17 Burgate

Less a mere B&B – though beds and breakfast there undoubtedly are – and more a very graceful place to rest your head in Pickering, run by people who love the local area. It's based in a sympathetically restored Georgian townhouse, on the road up to the castle, with five rooms and suites in different proportions and varying styles. You get a mix of nice oak furniture, comfy beds and contemporary bathrooms, and either a garden or town view. Force us to choose, and we go for romantic Room 14, with its amazing brass-and-iron winged bed and original fireplace. Breakfast is pretty much all locally sourced, and they welcome hikers and cyclists, with a drying room and bike-wash facilities. And owner Will is your man when it comes to recommending locals pubs and restaurants.