Lush greenery along a sweeping tree-lined drive ‘soothes the soul’ as towers and crenellations of an 18th Century castle come into view.

This former 17th-century inn, which is part of the Duke of Devonshire’s 30,000-acre estate at Bolton Abbey, is today an impressive country house hotel, with fine dining and a spa.

More a stylish gastropub than a community hub, this historic inn has a loyal following of foodies who rave about its 'delicious meals'.

Between the charm, the picturesque location and the five star service, it is little wonder that weddings here are extremely popular. Medieval features, roaring fires in winter, wood panelled walls and award-winning food, makes for exquisite occasions, whether it’s for two or 100 people to enjoy.

Whale-watching, spectacular sunsets and starry, starry nights are among the wonders at this Victorian former hunting lodge on a wooded estate lapped by Loch Gairloch.

The property is ideal for elegant country weddings - accommodating up to 60 people for ceremonies in the barn and 80 people for receptions, the day is complete with award-winning dining and a bar serving a selection of more than 150 gins!

A photographer’s dream, this Elizabethan manor house stands in gardens and parkland, with mountain views. A spa, oak-panelled drawing room, romantic four-poster suite, stone cottages with roses round the door. . . What more could you ask?

Redolent of its sometimes racy past, this veritable palazzo, designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1850 for the Duke of Sutherland, sits in National Trust pleasure grounds above the Thames.

Under the big skies of Caithness, wrapped in woodland and a curve of the River Forss, this Georgian mansion offers the grandeur of Scottish country house living but with modern-day warmth and comforts.

This quintessential English country house with spa, pools, kids’ club, elegant bedrooms and fun tree houses, hits all the right luxurious notes for a romantic or family stay.

First-time visitors can’t help but stand and stare at this exquisite country house, with its William and Mary symmetry and 20 acres of gardens and parkland.

‘A wonderful place for a stay in the Peak District’, the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s Derbyshire hotel offers a taste of country house living a stroll from their magnificent Elizabethan pile.

With views over meadows and marshes to the sea, this hotel with award-winning dining bedazzles with its vibrant interiors within the walls of a Victorian farmhouse.

An Edwardian country house in long-time family ownership is run as a spa hotel, restaurant and leisure destination with facilities for golf, tennis, bowls, croquet, swimming.

In serene countryside, this well-restored old farmhouse, with many features dating from the 15th century, stands in large, landscaped gardens.

In 'one of the most idyllic spots ever', this dog-friendly hotel 'near the end of an extremely narrow lane' overlooks cliff-top gardens filled with larky sculpture and Wonderland whimsy.

The superb setting of the Nye family's hotel overlooking salt marshes to the sea and Scolt Head Island is matched by a 'really good atmosphere', say readers who go back year after year.

Welcoming and peaceful, Ben Maschler’s thatched 14th-century inn has all the traditional comforts, sophisticated gastropub dishes and classics, simple-chic bedrooms, and the Nadder valley on the doorstep.

In the historic town centre, this 16th-century coaching inn has cool, casual-chic interiors, warm and friendly young staff, innovative cooking in the restaurant, real ales and cocktails in the buzzy bar.