In the 17th century, when drovers were transporting livestock along the west coast, reaching this inn meant a warm bed and a well-deserved dram at the end of a long day. Now, most of us might arrive by car but it's still a relief to arrive here. By the loch in the pretty village of Ardfern, it welcomes sailors, pets – everyone in fact. A great base to explore the Hebridean islands, there's a popular bar and a superb restaurant.
The prosperous Cheshire village of Warmingham houses this classic Arts & Crafts gastropub. This being prime WAG territory guests can cosy up to HD television, wifi and ipod wizardry upstairs. Downstairs, things get a bit more traditional with wood-burning stoves, leather armchairs and a flagstoned bar and restaurant. Food is locally sourced and most beer comes from local breweries.
Quirky, mildly eccentric and a real local landmark. There are just nine bedrooms, some round, some beamed, all utterly delightful. Essentially, this is a B&B (there are also some self-catering cottages) with evening meals that celebrate classic English cooking. Guests get to enjoy a fabulous circular sitting room (with honesty bar) and staggering views across the marshes.
There's carefully controlled chintz at this hotel, one of my all-time favourites. It's larger than most of the others featured but the owner, Neville Talbot makes staying here an intimate experience. A lot of its pleasures are pleasingly old-fashioned such as duck-feeding on the lawn or afternoon tea in the conservatory and the setting on the shore of Windermere is idyllic.
In the heart of the Dartmoor National Park, this seven-bedroom country house hotel is a refuge from the modern world. Surrounded by 36 acres of tranquil gardens, meals are served in a light-filled conservatory and there's also a lounge with wood-burning stove. Food comes from local farms and clotted cream features strongly! Dogs are welcomed too.
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