The North York Moors National Park is on the doorstep of this friendly B&B with glorious views, generous breakfasts and kind hosts

An ancient thatched cottage near Dartmoor with a warming log fire in winter and flowers inside and out in the summer

An attractive, seaside hotel with an airy, contemporary feel - chic interiors, an excellent restaurant and big sea views await

An ancient inn, spruce and restorative, in a picture-perfect village with open fires, tasty food and stylish, comfortable bedrooms

Understatedly stylish with French antiques, sofas and balconies overlooking town and gardens. A grown-ups' retreat, 200m from the ocean

Down a track with a delightfully remote feel but near to the coast and with good walking and cycling; views out to sea are awesome

Serene retreat in the French countryside with elegant interiors and impeccable hosting from the lovely Anne-Laure

Foodies and sociable souls will enjoy this lively B&B in a pretty honey-coloured stone cottage with a garden and a very friendly owner

A renovated, comfy Victorian cottage behind a small village pub, a hub for the local community and with good food, ales and wine

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

A lovely farmhouse in Lot with acres of garden and a summer kitchen. Come ‘en famille’ for food, wine and lazy days by the pool.

This shuttered, stone maison in Gascony on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrims' route is a joy for families to spend time together

A beautiful rural escape for couples or families with the delights of the Cotswolds all around. Dogs very welcome too

If houses could smile, this 1850 townhouse would be beaming - grand for groups, with four terraces, two living rooms and a plunge pool

Go with the slow - homemade delights, no plastic anything, few mod cons - just relaxed humorous hosts and a beautiful place

Thoughtful red brick barn conversion on a working farm. Peaceful, practical and within easy reach of outdoor activities

Three immaculate rooms in a 17th-century building; step out onto winding streets lined with trattorias, boutiques, fountains and monuments

Lovers will be happy here in their own sweet space with a bird-filled garden. All you will hear is the river flowing gently past you