Great staff, beautiful design, a fine old building and sublime food make this 600-year-old inn a perfect escape all year round

After a bountiful breakfast of Loch Fyne kippers and homemade scones, head for Oban, gateway to the isles. Return to a dram by the fire

Escape your cares here, move from terrace to terrace tracking the sun's progress and dive into the sea from your own swimming platform

A light, bright Georgian townhouse in a residential street directly opposite the lovely Lido and restaurant, near Clifton Village

Three eco-friendly, fully accessible timber-clad lodges and three cabins on a private, beautiful lake - a Sawday's Community Champion

Gracious Florentine hospitality, elegance and comfort, gazebo breakfasts, a flower-filled garden with pool and views of olive groves

Two homely gîtes sleeping 4 and 2 in rural farm country. Walk to the bakery; drive 15 minutes to Saint-Malo and riverside restaurants

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

An Edwardian villa with stunning views, polished floors, cosy fires and child-friendly garden a short walk from lovely Portmeirion

A converted old granary next to a traditional Welsh longhouse in a deeply rural setting for unfussy nature lovers

A renovated barn, part stone, part wood, resembling the tobacco barns of the area with beautiful grounds surrounded by farmland

A peaceful old ivy-clad mill with a beautiful terrace overlooking the water, sculpture-filled gardens, comfortable bedrooms and hearty food

An idyllic hotel-restaurant in a postcard-pretty medieval village. Warm interiors, a varied menu of local produce, masses to see and do...

A cool pub with smart rooms, English ales and Thai-inspired food. Farringdon tube is round the corner and you can walk to the Barbican

Immerse yourself in nature, wildlife, sustainability and slow food high up on the edge of a National Park

Tour the cellars or wander the history-rich château and grounds. A truly pretty place

Tranquil retreat with pool, pétanque and spa – the perfect base for exploring historic Poitiers, châteaux and wonderful wine country

Imperious old coaching inn lost in deep country with a river to fish, five-mile views, delicious rooms and some very tasty food