From a 'wonderful house in Devon' to a 'luxurious' Victorian pile in Scotland: The AA names Britain's best B&Bs, its No1 inn and the finest restaurant with rooms for 2021

  • The best B&Bs in England, Wales and Scotland have been named, along with the friendliest B&B of the year
  • The winners are located in Newton Abbot, Blairgowrie, Denbighshire, North Yorkshire and County Durham
  • These are the places to go for warm welcomes, fine food, immaculate gardens and luxurious furnishings  

Are you a holidaymaker in waiting hankering after a beautiful B&B? A foodie who's fond of fine fodder in a charming village pub?

Then look no further than the winners of the 25th annual AA B&B Awards.

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The best B&Bs in England, Wales and Scotland have been named, along with the friendliest B&B of the year, the restaurant with rooms of the year and the inn of the year. Scroll down to find out who the winners are - and why they won...

AA GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR, ENGLAND - Bulleigh Barton Manor, Newton Abbot, Devon

Bulleigh Barton Manor was praised by the AA for being 'immaculate inside and out'

The AA's inspector praised Bulleigh Barton Manor for its 'warm hospitality and a genuine welcome', stressing that they're 'both hallmarks [of] this family-run establishment'. 

They continued: 'This wonderful house - immaculate inside and out - dates back to the 1400s and is steeped in history. Today, it offers en suite bedrooms providing comfortable accommodation in a peaceful countryside location. Breakfast is a hearty affair featuring locally sourced produce.'

AA GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR, SCOTLAND - Ivybank Lodge, Blairgowrie, Perth & Kinross 

Guests at Ivybank Lodge can relax amid 'elegant Victorian architecture blended with contemporary design'

'Ivybank Lodge is a charming and luxurious Victorian house, set in an acre of mature gardens, just 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of Blairgowrie,' said the AA's inspector.

'Its appearance is imposing, yet welcoming, while inside the elegant Victorian architecture blends with contemporary design. The characterful drawing room is an excellent spot to sit by the fire and relax with a glass of the local whisky.'

AA GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR, WALES - Firgrove Country House B&B, Ruthin, Denbighshire

The AA said that Firgrove Country House B&B has 'immaculate gardens' and 'quality decor'

A warm welcome is assured at Firgrove Country House B&B, said the AA's inspector, describing the property as 'well-proportioned' with 'quality decor' and 'immaculate gardens'.

They added: 'Bedrooms, complemented by smart, modern bathrooms, are equipped with a wealth of thoughtful extras. Memorable breakfasts, using home-made or local produce, are served in an elegant dining room. Imaginative dinners are also available by prior arrangement.'

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AA INN OF THE YEAR - The Impeccable Pig, Sedgefield, County Durham 

The Impeccable Pig's bar and restaurant serve delicious food all day, said the AA

The Impeccable Pig brings home the bacon, it would seem.

The AA explained that the inn is a Grade II listed building with bedrooms in a nearby converted coach house that have 'high-quality specs such as seven-foot beds, large round tin baths and over-sized walk-in showers'.

The inspector added: 'One room has its own garden with a sauna and hot tub. The bar and restaurant serve delicious food all day.'

RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR - The Hare, Scawton, in North Yorkshire 

Guests who visit The Hare leave feeling they've found a hidden gem, said the AA

The Hare 'never disappoints', said the AA's inspector.

They continued: 'This charming former village pub has come a long way since Paul and Liz Jackson took over and have now firmly stamped their personality on the whole product.

'Two stunning bedrooms (and two more to follow in 2021) make the most of the stone walls and natural materials and have been thoughtfully kitted out with some of the more modern conveniences you would expect nowadays. The restaurant itself continues to impress, serving a modern cuisine and experience in a setting that embodies the age and charm of the building.

'The welcome is always warm and personalised and guests leave feeling they have found a "hidden gem".'

AA FRIENDLIEST B&B OF THE YEAR - The Timble Inn, Timble, North Yorkshire 

This Grade II listed, quintessential Yorkshire village pub has charming small spaces, low ceilings, lots of oak, open brickwork and log-burning stoves

 'This is a hidden gem (apart from those already in the know of course) as it's off the beaten track near the spa town of Harrogate,' said the AA.

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'This is a Grade II listed, quintessential Yorkshire village pub with charming small spaces, low ceilings, lots of oak, open brickwork and log-burning stoves. The spacious and very well-appointed bedrooms have large Freeview TVs and very comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton bed linen. 

'Award-winning food is served in the stylish restaurant. The team here are very friendly, professional and knowledgeable.'