We’ve always loved the sociable, small-scale feel of a good B&B, so a new generation of owners take them in different directions is great to see. Weird and wonderful décor, top-notch food, even spa treatments and a lido, are all adding to the warm welcome and homely feel that makes a great place to stay. Here are a few of our favourite bold and beautiful B&Bs.
Glebe House, Devon
Owners, Hugo and Olive took their inspiration for reinvigorating this 15-acre smallholding in Devon from Italian agriturismi. They brought their young family here in 2020 to take over the house where Hugo grew up, and where his parents ran their own homely B&B for years. You can take cooking classes, delicious food and explore the farm, while enjoying bright, eclectic and achingly stylish interiors in every room.
Coombeshead Farm , Cornwall
Staying on this working farm means delicious organic food, raiding the on-site sourdough bakery and luxuriating in crisp bedrooms in the pretty farmhouse. Owners, Tom and Lottie moved here in April 2016 and opened the Farmhouse as a B&B the same year. While spending a couple of years expanding their range of produce, they somehow found the time to open the bakery and restaurant as well! They are extremely eco-conscious, passionate about organic farming and have deeply rooted themselves in the area by getting involved in several interesting farmshare projects.
Lido Townhouse, Bristol
This light, bright Georgian townhouse, opened in 2024, lies in a residential street directly opposite the lovely Lido, to which you have discounted access as guests. Rooms have muted tones, artwork by local artists or lido members, very comfortable handmade beds and fine linens. You can hop over the road in your robes and slippers for a swim, steam, breakfast, lunch and supper.
Trelowarren B&B, Cornwall
Trelowarren estate is a glorious place, and the new B&B rooms mean you can now stay in the historic Grade I listed house, whose roots reach right back to the 14th century. Choose between the King’s Room or the Bluebird Room, both newly refurbished and wonderfully comfortable. Breakfast comes with a twist, courtesy of the fabulous Flora Café on site, meaning less chance of chatting with other guests, but unmissable Danish pastries!
Trinity Cottage, Somerset
This is less like a formal B&B setup and more like staying a few nights with friends. Alice and Edward bought the house in 2021 and have since refreshed the interior and turned one room into their B&B space. Alice is an architectural historian and heritage consultant who is very much in love with her home and the surrounding area. The house is in the heart of Wells, and just a short stroll from the famous Cathedral, so you’ll have plenty to do and a very knowledgeable host to point you towards the best of it.
Wellies & Waves , Devon
Wellies & Waves opened in 2024 and has since proved to be one of our most popular B&Bs ever. It’s easy to see why, as you have your own spacious single-storey barn to stretch out in, as well as excellent home-cooked breakfasts (and suppers, if you like) prepared by owner Melly. She and Jamie, a photographer, ran a shooting lodge on Exmoor for several years before turning their hands to running the B&B. They can guide you round the local area, even lending you e-bikes to get round Salcombe’s parking problems, or paddle boards if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Christopher Wilson-Elmes
Sawday's Expert
Chris is our in-house copywriter, with a flair for turning rough notes and travel tales into enticing articles. Raised in a tiny Wiltshire village, he was desperate to travel and has backpacked all over the world. Closer to home, he finds himself happiest in the most remote and rural places he can find, preferably with a host of animals to speak to, some waves to be smashed about in and the promise of a good pint somewhere in his future.
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