480 it has been owned by only four families, most recently by the Bullens, descendants of Anne Boleyn. Recent generations have included the noted artist Anne Bullen, many of whose paintings are still found in the house, and five-times Olympic event rider Michael Bullen, whose horses’ descendants still graze the 90-acre estate.

Exceptionally welcoming, friendly and helpful…. Your journey's end is met with tea and home baked treats served either on a sunny veranda if the weather is fine or in front of the drawing room's warming fire. The farmhouse dates from c.1840 with loving attention brought to bear on the more recent additions added by your hosts Maggie and Malcolm.

A warm welcome awaits in Jordans, the historic Quaker village   With just two guest bedrooms, Spindrift at Jordans is a cosy refuge in a beautiful part of the Chilterns. A sense of peace and tranquillity pervades the house. In the family living room is a grand piano once owned by Queen Alexandra, and sometimes Norma can be persuaded to play. A huge part of Spindrift's appeal is in its spectacular two-acre gardens, divided into different levels, each with an atmosphere all of its own. There's the Hosta Garden, lush with foliage, a terraced garden tumbling with Irishes and a separate Monet Garden that shares its shape and colour palette with the world-famous gardens at Giverny. For a quieter mood head down into the wooded dell, or stroll through the kitchen garden to see choose your selection of fresh food for a salad. These gardens have been nurtured by Norma and her family for over half a century: unsurprisingly the gardens are open to the public during Open Garden Week but visitors aren't allowed in the swimming pool - which is strictly for guests.  The village's history goes back to the distant past: many Stone Age flint axes have been found here, many of which can be seen at the British Museum. But it achieved an international significance in the 17th century when Quakerism started: their Meeting House still stands on the outskirts of the village. Jordans was at the heart of the movement when persecution drove many to start the new colony in America and the village has a barn built using timbers from the Mayflower, which carried some of the founding fathers to America. At that time nearby Chalfont St Giles was also home to the poet John Milton, whose cottage still stands and is open to the public as a museum to his memory. Spindrift itself was designed itself by the Quaker architects Fred and Douglas Rowntree, descendants of the famous confectionary family.

A warm welcome awaits you in rural Leicestershire… Having been renovated to an incredibly high standard, Horseshoe Cottage Farm is a truly wonderful luxury bed and breakfast; one that has won multiple awards and is thoroughly eco-friendly. Traditional antique furniture graces the interior, as well as the three, pretty, en-suite guest bedrooms, that are individually decorated with quality fabrics and furnishings.  These lovely farmhouse bedrooms are a haven of relaxation and the ground floor room is ideal for guests less able to climb stairs.

Gracious accommodation with a personal touch  Quiet and relaxing, this Georgian manor house oozes charm, beautifully set on East Yorkshire's dramatic coast. With just two guest bedrooms you're very much en famille, but there are several sitting rooms, featuring open fires and a woodburning stove in the hall. The property was mentioned in the Domesday Book but has since been much rebuilt and improved, and has pleasing, human proportions. Guests love the gentle buzz of quiet activity: this is not just a home, it's also attached to its own converted stable block, where antiques are sold, books are written and traditional fishermen's Ganseys hand-knitted.  

Classic, Cosy and above all hospitable with a capital ‘H’… Fragrances of lavender, honeysuckle, jasmine, and roses tumbling over golden stone walls, alongside a range of regular avian residents create an air of calm, that instantly relaxes and enchants all guests upon arrival. Uplands House is approached along a drive lined with ancient lime trees, at the end of which await a tasty welcome of tea and homemade cakes, served in the spacious drawing room or weather permitting in the magnificent garden.

Currently the only 5 Star Accommodation in Moray     There's the scent of the Gulf Stream on this part of Scotland's coast, where this grand country mansion gazes serenely over the Moray Firth. This defies the stereotype by the making this part of Scotland the third-sunniest region of the UK, the perfect place to explore the unexpected beauty of this remote region. Easily reached from Inverness Airport, Blervie House is set in 272 acres of its own estate: 45 acres are garden while the rest is woodland, a paradise of walking and riding trails. The lawn attracts regular visitors such as deer and red squirrels: Blervie House guests, also, tend to return. 

Multi award-winning medieval manor house… Set within a conservation area, this most historical of homes is quiet, discreet, luxurious and above all has a charming country house atmosphere. It even has its own coat of arms and flag! The interiors are a sumptuous mix of high quality Georgian furniture and exquisite silk lined walls. Antique weapons, fans and plates add to the unique style and character of this Wolsey Lodge.  

Typical regency style Cornish country house, with a fascinating garden… This elegant and comfortable Wolsey Lodge stands in the rolling countryside of the Roseland Peninsula. Built in 1839 this late Regency offers bed and breakfast guests, with its wealth of beautiful antiques, a wonderful retreat in picturesque surroundings. Approach through the outstanding gardens, there is ample parking and more importantly a warm welcome.

