Here are the Good Hotel Guide’s Editor's Choice selections for best B&Bs.
2024 Editor's Choice B&Bs
Editor’s Choice B&Bs
The Manor Town House
Fishguard
Come to this powder-blue Georgian townhouse for the spectacular views over Cardigan Bay, stay for the chic, white and cream bedrooms with super-king beds, honesty bar, book-filled lounges, and the four-course gourmet breakfasts. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is on your doorstep.
Underleigh House
Hope
This handsome stone longhouse, bedecked with flowers, is perennially popular for its fabulous Peak District location, Aga-cooked breakfasts, big bedrooms with lovely views, and great prices. It takes sustainability seriously – the garden teems with wildlife; at night you might hear an owl.
Jeake’s House
Rye
History oozes from this eccentric 16th-century house on a cobbled street; bedrooms are named after writers and reformers who stayed. Unwind in the sexy, black-and-gold honesty bar before snuggling down in a four-poster bed. At breakfast, feast on Rye rarebit. It’s great value for money.
Ael y Bryn
Eglwyswrw
Readers rave about this Pembrokeshire B&B, set in gardens teeming with birds. Attention to detail is faultless, from the tea and cakes on arrival, to the spacious, immaculate bedrooms and generous breakfasts. If you prebook a supper, bring your own wine – they charge no corkage.
Kaywana Hall
Kingswear
Design aficionados will coo over this 1960s Corbusier-inspired ‘butterfly house’ in 12 acres of woodland. Sleek, wood-floored bedrooms are bathed in light; a dazzling breakfast room overlooks the pool. Tea and cake are on the house in the afternoon. In summer, stretch out on a poolside lounger.
The Roseleigh
Buxton
It may have an old-fashioned air, with patterned carpets and floral drapes, but that applies to its very proper standards and value for money, too. The owners have travelled extensively as tour guides, so they understand the essentials and deliver them: spotless, comfortable rooms and an excellent full English.
Bridleway Bed & Breakfast
Lincoln
You can take your own horse to this rustic-chic B&B down a farm track three miles from the city centre. But even those arriving by shank’s pony are in for a treat, with a cream tea, beautiful bedroom and a bulging breakfast hamper delivered with a smile.
The Old Manor House
Shipston-on-Stour
Staying at this 16th-century manor house with three acres of romantic gardens feels like dropping in on old friends. Timeless country-house interiors – beams, antiques, oil paintings, plump sofas, log fire – and cosy, cottagey bedrooms mean you won’t want to leave. A big breakfast includes homemade bread.
Darwin’s Townhouse
Shrewsbury
The natural selection on any visit to Shrewsbury, this Grade II* listed house pays homage to the town’s most famous son though charming animal and plant-themed wallpapers and fabrics, maps and curios. A fine breakfast is served in the conservatory, and there’s an honesty bar in the snug.
Arthur’s
Hillsborough
A welcome new addition to this charming Georgian village, this boutique B&B has 12 rooms splendidly decorated with sumptuous designer fabrics and antique finds. Bathrooms are glamorous marble affairs; ample breakfasts (brave the Ulster Fry if you dare) and cakes are served in the ground-floor coffee house.
2023 Editor's Choice B&Bs
Editor’s Choice B&Bs
Plas Tan-Yr-Allt
Porthmadog
You can lie in an antique four-poster in the William Madocks room at this singular B&B with views over the Glaslyn estuary to the Rhinog mountains, and listen to steam trains puffing along the sea wall.
From £60 per night
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.
Britannia House
Lymington
Uber-friendly host Tobias Feilke welcomes guests to his idiosyncratic B&B in a yachting town and ancient seaport on the edge of the New Forest.
Broom House at Egton Bridge
Egton Bridge
You’ll find rural seclusion and moorland views at this smartly decorated, owner-run farmhouse B&B just a stroll from the village, pubs and railway station.
The Coach House
Brecon
A former coaching inn, this top-notch B&B with secluded back garden combines hotel-quality accommodation with the warmth and intimacy of an owner-run guest house.
Chapel House
Penzance
Gorgeous interiors and a friendly, informal ambience are a winning combination at Susan Stuart’s beautiful B&B, where every bedroom has a sea view, and breakfast is quite special.
Trewornan Manor
Wadebridge
In 25 acres of mature grounds, this handsome stone manor house has seven chic bedrooms with emperor bed and home-made treats, a relaxing lounge, friendly staff who deliver a much-praised breakfast with a smile.
