A cool pub with smart rooms, English ales and Thai-inspired food. Farringdon tube is round the corner and you can walk to the Barbican

A beautifully restored townhouse in the heart of Amboise, steps from Leonardo da Vinci's last home and the great Château Royal

A beautiful cream stone building in the grounds of a grand château, with a large and view-filled outdoor terrace for peaceful dawdling

A peaceful and unpretentious spot for a digital detox with long walks up on the moors and fabulous views from the top

An artistic escape with a stunning kitchen in sleepy, gastronomic Lot – stroll to the village market and feast on local produce

Beautiful, and with a delightfully rambling garden, this early 16th-century manor has bags of room for happy days with family or friends

Elegant historic house set in acres of grounds transports you to a bygone belle époque (with all mod cons)

Stables turned into bright, comfortable holiday homes in countryside near Battle - for couples and families, whose dogs are very welcome too

A 15th-century courtyard hides a petite contemporary apartment – a fabulous base from which to explore the city and all its treasures

This fine old inn stands in blissful peace, a field or two back from the coastal path, with cosy rooms, delicious food and a rustic style

A sweet little gîte for two in the centre of a dreamy medieval village. Happily private but with loads to explore from your door

Come for very comfortable B&B suites with garden views in a converted 1880s barn with its own charming sitting and dining rooms

Get away from it all in the heart of Northumberland National Park, with walks leaving from your door and incredible dark skies at night

Feel like the lord or lady of the manor at this sublime restoration of a Tudor, timber-framed stone house in lovely Ludlow

Find gilded mirrors, rich brocades, Fragonard toiletries and an unexpected roof terrace at this 6-bedroom guest house near St Mark’s Square

A friendly, generous, big old house with not an ounce of pretension. Big families will adore gathering here to have fun and unwind

Artists, poets, nature lovers, walkers and dreamers will be happy in this simple, airy suite surrounded by a fecund garden and much peace

Come for the gloriously peaceful countryside and this 1700s house and garden, scrupulously renovated and with plenty of space