An enchanting country escape… In search of peace and quiet? Then look no further!  Manor House Farm offers all that you could possibly wish for in luxury accommodation. Your hosts Libby and Robin Ellis have transformed their family home into an utterly beautiful bed and breakfast, with a garden that visitors flock to see whenever it is open under the National Gardens Scheme.

A working-farm welcome in the heart of the Dales  Share this idyllic period property with sheep, hens and horses in the Nidderdale AONB. Firs Farm is a traditional Grade II listed farmhouse with barns dating back to the 14th Century, with glorious views across the valley to the heather moors. It offers traditional farmhouse accommodation with lots of extra luxury touches: cakes on arrival, locally-sourced breakfasts and unexpected comforts. It's truly beyond a home from home.

Modern, luxurious, fabulous views and great food… Arriving in Ashmore on a fine day one can appreciate just how high you've climbed to reach this utterly beautiful luxury bed and breakfast, with views across the Dorset coast.

A lovely family-run Highland retreat, complete with a nautical theme and incredible views… Residing on the shores of Loch Ewe is this stunning Wolsey Lodge which is steeped in history and is filled with an eclectic selection of furnishing from around the world. The location provides stunning views of not only the Loch but also where the river meets the sea. It is the perfect place to venture for a bit of rest and relaxation and has attracted many celebrities over the years.

Step through centuries of history, crafted into one unforgettable Lodge... Over the years it has featured as the backdrop for many films and TV shows, Midsummer Murders for one and most recently, The Woman in Black. Originally a dwelling for the abbots of Notley in 1187, the east and west wings were added by the 15th century, before renowned architect Philip Tilden restored and extended the Manor to its current magnificence in the 1920s.

A warm welcome with plenty of history  Cantray House is a magnificent mansion facing south over 14 acres of garden and woodland. The property is substantial and beautifully restored, reflecting its history as home to a long line of Clans. With log fires blazing, Cantray House is sumptuously warm. Rooms are immaculately furnished with period and antique furnishings, homely but with a touch of formality: it truly feels like a family home and is a great place to relax, Evening meals can be provided by arrangement and the River Nairn runs through the garden if you'd like to try your hand at fishing. 

Escape from the hubbub and experience Victorian luxury living at its finest... The spectacular Welsh Marches and Powys countryside are the perfect backdrop for The Old Vicarage, a Gothic style house on the edge of the village of Norton. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s on the bailey of a Norman castle and now a perfect luxury bed and breakfast retreat.

A wonderful Irish manor house well hidden - and all the better for it  This is not your standard B&B, but an enormously welcoming and gracious home in a private estate in County Cork. There are just three guest bedrooms and three enchanting hosts who make every effort to dine with their guests: between them can help with the most specific requests. As the tenth generation to live in this ancestral home they share a fair bit of local knowledge. This is a place where you can tailor your experience, whether it's fishing for salmon or trout, hunting for foxes or driving collectible cars and motorbikes for a tour of southern Ireland. It's not a hotel but an experience of Ireland.  

A fairy-tale castle with Dartmoor views   This boutique B&B provides intimate comforts in a splendid setting. Pentillie Castle was built as a grand formal house in 1698 in 55 acres of woodland gardens leading down to the Tamar Estuary. The property and surrounding 1,500-acre estate were grand in conception and have been carefully tended ever since. As a B&B it's second to none. Comforts are extreme and the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Just nine luxury ensuite bedrooms are spread throughout the entire Castle giving you the privacy to relax in style and feel you have the castle to yourself.  The grounds, largely planted with American specimen trees in the late 19th century, reward hours of exploration and include their own stone circle, a restored mausoleum and a Victorian stone-built bathing house. As if this were not enough the Coryton family have piled on facilities. There's a solar-heated outdoor pool, a games room and garden games including croquet, boules and giant jenga.    

A 17th century mansion that welcomes guests like friends  Owners Nigel and Robina welcome you to Langrish House, home to seven generations of the Talbot-Ponsonby family. Enjoy a stay at this historic destination, nestled in a landscape of extraordinary beauty in the heart of the South Downs National Park. There are beautiful woodland walks from our doorstep - ideal for four-legged friends - and countless attractions nearby. Langrish House gives you the chance to stay in an idyllic Country House that feels like visiting close (and favoured) relatives.

A restful retreat to soothe the soul  It's not unusual for psychotherapists to suggest a holiday, but it's unusual for them to specify one particular place. But that's why a steady stream head down from London to experience the tranquil elegance of this very special place, a radical 'Grand Design' creation of glass and steel set a few fields from Glastonbury Tor. Around are sheep and trees, inside cosy interiors beautifully furnished with modern facilities and antique art. This is a place where you can relax in luxury and free your spirit.  Upper Crannel Farm Barn was designed by the leading architect Richard Paxton, a regular star of TV's Grand Designs, and his brief was to make the buildings part of the landscape. In this he more than succeeded: you feel as though he's brought the landscape into the building. It feels nothing like a 'rented space', with excellent paintings, interesting decorative pieces and bookshelves crammed with good books but also modern comforts, with wifi throughout and underfloor heating.