The Beaumont
Hexham
The open-plan restaurant and bar, serving creative modern British dishes, provides a buzzy meeting place at this Victorian townhouse hotel overlooking abbey and park, where individually styled bedrooms have feature wallpaper, designer fabrics, modern bathroom fittings.
2022 Editor's Choice B&Bs
Editor’s Choice B&Bs
Lindeth Fell
Bowness-on-Windermere
Far from your average B&B, the Kennedy family’s luxury guesthouse offers picnics, cream teas and cold plates as well as an outstanding breakfast. The seven-acre gardens and some of the elegant rooms overlook Windermere.
Underleigh House
Hope
Vivienne Taylor’s Derbyshire longhouse offers a restful stay with its large, pretty bedrooms, peaceful garden and views across the Peak District’s Hope valley. Breakfasts get a big thumbs up, with home-made bread and a full grill.
23 Mayfield
Edinburgh
Guests are entrusted with their own key during their stay at Ross and Kathleen Birnie’s Victorian house with antique furniture and period features. Bedrooms might have a four-poster or half-tester and breakfast is a slap-up spread.
Ael y Bryn
Eglwyswrw
Readers report that this much-loved B&B is ‘first class in every respect’, with spacious rooms, glorious views to the Preseli hills and superb attention to detail. Breakfasts and dinners are equally good, and you can take your own wine.
The Old Rectory
Hastings
It’s seriously stylish in Lionel Copley’s Georgian rectory B&B, with wood floors and hand-painted wallpapers. As well as a treatment room and honesty bar, there’s a weekend supper club. Breakfast features house-smoked kippers and bacon.
From £90 per night
Dorset House
Lyme Regis
Lyn and Jason Martin describe their eco- friendly B&B as ‘breakfast with rooms’ and take great care with the daily-changing menu of local, organic produce. Add boutique-style bedrooms and a willingness to go out of their way to help guests.
Trewornan Manor
Wadebridge
In gardens and pastureland near the Camel estuary, Paul and Lesley Stapleton’s Grade II listed manor house B&B wins high praise from readers for its smart bedrooms, complimentary cream tea, superb breakfasts and relaxed air.
No. 33
Hunstanton
Jeanne Whittome’s smart B&B ticks all the boxes for a special stay. Breakfasts and picnic hampers come from sister venture the Thornham Deli, rooms are beautifully decorated, and there is even a concierge service to book bikes or boats.
2021 Editor's Choice B&Bs
Editor’s Choice B&Bs
Old Whyly
East Hoathly
Handily situated for Glyndebourne, Sarah Burgoyne’s Georgian farmhouse is homely and comforting, with a lovingly tended garden ablaze with seasonal blooms. There is also an outdoor pool. She’s a trained cook, so breakfasts are tip-top.
Number Thirty Eight Clifton
Bristol
A great deal of care has gone into making this B&B look so stylish, from the unusual vintage furniture, contemporary art and Zoffany wallpapers to the special features in the rooms, such as four-posters and copper baths.
The Coach House
Brecon
Kayt and Hugh Cooper usher you in to their 19th-century former coaching inn with tea and bara brith. Spacious rooms are soothing, in shades of sage green and cream. Walkers will appreciate the big breakfasts and option of a packed lunch.
2 Blackburne Terrace
Liverpool
A discerning eye characterises Sarah and Glenn Whitter’s Georgian town house, with its carefully curated collection of furniture, books and paintings. Sleep in richly coloured rooms; at breakfast the table is laid with silver and crystal.
Chapel House
Penzance
This Georgian house with crisp white interiors overlooks the harbour. Bedrooms with just a dash of colour – cerulean, sunburnt orange – all have sea views. They serve a fine breakfast and you can join a communal dinner at weekends.
Daisybank Cottage
New Forest
Ciaran and Cheryl Maher will welcome you like old friends to this Arts and Crafts house in the New Forest, whose pretty, immaculate rooms have espresso machines and chocolates. There is home- made granola and American pancakes for breakfast.
Low Mill Guest House
Bainbridge
The past comes alive at this converted 18th-century watermill in Wensleydale hill country: the old waterwheel is a highlight of the rustic, playful interior,
with its stone walls and jazzy fabrics. In the morning, wake up to home-baked bread.
The Old Manor House
Shipston-on-Stour
This lovely 16th-century house overlooking the Stour seems too good to be true. It has antique-filled interiors, comfy, oak-beamed bedrooms, a drawing room with an open fire and, outside, a tennis court and the option to fish in the river.
