Set off on blissful walks, trek home to crumpets and tea. There’s no better place to escape the 21st century than rural Devon

A welcoming inn with rooms on the edge of a small village. Stay in a converted barn in the pretty garden, eat delicious country fare

Provençal charm floats through the ground floor of this 18th-century home in a vineyard near Lorgues. Walk, cycle, swim, enjoy the peace

A charming hotel in a quiet neighbourhood in medieval Bologna, just the ticket for a city escape filled with food, history and culture

A serene atmosphere prevails in this old Yorkshire stone inn, carefully curated to induce a zen-like calm. You're fed very well too

Come for history, wildlife and a stunning garden estate with acres to roam. Bring children and dogs too. Fabulous

Cosy, peaceful retreat not far from Hadrian's Wall. A real fire, tennis, BBQ, the Coast to Coast cycle route and hilly treks from the door

A treat of a country retreat in the North York Moors National Park with lovely high ceilings, a log-burner, much comfort and fabulous views

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

A dramatic house with stylish interiors – designed to bring the outdoors in so you feel wrapped in nature. Great for families or friends

An elegant hotel that feels like a well-kept secret, with charming staff, understated rooms and great restaurants a short walk away

Built in the 1800s, a charming stone house on the Penicuik Estate with views over woodland and hills and calming, beautiful interiors

Gorgeous off-grid suites invite you to slow down surrounded by nature with long views and good food

A cottage to help you feel restored and refreshed; uninterrupted views of the coast, a hamper of local produce and wildlife spotting.

The largest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

Perfect luxury in deepest Normandy: gorgeous gardens, a heavenly pool, and interiors worthy of an art gallery

A lovely little bolthole to return to after days out exploring pretty Cotswold villages and walking in an AONB straight from the door

A relaxed country feel in this fine family villa. It has space and comfort for six with gardens, private pool, and tennis court