The Best B&Bs To Book Now
You don’t have to travel for miles to enjoy a beautiful getaway
THE PLOUGH AT LUPTON
In brief: A quirky and sophisticated B&B serving good food.
Our highlight: The view from the beautiful Bellingham Suite into the pretty garden.
Insider guide: From the beautiful views of the surrounding fells from the beer garden, to the atmospheric bar’s roaring log fires, this historic pub in the pretty hamlet of Lupton is all about style and simplicity, whatever the season. While still retaining their wonderful charm, their six luxurious ensuite bedrooms have been refreshed during the past year, with touches such as DAB radio, Damana toiletries and fluffy dressing gowns. Combine this with top notch food and plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding area, and you’ve got the perfect getaway.
Cow Brow, Lupton LA6 1PJ
01539 567700
theploughatlupton.co.uk
THROSTLE NEST FARM
In brief: A newly-refurbished B&B on the edge of the Aire Valley.
Our highlight: Cosying up in front of the huge inglenook fireplace with a good book.
Insider guide: Throstle Nest Farm has been fully refurbished while still keeping the original farmhouse character. Set in six acres of private land, the guest house has five individually-styled guest rooms each with an ensuite, as well as a new ground floor annex suite with a large lounge area and fully-fitted shower room. Guests can spend their mornings sitting in-front of the large windows enjoying stunning views over the surrounding countryside, before being treated to a locally-sourced breakfast cooked in a traditional Aga.
Woodside Lane, Cononley, Skipton BD20 8PE
01535 630783
throstlenestfarmbandb.co.uk
ALAMO GUEST HOUSE
In brief: A family-run B&B housed in an elegant listed Victorian building.
Our highlight: The beautiful Victorian dining area with breathtaking views of Kelvingrove Park and the University of Glasgow.
Insider guide: Built in 1880, there is so much history and character to this B&B. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, there is an abundance of things to see and do all within walking distance. Inside there are 12 rooms to choose from, each as luxurious as the next, however the Superior Ensuite King is truly something special. With a king sized four-poster bed and high, decorated corniced ceilings, staying here is a real treat. Having slept like a queen, you can then wake up to a delicious complimentary breakfast, with the option of Scottish-style haggis and potato scones for the full experience.
46 Gray Street, Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow G3 7SE
0141 339 2395
alamoguesthouse.com
BOWDEN HOUSE
In brief: An award-winning boutique B&B nestled in the Scottish Borders.
Our highlight: The French Deluxe luxury statement room with an antique double bed, artisan furniture, original fireplace, claw feet bathtub and large rain shower is a real treat.
Insider guide: Dating from the early 19th century, Bowden House is full of charm and character having been lovingly refurbished. Located in the quiet conservation village of Bowden, it is just a short drive from Melrose and the perfect place to relax. With stunning views over the glorious Borders countryside, the B&B boasts three ensuite bedrooms, a sitting room and a lovely dining room with access to the patio. After a peaceful night’s sleep, guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast, including continental breakfast, toast and jam, veggie or vegan options, a full Scottish breakfast or a healthy fruit platter.
Bowden, Melrose, TD6 0ST
01835 824571
bowdencountryhouse.com
RYEDALE VINEYARD
In brief: A farmhouse B&B located on a working 12 acre vineyard.
Our highlight: The offer of breakfast-in-bed bought to your room in the morning.
Insider guide: Not many people can say they’ve stayed in a farmhouse on a working vineyard but we think it’s the perfect place to relax. On south-facing slopes at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds, the setting is peaceful yet only seven miles from the market town of Malton. Guests can choose between two luxurious rooms – the ‘Fox’ room is set in the eaves of the 500-year-old cruck beamed farmhouse with a separate shower room, while the ‘Pheasant’ room is a double room with a small ensuite shower and amazing views over the Wolds – before helping themselves to a bottle of wine from the honesty bar and sleeping soundly on linen bedding and down quilts. The next morning enjoy a full Yorkshire breakfast served in the farmhouse dining room, or opt for a hot breakfast bap or porridge bought direct to the room instead.
Farfield Farm, Westow YO60 7LS
07792 276713
ryedalevineyards.co.uk
LANCASTER BARN
In brief: A beautifully-modern B&B set in farmland.
Our highlight: The light and airy Scandi-inspired breakfast area with views of the grounds.
Insider guide: Built in 1800, and lovingly restored in 2015, Lancaster Barn provides guests with the warmth and home comforts of a B&B, but with all the luxury and flair of a hotel. Understated, sophisticated interiors provide a modern spin on a barn setting, while championing sustainable design. Choose between a small barn room designed for the solo traveller, a medium barn room perfect for a weekend escape, or their signature-style large barn room, before indulging in a hearty seasonal breakfast with homegrown and locally sourced produce.
Bay Horse, Lancaster LA2 0HW
01524 941449
lancasterbarn.co.uk
GREYCROFT
In brief: A four-star, gold rated B&B housed in a beautiful and spacious Victorian property.
Our highlight: The bright garden room where their award-winning, locally-sourced breakfast is served – the Craster kippers are delicious.
Insider guide: Built in 1895, Greycroft is situated in the Conservation Area of the historic market town of Alnwick. In a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, it is still only a two-minute walk from the town centre and local amenities making it the ideal place to stay. There are six ensuite bedrooms of varying size, all furnished to a very high standard, as well as a comfortable guest lounge with a large selection of books and games. With complimentary sherry and Lindisfarne mead on offer, what more could you want?
Croft Place, Alnwick NE66 1XU
01665 602127
greycroftalnwick.co.uk
TRAQUAIR HOUSE
In brief: A romantic B&B in the oldest continually-inhabited house in Scotland.
Our highlight: The living history – Mary Queen of Scots once slept here.
Insider guide: In a fold of hills beside the river Tweed, the 900-year-old house is wearing well. Stuarts have lived here since 1461 and it is still an extraordinary home. Grand but homely, the three bedrooms all have half-tester canopied beds, ensuite bathrooms and lots of luxurious touches including proper china and an in-room kettle (sadly becoming rarer and rarer). The lower Drawing Room with its large fire, hand-flocked wallpaper and honesty bar is yours when the house closes for the day. There’s also a tennis court and fishing by arrangement. The Scottish breakfast is served in the elegant 18th century Still Room and includes unmissable homemade muffins.
Innerleithen, Peebleshire EH44 6PW
01896 830323
traquair.co.uk
RANDY PIKE
In brief: A luxurious B&B in a Victorian villa close to Lake Windermere.
Our highlight: The bold interiors which mix vintage and contemporary furnishing, and the indulgent in-room breakfast.
Insider guide: Part private home and part B&B, the four enormous suites here are crammed with custom-made and vintage finds. Fun and flamboyant, they are delightfully different, although each has a sitting area and complimentary bar (there are no public rooms here). Three have access to the garden via arched French doors, whilst the fourth suite is a purpose-built chalet tucked away in the garden. Breakfast is served in your room, and it’s one worth waking up to; fine linen, colourful china and cloches to keep everything hot.
2 Randy Pike, Ambleside LA22 0JP
01539 436088
randypike.co.uk
(Featured Image: Randy Pike)
