Recommended bed and breakfasts throughout the UK. Personally chosen by Britain Express users.
|
England Bed and Breakfasts Recommended bed and breakfasts throughout the UK. Personally chosen by Britain Express users. |
|||
|
||||
|
|
See also: User Recommended Hotels These select B&Bs have all been personally recommended by Britain Express users. If you'd like to suggest a favourite place to stay in Britain, please use our Add-a-B&B form. England B&BsCheshire - Hertfordshire | Lincolnshire - Yorkshire BedfordshireBedford Year 2003 Review Why Not:
There is no place to eat an evening meal in the village and a drive to find somewhere. Cheshire
Congleton 1998 Review: This guesthouse is in converted stables on a farm. It is run as a business so doesn't have the friendly B&B atmosphere. That said, the people are nice, the view over the fields having breakfast is great (lots of jumping bunnies to watch). The rooms are spotlessly clean, nicely decorated, have lovely bathrooms (ensuite), and some of the best mattresses in the UK. Handy for several historic houses and the Potteries. Recommended by Barbara Ballard Knutsford 1998 review: GuestHouse with ensuite bathrooms. Spotlessly clean, lots of amenities, excellent mattresses. This location is very handy for Manchester Airport (but quiet), a nice place to spend the night after a late arrival to recover from jet lag and handy before an early morning departure. The owners provide, for a fee, rides to the airport to pick you up or take you to your plane. Very friendly hosts. Recommended by Barbara Ballard CornwallLaunceston Why Stay Here: The b and b is a beautiful Georgian style house with large well-decorated clean bedrooms, beautiful views over the hills or town, and a charming hostess. It's a short walk to the castle and the town center. A good location for heading in a number of directions. Why Not: Street parking; all rooms do not
have private baths. Launceston Why
Not: Minimum 1.5 mile drive for evening meal. Only two rooms available
so book ahead if possible. Mevagissey Why Stay Here: The hosts are friendly, obliging and easy to get on with. The rooms have tv and tea tray and are very clean. The showers are good, and the bathrooms are well equipped though very tiny. Breakfast is in a glassed in room with views over the town. Note: Ask for specific directions as to which street to take--it's a bit confusing with three converging on the main road. Why Not:
Parking is tight. The town is dirty and univiting. One way leading out of the
town is via a steep, narrow road, not recommended. The mattresses on the beds
are a bit uncomfortable. County Durham Barnard Castle 1998 review: This 19th century cornmill is on the River Tees in the town of Barnard Castle. It has been renovated and converted into a B&B with two ensuite rooms and a third small bedroom which can be used in conjunction with one of the others. The barn is a suite in its own building. This B&B is probably the best I have ever stayed at in the UK. The breakfasts are unbelievable as are afternoon teas watching the river rush by. The rooms are completely equipped even with their own stereos. The beds and bathrooms are luxurious. The hosts are very friendly. Book far ahead to get a room. Recommended by Barbara Ballard Cumbria
Carlisle 1998 review: Beautifully decorated Victorian period home with all amenities. The only downer here is the poor quality of the mattresses. Everything else is lovely and the rooms contain antique furniture. Pleasant and helpful hosts. Really good location for walking to downtown Carlisle's sites and getting in and out of the city easily by car when exploring the countryside. 3 rooms ensuite. Evening meal served (expensive but excellent). Recommended by Barbara Ballard 2001 Review: What a great find, the hosts have a great knowledge of the area and the beds are so comfortable, we nearly overslept. Good location for touring Hadrians wall and the Northern Lakes as well as seeing the City, Castle, Museum and Cathedral. The fish was succulent for dinner and wines , so inexpensive. Will be back. This place is full of charm, restfulness and culture. Recommended by Alistair Thompson. Catlowdy Why Stay Here: The farmhouse has both self-catering and b and b rooms, which are very clean and well appointed. Bathroom/shower rooms are well equipped with nice towels and toiletries and are spotlessly clean. Lots of parking space. Quiet and peaceful with countryside views. A guest lounge is available and, next to it, a beautiful conservatory. An indoor swimming pool is open part of the year. Cheerful and helpful hosts. You can mail your postcards in the one room post office that operates from the house. Why Not: Catlowdy consists
of a few houses scattered along the roadside in an isolated location with a long
distance to drive to shops or to get a meal. Twee décor. Ireby 1998 Review: Located in a tiny northern Cumbria village with beautiful scenery, this period house has a lovely parlour and dining room. The rooms are rather dreary with poor beds, but well appointed and very clean. The fabulous hosts make it worth it. 5 rooms ensuite. Recommended by Barbara Ballard Kendal 2003 Review: Why Stay Here: Beech House Hotel is a stunningly decorated stone townhouse. Each room is individually designed with quality fabrics. Rooms have up-to-date lighting and plumbing (wonderful showers or tubs). The spotlessly clean rooms are fully equipped with tv, tea tray, etc. The gracious lounge and lovely dining room are added attractions. Hilary is a helpful and charming hostess. The location makes it easy to get to and from the Lake District. Why Not:
limited parking. Derbyshire
Bakewell 1998 review: 3 rooms ensuite: the beds
have the usual poor English mattresses, but the rooms are very clean and well
equipped. The owner is extremely helpful and friendly. The small village is a
real beauty and the views are fantastic. DevonBarnstaple 2003 Review Why Stay Here: 16th century medieval farmhouse with many original features. Set in its own 80 acres with panoramic views over the countryside from the patio. The rooms are clean. Delicious evening candlelight meals are served in the atmospheric dining room. Children are welcome. There's a large lounge with lots of books. Why Not: Because of the nearby comprehensive
school, there are times in the morning and evening when it is impossible to use
the single lane roads in both directions due to many school buses coming and going.