A fabulous lodge for Wensleydale walks  Set in 13 private acres of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is an elegant country mansion packed with period features and the latest comforts. Guest rooms are huge and the breakfasts - served in an oak-paneled dining room - are superb. It's the ultimate base for exploring North Yorkshire, with its unforgettable walks, salmon fishing on the River Ure, and countless towns and villages to reward a longer look.

The rooms, the facilities, the food… Simply Perfect! A large hall and sweeping staircase lead to the generously proportioned and classically decorated bed and breakfast guest bedrooms, with en-suite bath/shower rooms. There are hidden fridges and antique furniture cleverly mixed with the contemporary. Entertainment systems, luxurious bathrooms, toiletries, linens, fresh flowers and hospitality trays offer understated luxury and style.

Fascinatingly historical and immaculately presented… Many Wolsey Lodges have histories dating back many hundreds of years and The Old Rectory is no exception. Rebuilt in 1704 following a fire, the original house was a hunting lodge owned by Henry VIII and home to Catherine Parr. Original Tudor features are apparent and blended with the new to create a beautiful family home with a welcoming atmosphere set amidst lovingly restored gardens.

A touch of the 30's with great sea views  This beautiful lodge brings the elegance of the inter-war years to a spectacular setting, on a west-facing slope overlooking Lyme Bay, with breathtaking views of Golden Cap and the Jurassic Coast. Guests are greeted with tea and cakes and hospitality is of the highest standard - you don't often find Tripadvisor reviews that are all five-star.  

Quiet rural home just outside Tisbury, on the Wiltshire/Dorset border   Set amid the saintly Donhead villages of the Nadder Valley, Talbot Cottage is a delightful newly-renovated two-bedroom building in seven-acres of gardens, woodlands and fields. In some ways it's unlike a standard Wolsey Lodge property, in that Garden Cottage is a few metres away from the main property and has its own full kitchen. Guests can be as private as they like with continental breakfasts provided, but they are also welcome to mingle with cooked breakfasts and evening meals on offer in the main building.   

Cosy country retreat, full of character and quirky old world charm… Built in 1840 this fabulous early Victorian country house which has retained many of its original features. It’s set in eight acres of its own grounds (with an ancient oak tree) and approached via a tree-lined drive. Guests are assured a warm welcome alongside tea and scones in the Morning Room, a lovely space complete with Chesterfield sofas and a variety of books, board games and DVDs. 

Classic Country house hospitality… Arriving along a tree-lined driveway, you will be warmly welcomed by your hosts Carole and Andrew and perhaps the friendly cat, Felix. You can’t help but feel instantly ‘at home’. Enjoy tea and cakes (home baking is a true specialty here) in the splendidly comfortable Music Room with its grand fireplace before unwinding and relaxing in the sumptuous luxury of your bed and breakfast room.

Artistically vibrant and luxuriously comfortable… What better way to be greeted than by a home-made afternoon tea! Be it in the conservatory, garden terrace or when the weather is inclement, beside a cosy fire in the drawing room. Lucy has made this house into a most comfortable base for her bed and breakfast guests - light and sunny and furnished with fine art, furniture, and family photographs.

A lodge for all seasons, where guests are welcomed as friends... In the spring, the garden comes to life with rhododendrons, azaleas, daffodils and tulips creating a riot of colour. The lily scented terrace, with its rose covered pergola, is well used on sunny days and warm summer evenings, as is the drawing room with the blazing fire in winter.

Blessed by the air of the North Sea coast this home is rich with history and full of character  Jane Austen was clear in Emma that the air on the Cromer coast would repair any ills. Not five miles inland: it had to be coastal. This property fits that perfectly: you can walk to the sea in minutes. Relax in the gardens – designed by Gertrude Jekyll though quite some time ago – and breathe deeply on the curative air. Old Hall was built as a 17th century Jacobean shooting lodge, complete with sprung floors for Highland reels. It was later owned by Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, a prolific author of books against the slave trade, friend of William Wilberforce and Member of Parliament in an era where a feeling of responsibility held force. His sense of philanthropy permeates the property and brings a sense of community to an outstanding period property.

A musical introduction to Chichester's historic heart  A Bluthner grand piano sets the tone for a classical stay in West Sussex's gentle capital. A great location within the city walls, plentiful parking and an eight-bedroom grade II* listed period property makes this a natural choice for your next visit to England's southern coast.

An organic welcome in the Forest of Dean  This traditional farmstead is set in 500 acres between the River Severn and the Forest of Dean, reached by a mile-long private farm track. It is perfectly placed to explore one of the few places in England where wild boar still roam, and also the bird-filled flatlands of the Severn Estuary. It's super-quiet: the only sounds are of cattle and guinea fowl, there's very little light pollution and the night is super-dark - or lit by a canopy of stars. Penny is usually on hand to greet arrivals with tea, coffee and home-made cakes and the atmosphere is very much one of being welcomed into a family home - albeit one that has flag-stone floors, ancient beams and superbly creaking antique wooden doors.

