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

Bountiful breakfasts, the warmest of owners and Breton adventures. Enjoy romantic ruins, quaint villages and delicious seafood suppers

A seaside inn on Babbacombe Bay with views of sea and sky, rooms to feel happy in, a spa and homely, hearty dining

An incredible living museum, dedicated to the history of Sicily and the arts. Stay in the main house or in a cottage in the fecund garden

An 18th-century whitewashed cottage, characterful and comfortable and with a large private garden, just minutes from the coast by car

Tucked down an alley off the main road through Midhurst, this well-designed, generous-spirited little house exudes character and quirk

A treat in any season, a place to stir your soul, yield to nature and learn how to play again – with a pretty fine roost to come home to

A stylish retreat in the heart of St Ives offering a glimpse of the sea – with an extra double sofabed room for friends or children

Your own cottage sitting room downstairs and a swish bedroom up – breakfast in the courtyard before venturing forth to discover Canterbury

Choose between airy bedrooms up an elegant stair, or magnificent rooms at garden-level with private terraces. Find sweetness and warmth

A comfortable and light-filled converted stone barn in the pretty Vendée, a quiet and rural spot but just half a mile from town

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

A gorgeous big old house on a farm near Marlborough with deeply comfy beds and superb breakfasts - walk out onto the North Wessex Downs AONB

A fine old stone mill, the river rushing by, kingfishers, kayaking, swimming: it’s a dream place with Provence and Cévennes at the door

Manor house in the grounds of a quintessential 18th-century French château with pretty gardens and lots of space just 3kms from Bayeux

Refurbished pub in a village high in the hills of the North York Moors, with stylish rooms and unpretentious food using quality ingredients

Come for the utter peace and quiet in this cosy cottage with amazing views and private walks to explore on the Bodnant Estate

Charming half-timbered house at the start of the Alsace wine route, with spacious rooms, tempting breakfast and a swimming pool