A pleasing (not very little) place to stay in the heart of a wood within the unspoilt countryside of the South Downs National Park

Small and elegant family-run hotel with airy bedrooms, plenty of private spaces and a bus to take you to the centre of bustling Avignon

A lovely bolthole in remote North Yorkshire – follow stunning hill walks with a soak in the roll top bath, and a glass of bubbly

Elegant stable cottage in the heart of Northumberland, with lush gardens and cosy interiors. Explore castles, coast and countryside

Soak up Provençal peace in a charming estate in the Alpilles, with stylish ground-floor B&B rooms, olives, vines and a friendly family dog

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

Come for a bright, roomy, uber-green and accessible larch-clad space with garden and pond in pretty countryside

Independent B&B in an ancient hamlet with modern interiors, immaculate bedrooms and a pleasant wooden terrace for sunny days

A delightful harled stone and wood house yards from the sea with glorious hills behind, for walkers, dreamers, nature lovers and adventurers

A townhouse with a walled garden by the church in a peaceful village where friendly Scottish owners feed and look after you well

A large cottage by the walled garden on a peaceful estate with oodles of space for big gatherings and views over a lake and mature trees

A mix of bold colours, modern art and vintage finds give this classic French mansion bags of personality

A 1980s Catalan mas built in a traditional style, with garden and pool, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards near the Spanish border

Between Penzance and Helston and close to sandy beaches is a sweet space for four. Good for young families and all garden lovers

Inland Algarve, away from the crowds – this gorgeous house with pool and gardens is a haven for families and friends

A fabulous Belle Epoque château with much wow factor set in vast grounds with lawns and lakes, circled by a dense forest

Delicious vegetarian cooking, a pool, lemon groves and hazy views of the Hyblaean mountains make a perfect escape near Cassibile

A rather grand, opulent house with warm owners, interesting furniture and art and some fine Renaissance architectural elements intact