Check the setup of the room before you book: all rooms are not the same; some
are in the house, some in an annex, some are for families--the one I stayed in
did not have a separate bath/shower room, it was incorporated into the room itself,
a rather awkward setup. Dartmoor Why Stay Here: Lydgate House is right in the centre of Dartmoor National park so handy no matter what direction you are touring. The owners of the small hotel (7 rooms) live on site and personally run the hotel. The views over their property are quiet and relaxing. Everything is very clean and beautifully decorated. The public lounge is full of comfortable furniture, a window seat, the morning papers and interesting magazines and books. Breakfast and dinner are served in a large glass conservatory overlooking the countryside. Dinners use fresh produce. There's also a large wooden deck with tables for morning coffee or lunch, weather permitting. This is really a place to come and enjoy even if you never stir during the day. Why Not: Bathrooms/shower
rooms are closet size (at least mine was), and bedrooms are small (again mine
was, was not able to view others). The long drive in from the highway is one lane
and not paved. Tiverton 2000 review: Excellent service, meals
delicious and both Mr. Reader and his wife were very helpful. Mr. Reader even
drove us to Exeter to catch our train the Sunday we were leaving. We were doing
research in Tiverton and his B&B is within walking distance and also on the bus
line to everywhere. East Sussex
Rye Review:
The owners of this lovely home make you feel like a member of the family.They
go out of their way to insure your stay is wonderful. The house is located a short
and easy walk to historic Rye town centre. I stayed in the twin bedroom which
looked out on the beautiful garden. The room and ensuite bathroom was fully equipped
with all the amenities I could need. There are two single rooms with basins that
share a bathroom.Price per night is from 23-25 British pounds per person. A full
English or vegetarian breakfast is included. GloucestershireBourton-on-the-Water 2000 Review: English Tourist Board rating: 4 diamonds Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming Cotswold village and ideally located to explore the length and breadth of the area. Holly House is a detached modern home a few minutes walk from the village centre. All the rooms (single, double, twin) are ensuite (one has a very large bathroom, the others have shower rooms). TV, beverage making facilities and off-street parking are provided. The rooms are attractively decorated and comfortable. The house is non-smoking. Breakfast is served in a lovely conservatory overlooking a small back garden. This house is one of the best-heated homes I have ever stayed in. The owners are very friendly and helpful. I felt like I was visiting friends rather than staying in a B&B. It was a wonderful treat to stay with them. Recommended by Barbara Ballard HampshireAlresford Why Stay Here: Tichborne Grange is a characterful 17th century farmhouse set in a small rural village. The rooms are large. A lounge with reading material is provided. The rooms are clean. Why Not: It's not well-signed. Ask for specific
directions. Bathroom plumbing needs modernizing, tubs only, no showers. Mattresses
are not comfortable. Herefordshire
Bromyard 2000 Review: The Old Cowshed is down a country lane near Bromyard. Even with directions, I found it difficult to locate. But it was definitely worth it. I would be hard put to find two more charming, friendly and accommodating hosts. I felt like a prized family member as they went out of their way to be helpful. The name, the Old Cowshed, reflects what this building once was, and it still retains the charm of weathered wood beams. The owners have a fascinating photo book detailing its conversion. The Calf-Cote is an adjoining, very large (sleeps 6-two ensuite king and twin rooms and a small children's bedroom with half-bath) and well equipped (I could live here) self catering cottage. It provides a fridge, microwave, Aga, dishwasher, washer/dryer, TV and necessary housekeeping utensils. The property is part of what once was an entire farm and the buildings across the farm lane have been converted to private homes. You are surrounded by fields, hop yards and woods with lovely views. Two of the B&B rooms (king and twin beds) are on the ground floor. The one bathroom can be shared by a family booking both rooms, or if you wish a private bath, the other room will remain vacant. There is an upstairs room with private bath. The bedrooms are comfortable, nicely decorated and have all amenities. A lounge with TV and fireplace is for the use of guests. Non-smoking; off-road parking. Breakfast is in the lovely beamed farmhouse kitchen, using fresh local produce. If guests wish to prepare