Close to the station, a hotel and restaurant inside a Grade II-listed 18th-century sandstone mansion. Intimate and clubby, there is an open fire in the bar, and Gallic-influenced dishes in the informal restaurant; alfresco dining on the terrace. Modern bedrooms (some overlooking Calverley Park) have plenty of perks: a capsule coffee machine, fluffy bathrobes, chic toiletries for indulgent bathing. Within walking distance of the Pantiles.

An historic coaching inn opposite Laughton village green, seven miles from Lewes. Rooms are in a sympathetically converted stable block. Hearty pub grub and an extensive range of beers, wines and gin is served in the interesting bar and dining room, or in the large pub garden with an outdoor bar and children’s play area.

Fifteen mimutes’ walk from the centre of Sevenoaks, Sarah and Ian Stockbridge’s extended brick-built house has self-contained B&B accommodation with spacious bedrooms and a sitting room for guests to share. One room at the front overlooks woodland and Knole Park (NT) where the occasional deer can be glimpsed; another has views over the south-facing garden. The thoughtful hosts provide tea and cake on arrival. For breakfast, cereals, seasonal fruit and yogurt are followed by a full English and served in the dining area of the sitting room, which has glass doors opening onto a terrace with outdoor seating.

In secluded gardens and woodland, a low-built contemporary house with sun terraces and spacious accommodation overlooking acres of greenery. There’s an open-plan lounge for relaxing, and communal Aga-cooked breakfasts with a choice of home-made breads are served in a light-filled dining area. Five miles N of Lewes.

Situated in a tiny hamlet the North Downs above Folkestone, this homely B&B in an 18th-century farmhouse has spectacular views across fields and hills, and on a clear day over to France. The Channel Tunnel is a ten-minute drive.

Guests are welcomed with a glass of wine or beer at this relaxed B&B which has direct access to the private, 4-acre August Gardens. Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and home-made cake are available throughout the day. The grand, cream-painted 1850s merchant’s house is furnished in a clean-lined, contemporary style.

Close to Canterbury West Station, a quaint B&B dating back to the 14th century and mentioned in Charles Dickens' David Copperfield. Themed bedrooms are spread between the half-timbered house (low beams, uneven floors, bowed walls) and the converted stables overlooking the garden. All guests have use of the comfy lounges, honesty bar and DVD library. Breakfasts are served in the historic wood-panelled Quadrant room.

Within an architect-designed complex, this contemporary hotel enjoys a ‘prime position’ in the ‘serene grounds’ of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. At breakfast in the busy refectory or on the terrace, a ‘small buffet’ and ‘well-served’ hot dishes lay heavenly foundations for the day. Guests have free admission to the cathedral and its precincts, and discounts at local restaurants, ‘many within easy walking distance’.

Betwixt seafront and town centre, Peter Howey and Steve Courtney’s B&B in a Georgian townhouse has high-tech entertainment and a pretty courtyard garden with water features, illuminated at night. Set over five floors, the pristine bedrooms are provided with a smart TV with Catch Up, a wireless mobile phone charging pad, and a laptop safe. DVDs may be borrowed. Laid out in the smart breakfast room find a continental buffet, or choose a full English, freshly cooked.

A beachfront hotel within walking distance of the harbour and the high street. Some of the compact, light and simply decorated bedrooms have far-reaching views over the Thames Estuary (binoculars provided). Even closer to the shore, former fishermen’s stores on the sea wall have been converted into appealing self-contained units (some have steep stairs). Fresh-from-the-sea oysters and mussels feature on the French-style brasserie menu. Breakfasts must be pre-booked.

A bustling hotel (part of Shepherd Neame) across from the sea front. Most of the coffee-toned bedrooms have views of the ocean, some from a private balcony with a table and chairs. Breakfasts, served in the light-filled Orangery, include free-range Kent eggs; later, snacks and afternoon tea can be taken in the bar or outside on the terrace. In the contemporary restaurant, local fish and seafood features alongside vegetarian dishes, grills and burgers.

Close to shops, restaurants and the beach, this town centre B&B is only a few minutes’ walk from the bus and train stations, and is a useful stopover for passengers heading to and from the Dover ferry and cruise terminals. The hosts, a mine of information on the area, provide helpful advice as well as a left-luggage service and on-site parking. All the bedrooms are double-glazed and equipped with a hospitality tray and a hairdryer. Two are suitable for a family; those at the rear of the house have views over the Victorian walled garden to Dover Castle.

A few minutes’ walk from the Castle and sea front this Grade II-listed guest house welcomes walkers, cyclists and travellers with children and dogs. Upstairs, some of the spic-and-span bedrooms overlook a pleasant square with views over the town; two rooms are on the third floor. Look forward to a splendid breakfast in the morning. Dover ferry services, Eurostar and Eurotunnel links are within easy reach. Free on-street parking.