T

raditional and friendly bed and breakfasts are unique to Britain and a great way to experience the British way of life.  Forget chintz and curfews – bed and breakfasts have reinvented themselves over the past decade. There are a growing number of properties across England offering comfy, über-stylish accommodation, beautiful surroundings and gourmet breakfasts that would rival the finest boutique hotel. Some at ridiculously bargain prices. The question is which one to choose?

1. The Somerville, Torquay, Devon

Devon has its fair share of top notch bed and breakfasts, but this one is the cream of the crop. Located in the centre of Torquay, a short walk from the harbour, it offers boutique hotel-style accommodation with nine bedrooms. Choose from one of the double or twin rooms – all boasting big comfy beds, goose down duvets and flat screen TVs – or push the boat out and opt for one of the suites. Spacious and sumptuous, you can expect everything from king sized beds, French painted furniture and original artwork to designer baths with plasma TVs suspended above. Breakfast is served in the airy conservatory.

2. The Old School Bed and Breakfast, Alnwick, Northumberland

Step inside this 18th century stone property, surrounded by woodland in the small village of Newton on the Moor, and you'll find an award-winning bed and breakfast. It has four en suite doubles, all with WI-FI, fluffy bathrobes and luxury Sealy mattress to ensure good zzzzz's, some with woodland views (look out for red squirrels and roe deer passing by in the early evening). Wake to breakfast in the dining room before rummaging through the maps and guides in the guest sitting room (which also has a TV, DVD player and books) and going exploring.

3. Boltongate Old Rectory, Nr Ireby, Cumbria

Sat amid rolling countryside with the fells and mountains beyond, this one bags the title for the most idyllic location. The old rectory dates from around 1360 but each of its three bedrooms is freshly contemporary with super big beds (king size or larger), Egyptian cotton sheets, luxury eco toiletries in the plush bathrooms, even a selection of CDs and locally handmade chocolate. After a romp through the fells kick back in the large drawing room with its views over Skiddaw, or warm up in front of the log fire in the study.

4. Chaplin House B&B, Martin, Lincolnshire

Set in rural Lincolnshire, this traditional B&B was an alehouse in a past life and dates back to 1797. It has four bedrooms (two doubles, one twin, one family sleeping up to four) spread amongst the main house, converted barn and outbuildings, each one filled with fresh flowers and fairtrade biscuits, tea and coffee. There is also a comfortable lounge area for guests' use, with access to a decked area overlooking the large rear garden, and hearty breakfasts are served daily; ask for the “breakfast special” – it could be bacon with American pancakes and maple syrup one day, and devilled mushrooms on toast the next.

5. White Sails, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Three words to describe this bed and breakfast? Comfy, contemporary and chic. Located in the heart of one of England's most visited towns, it has five ensuite double bedrooms that are an oasis of calm, with huge, squishy beds, crisp linen, flat screen TVs and fluffy bathrobes. There is also a guests’ sitting room – complete with complementary sherry – and pretty garden which is perfect for a pre-theatre drink in the summertime. The fabulous breakfast made with fresh, organic produce is the icing on the cake.

6. Byfords B&B, Holt, Norfolk

“Posh B&B” – that's how the people behind Byfords bill their retreat, and they're not far wrong. Believed to be Holt's oldest property, dating back to the 15th century, this beautiful Grade II-listed property (which also has a superb cafe and deli on site) has 16 boutique-style luxury doubles and twins, combining exposed brickwork and oak floorboards with Bang & Olufsen TVs, plush beds and stylish en-suite bathrooms with power showers and underfloor heating. Make sure you have a good appetite for brekkie, it's a feast, with award winning sausages, free-range eggs, Cley kippers (all locally sourced) alongside fresh fruit and Danish pastries.

7. Primrose Cottage, Launceston, Cornwall

This 18th century cottage is situated in four acres of gardens and ancient woodland on the banks of the River Tamar. It offers three luxury bed and breakfast suites (two doubles, one twin), each with its own private entrance, sitting room, en suite facilities and – best of all – sweeping views across the Tamar Valley; enjoy them while supping a chilled glass of wine, which will be waiting to welcome you on your arrival. If you're blessed with sunshine head outside to the terraced gardens and follow the path down to a meadow by the river.

8. South Lodge, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Small but perfectly formed – that's the best way to describe this bed and breakfast. It has just three double bedrooms, all of which are the epitome of boutique-chic, think striking artwork, funky lighting, lofty ceilings with skylights, king sized beds with memory mattresses, flat screen TVs and walk in showers. They even have under floor heating. Outside is just as stunning, with one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, views of which you can admire while enjoying a slap up breakfast in the conservatory.

9. Coach House, Hexham, Northumberland

Located in the village of Bardon Mill, just a walking shoe's throw from historic Hadrian's Wall, this charming family-run B&B makes for a great base for exploring England's north east. It has two cosy en suite bedrooms housed in its converted coach house, each sleeping between two and four, one of which is accessed via an outdoor staircase and has a fabulous beamed ceiling. Head to the dining room in the main house for a slap-up cooked breakfast and rummage through the books and board games in the “entertainment library” – perfect for those rainy autumn days.

10. Windrush B&B, Broadway, Worcestershire

Set in beautiful grounds just a few paces from the village centre, this award-winning bed and breakfast has five en suite double/twin bedrooms each individually designed. While one boasts a striking black chandelier and modern black and white floral wallpaper, another has elegant antique furniture. Whichever you choose you can expect complimentary home baked goodies and so-good-you’ll-want-to-pinch-‘em White Company toiletries. Breakfasts are well worth getting early up for with homemade jams and preserves, “Broadway Banger” sausages and cooked-to-perfection eggs.