Tarr Farm Inn, Exmoor
In summer the Tarr Steps are packed with families and visitors coming to cross the medieval clapper bridge over the River Barle. But in winter the woodland is quiet and there are lovely walks to the picturesque village of Dulverton. Located just off the steps, Tarr Farm Inn dates back to the 1600s; It has nine comfortable rooms with soft bathrobes and Egyptian cotton, as well as homemade biscuits and fresh milk on a tea tray. As a reward for a hearty walk, take your seat for hearty dinners of chermoula-spiced scallops and a piece of Somerset lamb, served with cream teas until 17:00 every day.
Prices start from £90 B&B and double; tarrfarm.co.uk
Bath Arms, Wiltshire
In the small village of Horningsham overlooking the green stands the Bath Arms. Built on Longleat Manor in 1736, it remains a wonderfully peaceful place to relax. The cozy bar offers a range of local beers, while the candlelit restaurant serves seasonal Wiltshire produce straight from the estate, including meat and game. The service of the 16-bedroom facility is excellent, as is the food. The pub was recently taken over by the Beckford Group, which owns many other acclaimed West Country pubs. Relax in the new Bramley Spa Cabin or take a short walk through the stone arch to the magnificent Elizabethan Longleat House and safari park. Or head a little further afield and visit Stourhead’s magnificent classical 18th-century gardens.
Doubles from £140 B&B; batharmsinn.com
Cheerful Sportsman, East Sussex
No one has ever come across the Jolly Sportsman, located away from the high-hedge country lanes in the quiet hamlet of East Chiltington, but despite its rural location, this isolated, comfortable-room dining pub is one of East Sussex’s best. On winter days, the fire-lit dining rooms, with stylish bottle green and plum leather chairs and heavy oak furniture, are wonderfully cozy and offer a menu of creative yet hearty classics: smoked beef croquettes, Sussex venison or locally caught fish. The four bedrooms are clean and comfortable, dogs are welcome and countryside walks can be enjoyed from the door.
Doubles from £140 B&B; thejollysportsman.com
Jack Russell Inn, Hampshire
Ideal for a winter walking weekend, the Jack Russell has undergone a major restoration work in recent years, with stylish wood paneling and royal blue tones in the lively bar areas and 11 stylish bedrooms split between the pub and the adjacent Dog House kennel. Part of the 4,000-acre Faccombe Estate, there are walks from the gate to the North Wessex Downs AONB and nearby attractions such as Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey). After a day of exploring, return for a casual dinner with many ingredients sourced from the Estate to create a varied menu ranging from Asian cured sea bream to hearty tarts and utterly delicious desserts.
Doubles from £140 B&B; thejackrussellinn.com
West Arms, North Wales
Tucked away in the untouched Ceiriog Valley, this 16th-century inn in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog is a truly rural retreat with stunning views of the Berwyn mountains, surrounded by rolling green hills. Rooms in the old part of the inn feature original oak beams and whitewashed stone walls. The award-winning restaurant focuses on local ingredients, with a good selection of fine Welsh gins and locally brewed ales in the fire-lit bar.
Doubles from £165 B&B; thewestarms.com
Creggans Inn, Argyll
Spectacular winter sunsets are standard at Creggans on the shores of Loch Fyne, and many of the bedrooms overlook the calm waters of the lake. MacPhunns Bar and Bistro serves Scottish classics such as cullen skink and steamed Loch Fyne mussels, as well as daily specials made with the best local, seasonal produce. The nearby village of Strachur has good walking trails and some of Scotland’s best castles, including Inverarary and Old Castle Lachlan, are within easy reach.
Prices double from £139 B&B; creggans-inn.co.uk
Carpenters’ Arms, Northumberland
Enjoy leisurely afternoons for two by the fire at the Carpenters, a stunningly luxurious inn in the quiet village of Newton-by-the-Sea, along with whirlwind walks along Northumberland’s stunning beaches. Accommodation options range from rooms above the pub to two quaintly designed cottages – with timber beans, Juliet balconies and bathtubs – and a shepherd’s hut with outdoor hot tub, a lovely retreat for two. At night the pub comes alive with tables full of patrons munching on classic Chippy Teas, steak fries or North Sea crab, with a good children’s menu and activity sheet to keep them busy. Dunstanburgh Castle and the pretty fishing town of Craster are a short drive away.
Prices double from £155 B&B; joiners-arms.com
Timble Inn, Otley, West Yorkshire
Escape to the tranquility of the Washburn Valley, one of the least famous of the Yorkshire Valleys, and settle into the Timble, an 18th-century coaching inn that offers the perfect winter break. The nine bedrooms ooze cocoon-like comfort with pocket sprung beds, Egyptian linens, fluffy robes and a well-stocked tea tray, and the restaurant serves modern British fare – pickled mackerel on seaweed sourdough, venison roast fillet Crumble with pine and chestnuts – indie alongside a vegan menu. Nidderdale AONB is just on the doorstep of Timble, a walk for everyone from serious walkers to Sunday afternoon strollers, and Harrogate is just nine miles away.
Prices double from £132 B&B; thetimbleinn.co.uk
Duncombe Arms, Staffordshire
A stylish gastropub with Colefax and Fowler wallpapers, Bamford wares and sumptuous fabrics, 10 individually designed bedrooms and a charming, fire-lit bar area complementing the more modern dining room. Situated on the edge of the Peak District, the beautiful market town of Ashbourne, famous for its wonderful walks, fishing on the River Dove and water sports at Carsington Water, and its antique shops, is nearby. Back at base, regularly changing menus have won the Michelin Bib Gourmand award, with the twice-baked Staffordshire cheese soufflé an unmissable treat.
Doubles from £195 B&B; duncombearms.co.uk
Checkers Inn, Derbyshire
A stone’s throw from Froggatt Edge, a spectacular cliff offering some of the Peak District’s best views, Checkers is a charming, traditional inn. Built in 1735, this hotel has seven simple rooms (no dogs) and a refreshingly non-gastronomic bar, complete with a roaring fire, paintings on the walls and a wooden grandfather clock. The menu specializes in hearty dinners with good veggie options, like blue cheese and shallot tartlets and pumpkin and artichoke lasagna. On rainy days Chatsworth, Haddon Hall and Eyam are a 10-minute drive away; Bakewell and Buxton are also within easy reach.
Prices start from £130 B&B and double; checkers-froggatt.com.