20 of the best British B&Bs
Lindeth Fell
Bowness-on-Windermere
A new era begins for this Edwardian country house above Lake Windermere, in gardens that melt into the glorious landscape.
Shallowdale House
Ampleforth
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.
Blackmore Farm
Cannington
Breakfast is served at a vast oak table in the Great Hall at this characterful B&B, occupying a 15th-century manor house on the Dyer family’s dairy farm.
Underleigh House
Hope
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.
New House Farm
Cockermouth
Away from the Lake District’s hot spots, in quiet Lorton Vale north of Buttermere, this whitewashed farmhouse B&B mixes rustic authenticity with modern comforts.
Jeake’s House
Rye
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.
The Lynch Country House
Somerton
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.
Craigatin House and Courtyard
Pitlochry
Pheasants wander the enclosed gardens and woodland of this stone-built Victorian house, within easy walking distance of the town.
Number Thirty Eight Clifton
Bristol
‘Our favourite stop-over when travelling to Cornwall’, this twin-bayed Georgian merchant’s house B&B sits atop one of Bristol’s highest hills, with panoramic views.
The Pig in the Wall
Southampton
This little piggy, the babe in the litter of Robin Hutson’s Pig hotels, is set in a crenellated Georgian house and former pub built into the city’s medieval wall.
Duke House
Cambridge
Tucked away in the city centre, within minutes of its historic colleges, this boutique B&B bolt-hole has a modern elegance in keeping with the house’s Victorian age, plus a pretty courtyard.
The Old Rectory
Hastings
Lionel Copley applied his designer’s eye and gentle wit to the styling of bedrooms at this chic Georgian rectory B&B, with elegant public spaces, treatment rooms, walled garden, and a breakfast to write home about.
From £90 per night
Padstow Townhouse
Padstow
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.