Abutting the Roman city walls, this style-savvy red brick old coaching inn (Young’s Brewery) has a lively atmosphere. Inside, a host of interesting curios including a vintage sewing machine, a ship’s masthead, and splashes of colour lend a quirky yet unpretentious vibe. Microbrewed drinks and traditional pub classics are served all day in the buzzy restaurant. In balmy weather, diners spill on to the large beer garden. ‘Boutiquey’ bedrooms are themed (water, wool, cotton).

Next to a fully restored and working water mill on the banks of the River Avill, a tranquil B&B with four pristine rooms. The lounge has books, magazines, games and DVDs; local maps and information. A small seating area at the front overlooks the river and across to Deer Forest.

Tea and cake, invaluable local knowledge and recommendations, and many personal touches are provided by James and Jane at their welcoming B&B in a Grade II listed Georgian house near the castle. Just relax, or plan a day out from a selection of maps and guidebooks in one of the comfortable lounges. The spacious, well-equipped bedrooms have thermostatically controlled heating. Satisfying breakfasts include a Full Exmoor, freshly cooked.

In this Grade II listed building at the foot of the castle, tastefully decorated bedrooms are supplied with sparkling water, a pack of chocolate chip cookies, chocolates, and even a glass of sherry; most overlook the cobbled high street. Breakfasts are fresh and varied. In the evenings, guests are welcome to enjoy their own food or a takeaway in the bar (plates, glasses, cutlery, and the washing up! are all provided). There’s also a deli next door, and numerous eateries and bars nearby.

Six miles from Plymouth, an Elizabethan manor house with an award-winning spa in the grounds. Full of character, the original building retains its oak panelling, ornate ceilings, mullioned windows and stone archways. The fine-dining Gallery restaurant overlooks the beamed Great Hall, which features a coat of arms of King James I above an enormous stone fireplace. Accommodation ranges from the majestic, with four-poster beds, to more contemporary rooms situated in the courtyard and stable wings. Gaia spa has a pool, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and saunas, a relaxation room, gym and a salon with a wide choice of beauty treatments.

Roaming peacocks add a colourful note to the setting of this country house hotel near Liskeard. Within its 40-acre grounds, roaming guests will discover ornamental ponds, fishing lakes, barbecue areas, woodland walks and a horse-riding school. In the bar and airy restaurant, there are flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and open log fires. Two of the well-quipped, traditionally furnished bedrooms are ideal for a family; some rooms have a four-poster bed.

In Plympton St Maurice, on the edge of the city, this Georgian manor was once a convent. Now a hotel and events venue, tranquillity remains in calming, modern bedrooms and in the surrounding nine acres of gardens and sweeping lawns. Local and regionally sourced produce appears on the restaurant’s fine dining menus: perhaps curried white crab with pea panna cotta, pink grapefruit and fresh pea shoots; Tournedos Rossini – fillet of Devon beef on crispy crouton with chicken liver parfait, dauphinoise potato, wild mushroom and baby onion jus.