Stylish views over Cardigan Bay   This superb Georgian town house blends modern comforts, antique furnishings and the very best of contemporary Welsh art in a fantastic setting, looking over Fishguard's harbour to the grand sweep of Cardigan Bay. Fishguard town with its restaurants and shops and the bobbing fishing boats of the Lower Harbour are all within easy walking distance, but as you sip a cocktail from the honesty bar and drink in the fantastic views from the pretty garden terrace you'll truly believe that your accommodation, here, is 'a cut above'.

A luxurious boutique B&B in all senses… Period sophistication meets contemporary style at Roseberry Cottage, a Georgian stone farmhouse, surrounded by established gardens and open countryside. The lovely family home has been immaculately restored to retain original features, yet offering every luxury associated with a Wolsey Lodge bed and breakfast.

A picture perfect B&B, bordering Exmoor National Park… Set in 21 acres, close to the sea, surrounded by splendid walks and coastal paths resides this very special Wolsey Lodge. Nestled amidst the trees, Glen Lodge is a tranquil haven, with a tiered garden that extends all around, complete with a captivating stream cascading over waterfalls alongside secluded terraces, the croquet lawn, and seating areas.

The finest house on the Norfolk coast  Built in the time of Mad King George, this fantastic mansion is set on four acres of landscaped grounds and is just about as close as you can get to the coast: at high tide a good golf swing will reach the sea. It's a very short walk to explore the marshes and tidal flats, with their seals and seabirds, but there is plenty to do without leaving the property, with a tennis court and a seriously large heated swimming pool. There aren't that many substantial period properties in this part of England so the Old Rectory is quite exceptional.

A Georgian gem in Wordsworth country  Set in two acres of landscaped gardens and with sweeping views over the Duddon Estuary, Broadgate House is a grand family mansion in the heart of the Lake District. The common areas are positively baronial, with a Baroque drawing room with a black marble fireplace, and a dining room seating 14 with ease. If that's too formal there's also a charming breakfast room and a cosy guest sitting room with a wood-burning stove. It can be grand or intimate to suit your taste.

A great base in Putney to explore London - and more  Poised in London's fashionable southwest, Putney is one of the most enchanting 'villages' that make up London; a place of rowing clubs, tennis courts and riverfront vistas, along with an excellent selection of restaurants and bars. Links to central London are easy and fast, but there's no real need: at One Fanthorpe Street you can enjoy the Putney experience as a pampered resident in your temporary home.

A cobbled courtyard farm tucked into Cornwall's finest cliffs  Dating back to the 16th century, this is a working farm within five minutes stroll of what feels a private beach. While surfers flock to neigbouring Crackington Haven, Strangles Beech is invariably deserted, with magnificent surfing breaks sweeping warm Gulf Stream waters onto miles of untouched sands. The farm itself is all but organic, with pedigree cattle slowly grazing on heather and free-range chickens roaming the grounds and laying your breakfast. Farmed by the same family for three generations, it's an atmospheric refuge of flagstone floors, cosy log-burning stoves and exposed oak beams. Thanks to a warm-as-toast Cornish welcome, this is a fantastic place to experience North Cornwall in all its natural grandeur and beauty. 

Authentic and full of character, with a true garden lovers garden... Built upon a gentle rise and facing southeast over the Ems Valley await this fine 17th Century manor house, surrounded by a lovingly tended to garden which is especially radiant during the spring and summer seasons. Hedge and lawns reside to the rear, where the long border of shrubs, lilies, and anemones line its boundaries, interesting trees including a black mulberry and paperback maple add to the already proud and delightful vistas. Keen gardeners will appreciate this elegant Wolsey Lodge.

A family welcome in a historic Minster market town  This classic Georgian townhouse provides a perfect base to discover the delights of Southwell, a fantastic town outside Nottingham with its own Minster, market, racecourse and more. Unusually for a Wolsey Lodge, not all Ormonde House's bedrooms are ensuite and the standard breakfast is Continental, but the warmth of the welcome in this family home means in its first six months in operation ratings on Booking.com are through the roof. The communal areas are comfortable and elegant, evening meals are available and inexpensive, and guests here find the accommodation is what completes their visit. The charms of Southwell complete the experience. For those who've never visited Southwell or the Nottingham area, Ormonde House is a good enough reason to plan a trip.

Personable hospitality at its best… Residing on a hill overlooking Telegraph Park Hill, is this very distinguished Wolsey Lodge, at night you get the most magnificent view of the twinkling London lights. A Victorian semi-detached, it has been beautifully refurbished and restored with all the modern luxuries a guest could need.

Just a bit special, full of character and warmth  More classy than a standard B&B, more homely than a hotel, Eastwrey Barton is a wonderful Georgian country house that is everything a true home from home should be. Quite apart from the four spacious guest bedrooms there are several reception rooms designed to make your stay comfortable. The first room you're likely to encounter is the sitting room where guests are greeted with homemade cakes, where there's a log-burning stove and a projector and screen for watching a film or a sporting event. This room leads to the sun lounge with an electric piano and a selection of reading books. Breakfast is served in a lovely sunny room looking over the patio and garden to the view beyond. The dining room has a selection of maps and guidebooks, as well as a round rosewood table, perfect for cards or board games while enjoying a drink from the licensed bar.

