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 truly delightful place to eat and stay with gorgeous bedrooms and good food, in a village with Tudor houses and ancient church towers

A recently renovated and very comfortable stand-alone limestone cottage with fabulous views on the edge of the Easton Walled Gardens

Charming cottage in the Peak District National Park for hill walking, cycling and bird watching, or simply unwinding amid much beauty

Once a pub, now a friendly home, with all you need for a market town break. Park the car (or leave at home) – everything is on the doorstep

A village setting for this family-friendly cottage-in-a-row with private garden next to the owners' pretty 17th-century thatched house

Deep in Burgundy's wine country, an elegant maison de maître sits in acres of gloriously private parkland

Bask in the warmth of the owners at this chic 'maison de maître' in off-track Provence - 12km from lovely hilltop Gordes

A cosy, courteous, family-run hotel with ‘chocolatines’ and cherry jams at breakfast, Basque dishes at dinner, and gorgeous rolling views

A splendid landing pad in gorgeous countryside with truly great food at the pub, lovely cottages and rooms over the village shop

A celebration of all things Somerset in a thatched village opposite the church and close to National Trust Barrington Court and Gardens

Glorious Elizabethan manor house lovingly furnished with exceptional art and antiques by its welcoming owners

A lovely old cottage in the cliffside village of St Lawrence. Watch boats sail by from the terrace, soak in an antique bath with sea views…

A wonderful country house, a unique wine story, very luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, infinity pool and restaurant

Remote wartime research station turned stylish retreat with knockout views, wild walks and a front-row seat to the weather

Birders will love escaping up here, golfers too - visit Hatfield House, Knebworth, Cambridge - come back to a good local pub and a comfy bed

Grade II-listed country hotel with lovely gardens and an excellent restaurant, a short walk from Ambleside and the top of Lake Windermere

Charming, simple and elegant B&B with a lovely garden and kind owners in an area renowned for its good wine and food