This 5-star Cotswolds B&B has been named the best in Britain

It’s the season for booking a cosy B&B in the British countryside and spending a few days going on rambles and having hot chocolate by open fires with your feet up. And to make the decision of where you go easier, the winners of Britain’s finest B&Bs and small independent hotels have been announced.

Abbots Grange in Broadway, Worcestershire, a former monastic manor house, has been named the best in the country for 2017 in the ‘Star Among Stars’ category at the eviivo awards.

The five-star, family-run guesthouse was built in 1320 and notable guests through the centuries have included Mark Twain, Henry James and Oscar Wilde.

Originally it was the summer manor for the Abbot of Pershore, who had a penchant for hospitality.

Today the B&B, set in beautiful grounds, continues that tradition  and is steeped in old-English charm. Rooms feature traditional touches such as luxurious four-poster beds, but also have all the mod cons – which has earned the guesthouse a perfect 5 star rating on TripAdvisor.

Here’s our pick of the winners in the other award categories:

Quirkiest Place To Stay: Castle Levan, Inverclyde

When you pass through the arched entrance of Castle Levan, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. Now a listed building, it was built in 1457 and the judging panel called it “beautiful, themed and historic”. The rooms have been decorated with gargoyles, dragons and suits of armour. They claim to have a castle ghost too!

Budget With A Twist: Broomhills Farm River Eco Pods, Longtown

Set in ancient Cumbrian woodland beside the River Lyne, the wooden eco pods are described by the owners as being like “camping without the tent”. If you love rugged, unspoiled beauty and the great outdoors, family-friendly Broomhills Farm Pods might be perfect for you. You could also use it as a base to explore Hadrian’s Wall.

The judges on the panal were impressed by the unusual nature of the accommodation and the experience.

Outstanding Host: Manor Farm B&B, Marlborough

The B&B experience is as much about the personal level of hosting as the building itself and the judges felt that Manor Farm‘s genuine, friendly and sincere welcome and the way they look after their guests, exemplify the very highest levels of service.

A working farmhouse and family home for six generations, Manor Farm offers comfortable rooms and excellent breakfasts. The judges also highlighted the “traditional” and “honest” values of the B&B.

Most Beautifully Presented: The Old Hall, Ely

Often booked as a wedding venue, The Old Hall is decorated in a Jacobean style to tie in with the property’s stunning architecture. Set in 3000 acre grounds, the family-run estate dates back to 1830. It’s now a five-star B&B with an indulgent feel, luxury fabrics and furnishings. The judges said they loved the simple, clear and beautiful presentation of the property, describing it as “eye-catching” and “magical”.

Tastiest Breakfast: Bovey Cottage, Betchworth

No B&B stay would be complete without a stand-out breakfast. This award was judged by two Michelin star chef Michel Roux Jr so the grub at Bovey Cottage must be epic. The menu includes homemade bread baked daily to a Scandinavian recipe, freshly poached pears with Greek yoghurt, compotes made with seasonal fruits from the B&B’s garden, homemade pancakes with bacon, blueberry compote and Caribbean bread pudding. The property also has a wonderful outdoor pool for summer visits.

© Press Association 2017