Sumptuous both inside and out, Ruth and Samantha Trinder’s refined hotel on the Thames is a tranquil spot that belies its easy connection to the scramble of London. This chic riverside hotel is run by a mother-and-daughter team and fills two Grade II-listed 18th-century houses, with a lovely restaurant that glows over the water when twilight falls.

If you're looking to treat yourself to more than a little decadence, this place is worth every penny. Royalty among countryside hotels, the perfectly manicured grounds will seduce you upon arrival, only to be trumped by lavish interiors. A history-rich Italianate mansion, André Garrett heads up the remarkable kitchen, enhanced by exceptional service across the board. The pool in the walled garden, best known for its role in the Profumo affair, is an ideal spot in the summer - head to the recently refurbished spa in colder months.

Get delightfully lost amid the treasure trove of Annie Rowley’s artfully styled Georgian townhouse B&B where an fanciful collection of vintage glassware, sculptures and curios fills immaculately kept bedrooms. Belgian hot chocolate, plentiful snacks, luxurious bathrobes and eclectic reading material make the top-floor bedrooms comfortable dens, ideal for a quiet weekend away.

Hever Castle is probably best known as the home of famed and fated wife of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn. Today, the magnificent 13th-century property is not only a spectacular attraction but also houses a B&B where Tudor-inspired features meet contemporary comforts. Lord about in individually decorated bedrooms kitted out four-poster beds, golden chaise longues and leaded windows, matched in opulence by limestone and marble bathrooms.

Once home to the pioneer of the English natural garden, William Robinson, this Elizabethan manor house is what country life is all about. The gardens are the main draw and more than live up to their history, but Gravetye is pretty faultless throughout. Pass lazy days wandering through the grounds before festooning yourself by the log fire with a glass red for an equally languid evening.

Filling a 17th-century building, the Old Parsonage is an intimate hotel that welcomes guests through stone gates and an impressive wooden door. Historic on the outside and contemporary within, seductive tones of rich plum and deep red are brought to life by a lively art collection and excellent restaurant. Explore Oxford on the hotel’s complimentary (and very good) walking tour, or borrow one of their bicycles to get lost in the city of dreaming spires on your own.

Within the medieval city walls of Southampton, the artfully undone Pig in the Wall is a uniquely brilliant bolthole where the focus is on the food. Beamed ceilings, iron fireplaces and open fires meet damn good dining with a menu of hearty local fare. The magic of the place is largely down to owners Robin and David, who have carefully curated this home away from home.