their own evening meal, they may do so at no extra cost. A separate fridge is provided for your food. Both the B&B rooms and the cottage share a large walled and lawned garden with a patio and a barbecue. Stay here and you won't regret it. Recommended by Barbara Ballard Eardisland 2000 Review: This is a fascinating house set in an exquisite "Black and White" village. As its name states, it was once the manor house for the surrounding area and has had parts added on to it over the years. Set in an acre of ground, the back garden is lovely and looks over an old dovecote set beside a river. Carolin is a lovely hostess who is happy to accommodate guest's needs. There are 3 bedrooms-two double ensuite and one twin with private bath. The one I stayed in was very large and had a good-sized bathroom, well equipped with all amenities. TV and beverage making facilities are provided in each room. The Manor is non-smoking. Private off-road parking is available. There is a guest lounge full of books and maps and games. A fireplace can be utilized in chilly weather. Breakfast is in a separate dining room. The only drawback to staying here is, like with many older houses, it's chilly even with the heat on. Recommended by Barbara Ballard Grafton near Hereford 2000 Review: This B&B is off the A49 Hereford/Ross-on-Wye road, two miles south of the city of Hereford. The sign is easy to miss, so phone first and ask for detailed information as to the turn-off from the busy highway. Grafton Villa is an 18th century farmhouse converted into a B&B with double ensuite bathroom, double private bathroom and twin ensuite shower room. The rooms are tastefully decorated with lovely wallpaper and curtains, and the comfortable beds have luxurious linens. All rooms are equipped with fully equipped and come with TV. The Villa is non-smoking. Off-road parking. There is a guest lounge with a log-fired hearth. Breakfast is served in a spacious dining room where fresh farm eggs, homemade jams and local bacon and sausages are served. Jennie is a thoughtful and pleasant hostess, willing to do that "little extra" for her guests. Grafton Villa also has a self-catering cottage, Anvil Cottage, once a wainhouse and stable. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms and a large combination living and kitchen room. Exposed beams and brickwork compliment the décor of pine furniture. The cottage is wheel chair compatible. The kitchen contains all modern appliances including a wash/dryer and dishwasher. Linen, towels and electric are included in the price. Accommodations are non-smoking. Recommended by Barbara Ballard Ross-on-Wye 2000 Review: Forest Edge is situated in the village of Lea, conveniently located 4 miles from Ross-on-Wye and on the edge of the Royal Forest of Dean. It's a modern, comfortable home, well heated. Plenty of off-road parking and garage storage for bicycles (a great way to visit the Forest). This is a non-smoking home. One double room with shower and one very large twin bedded room with a huge bathroom and large soaker tub. The rooms are very attractively decorated with excellent mattresses on the beds and lovely linens. Margaret and Don are accomplished gardeners, and the conservatory-a great place for afternoon tea-overlooks an exceptionally beautiful yard and garden and distant green hills. They are also excellent hosts and make you feel right at home. My only regret was that I hadn't booked in longer with them. Recommended by Barbara Ballard. Vowchurch 2000 Review: The Old Vicarage is not actually in the tiny village of Vowchurch, but is down the highway, set in its own 5 acres of countryside. There's a bit of history connected with the house-the brother of Lewis Carroll, author of "Alice in Wonderland" was one of the vicars who lived in the house. The Vicarage was built in 1879 and has a double ensuite, family/twin room with private bath and a single room ensuite. Beverage facilities, fresh fruit and fresh flowers enhance the rooms. They are attractively decorated, but have the one drawback of being overfilled with knick-knacks. This is a non-smoking house. The B&B has won a Taste of Herefordshire Food award, and their homemade jams can be purchased. Dinners provided by prior arrangement. Meals are in a separate dining room, and there is a visitor's lounge. The couple who run the B&B are friendly, and they provide many leaflets, maps and information brochures. Recommended by Barbara Ballard HertfordshireSt Albans Reviewed in 2003 Why not: It's quite a walk to the city
centre, cathedral, and museum. The rooms are expensive, and the shower room is
very tiny.
Do you have a favourite B&B you'd like to share with other users of Britain Express? Please fill out our submission form here. Thanks for sharing!
Recommended
B&Bs |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
