Above Windermere, this Edwardian country house lies in gardens that melt into the glorious landscape. The hotel is part of the Storrs Collection (see Storrs Hall).

Guests are made to feel like old friends at this wisteria-clad, light-filled 1960s house with its peerless views over gardens to the Howardian hills.

Enjoying an ideal location opposite Clifton Down, this twin-bayed Georgian merchant's house B&B sits atop one of Bristol's highest hills, with panoramic views.

Hidden in a back street of Padstow's old town, these sybaritic B&B suites, created by chef Paul Ainsworth and his wife, are an ideal retreat for foodies.

With walks from the doorstep, views of Peak District hills, a peaceful garden, breakfast feasts and restful bedrooms, it's no surprise that Underleigh wins so much praise.

Babe of the litter, this little piggy occupies a crenellated Georgian house and former pub built into the medieval city wall, with an artful granny's attic aesthetic, just a dozen bedrooms, and a deli using produce from the kitchen garden at the mother Pig at Brockenhurst in the New Forest.

Black swans glide on the pond in the gardens of veteran jazz saxophonist Roy Copeland's late-Georgian mansion, with traditionally styled rooms, where an excellent breakfast is served in the orangery.

At the heart of the Dyer family's dairy farm, with views to the Quantock hills, this B&B with onsite café occupies a 15th-century, red sandstone manor house, where log fires burn and an Aga-cooked breakfast is served at a 20ft oak table in the Great Hall, the walls hung with fearsome pikes and hallberds.

In the tranquil Lorton Vale north of Buttermere, this whitewashed farmhouse B&B and popular wedding venue with lawned gardens mixes rustic authenticity with modern comforts in its spacious bedrooms with oak beams, exposed stone and antiques.

Lionel Copley applied his designer's eye and gentle wit to the styling of interiors at this chic and grown-up Georgian rectory B&B (no under 10s), with beautiful bedrooms, elegant public spaces showcasing the work of local artists, treatment rooms, onsite café, walled garden, and exceptionally imaginative, locally sourced breakfasts.

Swathed with creepers and bedecked with flowers, this wildly atmospheric B&B stands on a cobbled street in a medieval citadel with views over Romney Marsh.

Pheasants wander the enclosed gardens and woodland of this stone-built Victorian house, within easy walking distance of the town.