Flitwick Manor

This small Bedfordshire country house is easy-to-reach and affordable and has a gravel, lime tree-lined drive and unassuming entrance hall that gives you the impression of visiting a rich friend’s home. The house dates back to the 17th century but is a mainly Georgian property, surrounded by four acres of grounds full of ancient trees, and the house has a comfy, lived-in feel that immediately makes you feel at home - all the more so when you know that they accept pooches: dogs are allowed in most rooms for a £20 supplement, and pooches get a bowl, towel, treats and more. The service is personable and delivered by people who love the hotel and have worked here for years, and the 19 rooms are mostly spacious and nicely furnished in a style that’s in keeping with the hotel building and all have homemade biscuits, fruit, complimentary water, tea and coffee-making facilities, robes, Wi-Fi and Freeview televisions, while downstairs there’s a small lounge bar, an excellent restaurant and of course the grounds, which include a small croquet lawn.