2020 Editor's Choice B&Bs
Editor’s Choice B&Bs
The Old Rectory
Boscastle
There are romantic associations with Thomas Hardy at the Searles’ Victorian rectory B&B. The bed might be an antique carved one. Breakfast brings eggs from the hens, home-grown tomatoes, honey from the bees that pollinate the fruit trees in lovingly tended gardens.
Shallowdale House
Ampleforth
There are dreamy views to the Howardian hills from Anton van der Horst and Phillip Gill’s 1960s house in leafy, hillside gardens. From fresh-baked scones to freshly squeezed orange juice at breakfast, everything is just about perfect.
Old Whyly
East Hoathly
Dinner under a vine-covered pergola with fellow guests on a summer’s night epitomises a stay at Sarah Burgoyne’s Georgian manor house in glorious gardens. Her spaniel, Puzzle, is a chatty host. Eggs are from the hens, honey from hives in the orchard.
Number Thirty Eight Clifton
Bristol
Hit the heights at Adam Dorrien-Smith’s Georgian merchant’s house overlooking Clifton Down. Stylish, uncluttered interiors, stunning views, swish bathrooms, lovely service, cream teas and a top-notch breakfast more than repay the uphill climb.
The Old Manor House
Shipston-on-Stour
You can ask for a picnic then fish in the River Stour, which borders the landscaped gardens of the Puseys’ 16th-century manor house filled with antiques and curios. A full English breakfast of local produce sets you up for the day.
2019 Editor's Choice B&Bs
Editor’s Choice B&Bs
Craigatin House and Courtyard
Pitlochry
A Victorian former doctor’s house has been made over as a splendid B&B by its hospitable, hands-on owners. Rooms have contemporary styling. Breakfast brings fruits from the garden (berry compote, apple pancakes), omelette Arnold Bennett.
Brooks Guesthouse
Bristol
Guests sleep in a smart, conventional bedroom or an aluminium retro caravan on the Astroturf roof at this former office block turned friendly, unfussy city base. Breakfast brings bacon butties, smoked salmon bagels, eggs Benedict. Local restaurants abound.
The Old Rectory
Hastings
Designer chic and witty caprice abound at this former rectory with beautiful lounges and lovely walled garden. Rooms are supplied with home-baked biscuits, own-label toiletries. At breakfast there are smoothies, home-cured kippers, bread fresh from the oven.
From £90 per night
Chapel House
Penzance
A Georgian house, once an admiral’s home, is run with care and pride as a B&B. Rooms are highly individual – one bathroom has a retractable glass roof. From tea and cake on arrival to Sunday brunch’s kedgeree, everything is tiptop.
The Roseleigh
Buxton
Choose a bay-windowed front room at this handsomely furnished Victorian guest house, and enjoy views over the lake of the Pavilion Gardens, designed by Joseph (Crystal Palace) Paxton. A comfortable, traditional, stylish and professional operation.
2018 Editor's Choice B&Bs
Editor’s Choice B&Bs
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.
Y Goeden Eirin
Caernarfon
Kindly hostess Eluned Rowlands welcomes guests to her B&B – a stylishly renovated granite cowshed on the edge of Snowdonia –with tea and Welsh cakes, supplies bedrooms with fresh fruit and sherry, and serves a good Aga-cooked breakfast.
Penbontbren
Llandysul
Bedrooms occupy converted outbuildings at this unusual B&B set in gardens ten minutes from beaches, each with outdoor space and kitchenette, where breakfast is served in the Victorian farmhouse dining room.
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.
Newbegin House
Beverley
The 'ridiculously good value' offered at this B&B astounds readers, who love staying at Walter and Nuala Sweeney's Georgian town house, where personal photographs and heirlooms complement the handsome original features.
2017 Editor's Choice B&Bs
Editor’s Choice B&Bs
The Manor Town House
Fishguard
Behind its powder-blue façade, Helen and Chris Sheldon’s Georgian town house is a ‘well set-up, furnished and immaculate B&B’ with a terrace overlooking Cardigan Bay.
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.
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.
Old Whyly
East Hoathly
It is more than thirty years since Sarah Burgoyne first welcomed guests to her Georgian manor house, ‘in enchanting gardens and grounds’, where ‘deer roam at dawn and birdsong is guaranteed’.
2 Blackburne Terrace
Liverpool
Art-filled interiors and home comforts make for a soothing ambience at this elegant Georgian townhouse B&B on a cobbled drive in Liverpool's cultural quarter.