A touch of elegance on the English Riviera  This magnificent Victorian villa is set on a tree-lined avenue in Torquay, a quiet and tranquil location but within easy strolling distance of the sea front. Carlton Court was built in 1860 as part of the Cary Estate but has been comprehensively refurbished to provide light, airy and contemporary accommodation: you really get a sense of space and ease. There's plenty of off-street parking and an enchanting sub-tropical garden filled with more than fifty plant species. This is a truly stunning five-star boutique B&b in an increasingly sophisticated resort on Devon's sunny southern coast.

A slice of heaven in the Wexford countryside   Imagine beautiful gardens, a handsome house, delicious locally produced food and above all an honest warm welcome. Kilmokea has created the perfect environment to unwind and relax while you adopt a slower pace and simply enjoy being able to travel again.  A 'guest only' indoor heated pool for a leisurely swim, a warm Jacuzzi to ease tired muscles. Flower essences and Aromatherapy oils. Fill all your senses in the walled, food and woodland gardens. After dinner fall into bed in one of the beautiful rooms and dream of another day of peace at Kilmokea.....

Multiple award-winning country farmhouse… The eco-friendly luxury farmhouse is set in beautiful Arts & Crafts landscaped gardens with river access and planned walks for Wolsey Lodge guests to enjoy. Set amidst a working farm in a conservation area, this superb bed and breakfast dates back over 350 years, with later extensions by famous Norfolk architect Thomas Jeckel.

A wonderful luxury lodge, whose hosts go above and beyond... Be it the fantastic welcome, the individually styled bedrooms, the exquisite home-baked treats, and food. You are sure to thoroughly enjoy your time being well looked after by your bed and breakfast hosts! This quintessentially English home, dating back to the Victorian era and Grade II listed, is a haven of restful ambiance and exceptional standards. It resides in the centre of Matlock and offers the standard of a great Derbyshire hotel but with that personal touch. Glendon House offers the ideal base to explore the stunning scenery, history and outdoor pursuits that our county and the Peak District have to offer.

Life's better with a butler  Once owned by a son-in-law of Henry I, this gorgeous property has evolved over 900 years to become one of England's finest country-house bed and breakfasts. This is far more than just a place to sleep: the warm welcome, attentive service, glorious architecture and elegant interiors set it apart. It has a beautifully tranquil setting in its own 160 acres, including a duck flighting lake, a walled vegetable garden, a cut flower garden and countless woodland walks. From the moment of arrival you're welcomed by Gary, a professional butler, who will introduce you to a gilded way of life that takes place amongst the imposing entrance hall, panelled dining room and the stately morning room. Think Jeeves without Wooster and his dramas.

Award-winning 5-star hospitality on the doorstep of 1066 country... This delightful Grade II listed Georgian Lodge was the local apothecary, before being lovingly and sympathetically transformed into a luxurious bed and breakfast. Perched upon a ridge, it offers magnificent views over the very best of Sussex countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Domesday Manor in the Quantock Hills  History comes to life in this 14th century manor house, with parts dating back to 1486. Original features include medieval garderobes, mullioned windows, stone archways and massive open fireplaces. Decorative touches match the period, with suits of armour, tapestries and local artefacts. At the foot of the Quantocks, this is a working farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with nature all around.

Top notch breakfasts… Fine fare awaits you at this charming 18th Century Farmhouse located in the heart of the Quorn Hunt country. Wholesome breakfasts and sumptuous evening meals feature local and fair trade produce, will set you up for the day ahead or round off a lovely evening. Formal bespoke dinners can be arranged on request. Alternatively, there are excellent local pubs and restaurants within easy reach.

A scent of spice in the Yorkshire Dales  It just feels wrong to call The Malabar a barn, even if it is a listed barn that's been around for 300 years. Because in 2015 the present owners transformed it into a beautiful country guest house with six guest bedrooms, lavishly laid out with soaring beams, flagstone floors and glorious views. Despite being minutes from the M6 it is beautifully rural, on the Lake District side of the Yorkshire Dales. The Malabar improves on its ideal location with tea and scones on arrival, seasonal dinner menus, freshly-brewed morning teas and fantastic breakfasts. Your hosts lived for years in India, and bring touches of the Orient, with curry feasts on Friday nights, massage and beauty treatments by arrangement, occasional yoga retreats and lassi served at breakfast.  

History, comfort and charm on Norfolk's 'Brecks'  College Farm dates back to the 1300s, when it was built as a Chantry to pray for souls culled in the Black Death. Modern comforts have been carefully adopted without upsetting period details: the panelled Jacobean Dining Room is a natural highlight. Add friendly animals including llamas, alpacas, sheep and chickens, place them in 17 acres of grounds, add on evening meals for £20 and you've just found a very good reason to visit Norfolk.

