Charming stays for a quiet but unforgettable getaway; these are a selection of the best B&Bs in the UK to relax in this summer…

Words Helen Brown

The AA has announced its annual Bed and Breakfast Awards, for 2017-18 with some exciting additions included in the line-up. From beachside hideaways to mountainous retreats, there are plenty of luxurious stays giving B&Bs a good name. We’ve rounded up five of the best B&Bs in the UK to check out this summer. Perfect if an exotic trip isn’t on the cards this year.

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AEL Y BRYN, PEMBROKESHIRE

This relaxing rural retreat offers panoramic countryside views, just four miles from the coastal path. Ael y Bryn is a long, single-storey building with four luxurious bedrooms. Guests additionally have use of a conservatory, a lounge/music room, a library, an inner courtyard and a pretty garden. Breakfast and evening meals are served in the attractive dining room. Cyclists and walkers are welcome and safe storage and drying space is provided.

Rates from £85 per person per night; aelybrynpembrokeshire.co.uk 

THE RIVERSIDE, LAKE DISTRICT

This Victorian house, situated by the River Rothay, delivers beautiful rooms, style and comfort. Nestled below Loughrigg Fell, it is ideally located for hiking and cycling. The garden is a sun trap during the summer and a log-burning stove warms the house during winter. The award-winning, hearty Lakeland breakfast is a major draw of the place; it features local produce along with home baking and preserves.

Rates from around £228 per room, two nights minimum stay; riverside-at-ambleside.co.uk

80 WATERGATE STREET, CHESTER

This quirky townhouse sits within a stone’s throw of the famous racecourse. Rooms are superbly well-equipped with deeply comfortable beds. The top floor suite is particularly spacious. Personal touches make this stay truly memorable. Enjoy tea and cake on arrival, access to the goodies cabinet and friendly chats at breakfast.

Rates from £80 per night, 80watergatestreet.co.uk

PADSTOW TOWNHOUSE

Winner of AA’s Restaurant With Rooms award, 2017-18, this cosy 18th-century townhouse has six individually styled suites. A stay here affords all the home comforts as well as some extra little luxuries. Each room has its own 40″ curved TV complete with Apple TV, as well as free WiFi. Breakfast is served in Rojano’s in the Square. Guests are welcome to dine here (it has 1 AA Rosette) or at the 3 AA-Rosetted Paul Ainsworth at No.6 restaurant.

Rates from around £300 per night, paul-ainsworth.co.uk

YR HAFOD COUNTRY HOUSE, SNOWDONIA

This cosy, family run guesthouse is ideally located for the Conwy Valley and Snowdonia National Park. A hearty breakfast uses home-grown and local produce, and is the perfect start for a day of hiking. A well-stocked bar and lounge also feature as part of the package. Bespoke dinner menus are available for groups of 6-12 people. Alternatively, there are a number of quality local eating establishments within easy walking distance.

Rates from £36 per person per night, yrhafod.co.uk