A small, quirky country house hotel with lovely staff, pretty rooms and heavenly food served in a pillared dining room

Come for the glorious Peak District and this rural independent pub, with roots in the 12th century, serene bedrooms and toothsome food

Four stylish Andalusian retreats surrounded by olive groves and almond trees, and a restaurant for wonderful, seasonal food

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

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

Visit the walled city of Evora, have dinner with the friendliest hosts, pet the dogs & donkeys. Head out for culture, vineyards and menhirs

An attractive, sympathetic barn conversion, full of light, pleasingly uncluttered and hidden down a lane in stunningly beautiful countryside

An 1800s former watermill, now elegantly converted to give B&B rooms plus a self-catering cottage in the Côte d'Opale, superb for walking

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

A deliciously cool loft hideaway set among tall sycamores in the grounds of the main house, with a New York Tribeca feel and much comfort

Take breakfast on the terrace, splash in the fabulous pool. A secluded, friendly, immaculate villa close to golf and surfing beaches

A very tranquil spot with views of rolling countryside, the East Mendip Way on the doorstep and good pubs within walking distance

Elegant B&B tucked down a quiet alleyway close to St Mark’s Square, with friendly hosts and a rooftop offering spectacular views of the city

A lovely gîte with cool lines and its own shady terrace plus pool, gardens, fountain and a relaxed family-friendly feel

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

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?

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