A skip away from the sea in one of England's most beautiful regions  Far to the West, the Lizard Peninsula is perhaps remote but warmly rewarding, a sunny micro-climate where choughs dance on the breeze and dolphins and seals swim offshore. Atlantic House is the perfect place to experience this area, with maps and binoculars always provided along with expert advice. 

Award winning luxury, with a personal touch… This elegant Victorian former rectory is in the delightful hamlet of Davidstow nestled between two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Bodmin Moor and the coastal area from Pentire Point to Widemouth. It has won numerous awards and recognitions, most notably a gold in Green Tourism demonstrating that this truly is a special space to stay.

Home to arguably, one of the UK’s finest fishing and shooting estates… Nestled beside the mature end of the river Frome, the most western of the famous English chalk streams resides the Wrackleford Estate, home to the Pope family for the past six generations. The estate has more recently built a fine reputation for quality game shooting, thanks to its most spectacular of settings. 

An angler's delight in Nether Wallop  This former Baptist chapel has been beautifully transformed into a sanctuary for the soul. Set amongst the quintessentially English chalk streams of the region, it comes with access to a beat on the River Test - perfect for anglers in search of trout. The chapel itself was built in 1841, and lends its soaring vaulted ceilings to the airy and elegant sitting room and dining area. The guest rooms are off this, and beautifully furnished with luxurious en-suite bathrooms. It's a superb place to explore the borderland areas where Hampshire meets Wiltshire.

Redolent of a long history, Johnby is a most unusual and singularly beguiling place… The Elizabethan manor house started around 1350 as a fortified pele tower and has belonged to the Howard family since 1783. It is now home to Henry and Anna Howard who welcome bed and breakfast guests looking for a comfortable base from which to enjoy the Lake District, Eden Valley and beyond.

Historic friendly farmhouse in South Shropshire's rolling hills  Named after the thousand-year oak that lives in its garden, this beautiful Jacobean property welcomes a select few guests into a rural world of dogs, chickens, a cockerel and a cat, while being just three miles from the medieval market town of Ludlow. Comforts are extreme but the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. not so much luxurious as comfortable and relaxed. Think wellies and slippers and comfy sofas by a woodburning stove. A lavish breakfast can be taken for granted, but everything is possible here, from packed lunches for walkers to afternoon scones for tea, with evening meals often on offer.

An elegant Georgian country house in the heart of Wales  This glorious mansion with marble fireplaces, panelled doors, picture windows and glittering chandeliers has a sublimely peaceful setting in 20 acre grounds. But it's uniquely connected: the restaurants and pubs of St Florence are just 250m along a tree-lined drive and Tenby three miles further.

Georgian rural gem… Tucked away in eight acres of grassland on the edge of the lovely conservation village of Folkingham, sits The Barn, originally built in the 17th Century for thrashing grain. After many years of neglect, it has been transformed into one of the most welcoming of bed and breakfasts.

Beyond reproach in every way… A delightful, traditional Wolsey Lodge, nestling deep in glorious Kent countryside, a perfect location for exploring the picturesque Weald of Kent. This historic building offering luxury accommodation has been sympathetically restored, resulting in a characterful family home with more than a touch of luxury!

Classic, family run, country farm B&B… Surrounded by a 450-acre valley of scenic farmland, sits this beautifully secluded, two hundred and seventy-year-old, creeper-clad country house. Located in the heart of the North Cotswolds, you won’t find a better bed and breakfast that is as quiet, peaceful and as charming as this one.

Stylish and palatial retreat, offering hospitality that goes above and beyond…  ‘Meadow of the Sun’, is the English title of this Irish Gaelic named Wolsey Lodge, and it is most fitting indeed. The sun rises in the morning at the eastern end of the walled garden, floats over the extensive lawn before setting beyond the herbaceous borders and woodland teeming with wildlife. All of which sits on 3.5 acres of land on the banks of the River Dee.

Lakeside setting; fields and fells on every side   Although just 10 minutes drive from the M6 motorway, Challan Hall feels as wild and remote as you could ever imagine.   The loudest sounds are the rustle of leaves and the calls of birds.   Formerly a farmhouse, Challan Hall is set overlooking Hawes Water Lake within the nationally important Gait Barrows Nature Reserve, and with direct access to the neighbouring Leighton Moss Bird Sanctuary.   The Silverdale/Arnside district is very unspoilt with the seaside only a mile away and Morecambe Bay to the west.   This is an ideal base to explore the southern part of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and North Lancashire. But linger a while. Your hostess is a great cook, providing fantastic breakfasts and evening meals if required, and serves tea and cakes on their patio which taste all the better while soaking up the stunning views over the water, home to marsh harriers, osprey and more.

Rural Scandic-style eco-refuge in the heart of Staffordshire   Just half an hour north of Birmingham, this soothingly stylish getaway is a world removed from city pressures. Eco-friendly ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels power the underfloor heating and electrical systems. The decor is uncluttered and elegant and vast picture windows fill each room with light. Truly a relaxing and peaceful place to escape the relentless demands of everyday life.

