Early birds - book ahead

Get the full-English bucolic countryside experience at this boutique inn right in the heart of a quintessentially pretty Cotswold village

Smart apartments set in a château with landscaped gardens, a lake and a small spa; the town centre and a wild beach are an easy stroll away

A wall of glass frames the sea view - take drinks on the waterfront lawn in summer, or by the crackling fire in winter

Steam in the hot tub, gaze over crashing waves or later stars. Inside is swish, kids play in their games room, dinner is in view of the sea

Few inns can rival the scale or history of this one. Dogs doze by the inglenook, food is sourced from local suppliers, bedrooms are gorgeous

A colourful modern folly, designed to surprise and celebrating the life (and death by motorbike) of an imaginary Essex woman called Julie

A smartly-refurbished old coaching inn sitting by the river and run with an emphasis on fair trade, sustainability and excellent local food

Close to the expansive north Norfolk coast, this is a contemporary hotel with a laid-back vibe and excellent food

A fin-de-siècle Franco-Scottish décor for this hospitable, entertaining B&B, in the heart of Edinburgh’s cultural quarter

25 sleek cabins by a shimmering lake, a clubhouse with rooms, restaurants, gym, pool and activities galore around these 1000 acres of wild nature

Quaint barns dotted among truffle oaks and rosemary, each one constructed the old-fashioned way and close to the Dordogne and Vézère

A grand dining hall and super kitchen, perfect for big gatherings. Spot spoonbills on the salt marsh, sea swim or walk to delis and pubs