Time stands still at this handsome Victorian Gothic-style mansion surrounded by extensive, well-kept grounds and woodland. It is filled with rich wood panelling, beautiful paintings, antiques and ornate stained glass windows, and run by ‘such polite, consistently friendly, obliging’ staff’. On comfy sofas by roaring log fires, dreams of a bygone age are conjured by the galleried baronial hall. Dinner is an elegant affair in the candle-lit restaurant. Mount the grand staircase to spacious, traditionally furnished bedrooms, equipped with a refreshment tray, dressing gowns and luxury toiletries. Wake to a sumptuous cooked-to-order breakfast.

This former Georgian coaching inn in Yorkshire’s ‘food capital’ has a winning combination of cool style, informal atmosphere and robust food.

At once grand and intimate, this sumptuously refurbished Victorian manse overlooking the green at the Royal Dornoch has a relaxed, country-house ambience, fine bedrooms, annexe suites and award-winning cooking.

‘The whole family feels welcome’ at this seaside hotel, which stands in a fabulous location, on a two-mile stretch of sandy, dog-friendly beach. The modern building is breezy and bright inside, with a host of facilities to suit everyone. Bedrooms have a coastal vibe; many have views to match.

On a country lane outside Richmond, this stone-built Georgian house is surrounded by acres of gardens, including a woodland walk, an orchard, a breezy paddock and the tranquil ruins of Easby Abbey. The B&B accommodation is sumptuously decorated. Breakfast, served at a time to suit the guest, has home-made compotes and preserves of garden fruit; local bacon; eggs from resident hens.

On the shores of Loch Torridon, the building is in a ‘gorgeous’ village of white-washed cottages; most of the bedrooms have fine views across the sea to Shieldaig Island.

Ten minutes’ drive from the ferry, Anne Gracie and Ken Gunn’s whitewashed hotel has ‘fine views’ across the Sound of Sleat.