A luxury Georgian Country House in a thousand Irish acres  Reached by a half-mile avenue threading through parkland grazed by 1,600 sheep and their lambs, this is a classic stately manor in the heart of County Sligo. Home to the Perceval family since 1665 it effortlessly blends grandeur with intimacy in a stunning rural setting. It's a wonderful place to get together for a private event or a romantic getaway, an unequalled chance to experience of life on a grand estate. 

Life's better near Biggar   This beautiful family home is a peaceful rural retreat in the Scottish Borders. This is an area often overlooked by travellers rushing north or south but there is plenty of see and do. Biggar is a charming market town and despite being mid-way between Glasgow and Edinburgh it has some of Scotland's finest border countryside. Braefield is at the heart of an eight-acre smallholding that provides - in season - many of the ingredients served to guests. The surrounding fields are frequented by roe deer and hare while buzzards patrol the skies. Originally a simple cottage, the building has been so comprehensively extended it has the comfort and simplicity of a newly-built property, with underfloor heating in parts and wifi throughout. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, a real home from home.

Simply stunning views, coupled with attentive and unobtrusive service… Situated right on the South West Coast path, overlooking Lynmouth Bay and across to Wales, this large Victorian cliff top residence has been a guest house since 1880. Many generations have enjoyed the breathtaking views, either dining on the terrace, from their rooms or as they wander the garden.

A wonderful blend of friendly informality and elegant formality… For anyone with an interest in historic buildings, this should be on your 'must visit' list as it is simply magnificent! Built in 1598 as a Tower House with later additions, it occupies a commanding position on rising ground above the River Forth with spectacular views in all directions.

Perfect for walks in Exmoor and the Quantocks  Catwell House is a beautiful Somerset country house with a documented history going back to 1642, but you'd hardly know this from the very contemporary comforts inside. Beds are super-comfortable, there's space to swing a full-sized billiard table and of course it's now got superfast wifi throughout. It's the hosts that make a perfect B&B though and it's Rebecca and Ross that make this place special. Their languid charm makes everyone feel at home and they go to enormous lengths to make their guests comfortable. Catwell House is in great walking country. Exmoor is one of the UK's most spectacular National Parks and is just to the West, the Quantocks Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty starts at the door, and miles of unspoiled coastline are within ten minutes drive.  

A charming family home near Leamington Spa  Set on the edge of a conservation village, this Edwardian property is flooded with light, and warmed by the welcome of your exceptional hosts.  Dating back to 1890 it combines a period charm with very modern comforts, with a south-facing terrace giving on to glorious grounds. Power is solar, rainwater is recycled for the garden and chemicals are hardly ever used, so along with its adjoining field the formal garden is often home to hedgehogs, muntjac deer and countless birds.  It's a wonderful base for country walks and a relaxing haven in an area with plenty of attractions to explore. 

Immaculately kept, tranquil and comfortable… This is the kind of Wolsey Lodge, once you have visited, you don't want to share with anyone else because it is so special. This is an outstanding 1960's architect-designed house with huge picture windows to every room, allowing guests to take in spectacular views of the glorious Ampleforth and North Yorkshire countryside. 

A working farm with a difference… Don't be fooled by the name 'The Wold Cottage'. Originally a Georgian city gentleman’s country retreat, Wold Cottage sits in beautifully landscaped grounds, surrounded by woodland and with un-spoilt views over their 300 acres of farmland and beyond to the Yorkshire Wolds.

Step back through time at this very special Lodge… Prepare to be warmly welcomed by your hosts Eileen and Andy (and their family pets), followed by homemade afternoon tea, served just after your arrival in front of the magnificent inglenook fireplace – reputedly the largest in Suffolk. This Grade I listed Tudor house complete with Gatehouse and colonnade oozes Olde World charm whilst having every modern convenience.  

Sustainable haven on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border  Set amongst woodland and wildflower meadows, South Park Farm Barn is a design triumph of wood, steel, glass and brick. Built over a three-year period by the current owners, it is a new eco-friendly property that retains the charm of its original structure but adds the latest technology to tread lightly on the environment. The obvious results are bright and airy interiors, with huge windows and vaulted timber-beamed ceilings, best enjoyed, perhaps, from the first-floor sunset gallery, with glorious views to the west. There's far more you don't see - the air source underfloor heating and a mechanically ventilated heat recovery system, natural insulation, LED lighting and a limecrete foundation. None of this really affects your visit, which is just comfortable and welcoming. The central porch is where breakfast is served, opening on to banks of wildflowers when the season is right. In a building designed to blend with the environment it's the surroundings that make your stay blissfull

A working Georgian farmhouse with glorious views  This elegant farmhouse dates back to 1720 and has been thoroughly and sympathetically restored by its current owners, providing superbly comfortable guest accommodation in what is still a working farm and family home. Open fireplaces, antique furnishings and original period features are brought together by beautiful wallpapers and decorations, providing a soothing and comfortable home from home. 

