A cosy bolt hole near medieval Cartmel with woods, meadows and wildlife – great for walkers in this quiet part of the South Lakes

Bring boots, maps, your dog and an appetite for high places and deep comfort in this restored farm conversion

Historic village inn with wonderful cooking and a Provençal-style courtyard garden; drive to the Jurassic Coast in half an hour

Come for an exceptionally inviting 17th-century inn, a chocolate-box Cotswold village, excellent local food and ales, very comfortable rooms

A cosy nest on the ramparts of an ancient fishing port, with sparkling lagoon views from a top-floor living area

Award-winning Aga-cooked breakfasts, scented candles, gorgeous beds... Come for a break from clock-watching and a spot of Shropshire air

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

Stylish hotel with big rooms, lovely food and a pretty garden overlooking the old castle moat - don’t miss the Mappa Mundi in the cathedral

Feel right at home in a thatched farmhouse on South Pool Creek, with cottage garden views, great breakfasts and a good local pub

The smallest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

Traditional bedrooms lie under the beams of this fascinating country mansion - a grand, hospitable B&B near St Malo and sand beaches

A stylish mountain chalet under the watchful gaze of Mont Blanc, with a private chef, hot tub and sauna

Eight miles from York, near Moors and coast, this smart historic home is just the ticket for families and small groups of friends

A beautiful little collection of trulli near the Valle d’Itria – restored with flair and with gardens, woods and pool

A very swish 1610 house, thoroughly refurbished, in the heart of old Chichester with oodles of space and a surprisingly large garden

Absolutely no neighbours and stunning views from this delicious little cottage, which peeks over the trees in a magical SSSI valley

A row of old brick stables now craftily converted into a light-filled and very peaceful place to stay with a garden room and gorgeous views

Ease yourself into a rather more gracious lifestyle from this sweet retreat on a historic estate with gorgeous walled gardens