At the heart of fascinating Palermo, splendid aristocratic hosts welcome you to their historic family mansion filled with heirlooms

Superb views, scenic walks and a huge range of activities all within easy reach of this beautifully restored property

Something to astound at every turn where the traditional and downright quirky collide to stunning effect. Friendly, flexible hosts too

Off-the-beaten track cottage promises peace and quiet, wild swimming and hikes in the hills. A world away from the urban jungle

Filled with interesting finds, antiques and artefacts, this is a charming cabin hideaway for couples on the banks of the Kingsbridge Ria

A swishly renovated detached hideaway up a hill, surrounded by vineyards and with a covered deck for sweeping views just outside Beaune

A lovely gîte, once a hunting lodge, with two private terraces overlooking the manicured gardens of an 1830s manor house

A smart riverside inn with airy interiors that brim with character – old beams, open fires, well-kept ales and comfy bedrooms

A lovely old traditional pub with a merry fire, locals and dogs, a bright conservatory, large garden and excellent food, especially fish

Elegant, calm, charming B&B in a 12th-century house surrounded by fields, quiet country roads and vibrant little villages

An elegant house with ancient roots and a shimmering pool – explore the Charente countryside, drive to lovely Angoulême

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion

A grand-looking stone building with fabulous views across the Derwent Valley from the terrace and garden – find quirky rooms and great food

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

Laze under the loggia, drink in superb, sweeping Umbrian views and wine from the vines beyond the pool; sleep peacefully in grand style

Very private and comfortable rooms with their own entrances at this generous B&B with glorious gardens and views to the Black Mountains

An intimate cottage in deepest Cheshire, perfect for exploring Roman Chester, walking or relaxing in the garden

An 18th-century stone cottage sitting in the glorious Yorkshire Dales. Nature-lovers and walkers will be well pleased and so will their dog