Comfort, character and charm in a splendid Georgian home   The artistic decor and opulent facilities make Cedar House in many ways more like a five-star hotel than a traditional B&B. Set in three acres of glorious landscaped grounds in southern Dorset, it is a rural refuge - but one in easy walking distance of Christchurch Harbour. The decor is eclectic and the comforts extreme; the property manages to be grand, warm and welcoming all at once. 

A quintessentially English experience… What are the hallmarks of a perfect Wolsey Lodge B&B? Splendid food, convivial company and truly wonderful hospitality and this is exactly what awaits at Pitfour House. Tea and homemade delicacies are served to guests on their arrival, after which guests may enjoy the comforts of an elegantly furnished formal sitting room to unfurl after a long journey.

A Scottish rewilding experience, just past Gretna Green  Your hosts spent their first two years here in a caravan. The work they put in - digging lakes, designing and then building the farmhouse - has created a fantastic home for themselves and their sheep and cattle but also a great destination for wildlife - and now for you. 

A stately home on the River Eden  Salmon fishing's at your door in this wonderful manor house, where dogs are as welcome as their owners and everyone feels at home. This is a place that's a classic English country home, with ten bedrooms - all en suite - and classically elegant living areas comfortably furnished with modern comforts and period details. There is, of course, wifi throughout.

Tudor luxury in the Warwickshire Cotswolds  This beautiful Warwickshire bed and breakfast exudes character and style. Most of the house dates back to 1550, and history lives on in the exposed beams and period features. There's a large drawing room for the exclusive use of guests, where antique furnishings and modern works of art sit comfortably together; warmed in the winter by an open log fire. 

Spa treatments and therapies at this holistic south-coast retreat  Stylish and contemporary, this haven hides in clear view, in the coastal town of St Leonards. The Cloudesley is a B&B unlike any other. In part it's the ethos: the food is organic and locally grown, there are no microwaves and only Himalayan crystal salt is used in food preparation. It's a place to heal the body and mind: holistic therapies on offer here, carried out in the comfort of your room or in a dedicated therapy suite. The choice of treatments offered by specialist therapists includes Reiki, reflexology, shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy, Thai hot compress and hot stone massages.

An elegant Georgian manor house in rural Co. Laois   Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, just over an hour from Dublin, Roundwood House is surrounded by mature trees, lawns, gardens and delightful, extensive outbuildings. It is a historic home of architectural interest and was once described by Desmond Guinness, co-founder of the Irish Georgian Society, as having a “marvellous doll’s house-like quality”. A rambling avenue leads you through a welcoming committee of animals and into a bright, spacious hall. There is a drawing room, study and dining room, where the combination of log fires, antique furniture and absence of televisions may actually make you believe you’ve been transported back to the 18th century. 

Fabulous hosts, with a most impressive wine collection… What makes a Wolsey Lodge truly outstanding and a delight to visit? We believe it is everything that’s on offer at this 16th Century luxury bed and breakfast in the rural idyll of Framsden. Your host Mark has paid close attention to detail, furnishing his rooms with country antiques as well as thoughtful touches, ensuring your absolute comfort.  

First class delivery on the Northumberland coast  There's not much good that comes out of post office closures, but this unique B&B is an exception. The Post Office in Belford has been beautifully repurposed as an elegant and welcoming home from home just off the A1 and within easy reach of the glorious beaches and castles of North Northumberland. 

A warm welcome over Ulverston and the Cumbria Way  Set in an acre of peaceful walled gardens, St Mary's Mount Country House is a comfortable and elegant property with views over Ulverston and Morecambe Bay. The house dates back to 1825 and is full of period features, warmed by the welcome of your very friendly hosts.

The epitome of gracious hosts… Perfectly situated for exploring the beautiful South Downs, this spacious, detached, contemporary luxury B&B with secluded private garden is in Old Thakeham; a quintessentially English village, in gorgeous countryside.      

Exceedingly homely, lovely and eco-friendly… A charming Victorian house in the heart of County Durham, once the local mine manager’s residence, it now offers the very warmest of welcomes. This ‘home from home’, near to the North Pennines an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has attractive grounds with views over the Wear Valley and beyond. 

A thoroughbred welcome in the north Cotswold countryside  Once a dairy, this building has been lavishly converted to the very highest standards to provide elegance and luxury in a setting that is at once very rural but superbly well-connected. The conversion is brand new, so the latest styles prevail, with soaring open beams and a sense of airy elegance. Set around a walled garden the Ox House provides privacy and comfort in equal measure. It is at the heart of a working farm that schools cross-country and eventing horses, so the setting is calm and rural, only broken occasionally by the sound hooves galloping by. 

A woodland haven near the North Wales coast  This nineteenth-century gentleman’s residence is surrounded by an acre of landscaped gardens in the beautiful Conwy Valley, with far-reaching views to the magnificent Carneddau Mountains. It's conveniently close to Conwy and the coast and a stones throw from Snowdonia's countless adventures, but the lodge itself is a calm and peaceful place: there's no mobile reception, and only the wifi intrudes on what is a beautiful rural retreat.