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Drum roll please for the best of the best of Britain’s B&Bs for 2024.
The aa has just awarded the best B&Bs in the country at its annual Bed and Breakfast Awards, now being held for the 28th time. Standards of cleanliness, breakfast, hospitality and service were all closely scrutinised to decide the winner.
Commenting on the nine winning B&Bs, Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, says: ‘This year we have a very rich B&B scene across the UK, displaying an extraordinary level of individuality and the highest standards of hospitality.
‘The nine winners’ category represents the best of Scotland, Wales and England. With so much choice, holidaymakers can explore Britain, enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast at a variety of B&Bs wherever they choose to go.’
AA BED AND BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR
ENGLAND: Mallard Grange – Ripon, North Yorkshire
The AA inspector said the rooms at this 16th-century country house are “packed with a wealth of thoughtful extras”.
‘At home we always guarantee a genuine welcome. Mallard Farm‘, says AA.
The inspector said the rooms in this 16th-century farmhouse and blacksmith’s shop are “filled with a wealth of thoughtful detail”.
They add: ‘Breakfast is one of the highlights of any stay here and features local and homemade produce.
‘The property is just a short walk from Fountains Abbey.’
SCOTLAND: The ancient church of Ballater, Aberdeenshire
‘Many original features of the church have been restored and incorporated into the design’ at The Auld Kirk in Aberdeenshire
The AA describes this Victorian former Scottish Free Church building as a “careful conversion into a warm guest house”.
The inspector loves the use of “original church elements in the design of the property” and praises the food, adding: “Excellent home-cooked breakfasts, made from the finest local produce, are served at the characterful dining table.”
Visit The old church.
WALES: Bryn Derwen – Llandudno, Conwy
“The decor and furnishings enhance the historic charm of the property,” says the AA of Bryn Derwen, located “in a quiet area of Llandudno.”
Byrn Derwen It is located in a quiet area of Llandudno, just a few steps from the main shopping area and local restaurants.
The AA team adds: “In this stunning Victorian house, which retains many original features such as tiled floors and stained glass windows, you are guaranteed a warm welcome. The décor and furnishings highlight the historic charm of the property, which is most evident in the sumptuous reception rooms and attractive dining room.”
INN OF THE YEAR AA
ENGLAND: The Cartford Inn – Little Ecclestone, Lancashire
The family-run Cartford Inn offers “stylish and elegant accommodation” in a 17th-century building, according to the AA
The AA says it is a family business Cartford Inn ‘It enjoys sweeping views across the Lake District and offers stylish, elegant accommodation alongside award-winning food.’
Guests can enjoy Juliet-style balconies in some of the rooms at this 17th-century inn, while “dining on the terrace is possible in fine weather.” There’s even a TOTI delicatessen on site.
SCOTLAND: Kildrummy Inn – Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire
The Grampian Inn is the “perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond”
This “traditional family-run inn” with its “four charming bedrooms”, says the AA, is the “perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond”.
The inspector loves the lounge bar, with its “roaring fire and good selection of beers and whiskies”, and concludes that it is “a great place to spend time”.
The food is also tempting, with the AA inspector adding that “no trip would be complete without sampling the food on offer”, which is an “indulgent” offering that “captures the essence of the spectacular Cairngorms scenery”.
Visit www.ratedtrips.com/establishments/kildrummy-inn.
WALES: And Talbot – Tregaron, Ceredigion
The AA is impressed with the rooms and restaurant at Y Talbot, which uses “quality produce”
The AA says: ‘And Talbot It offers a range of very high quality rooms and bathrooms with luxury showers.
The inspector also likes the B&B’s “traditional bar serving craft beer” and the restaurant, which offers “a very good selection of dishes made with quality products.”
AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR
ENGLAND: Boys Hall – Ashford, Kent
Boys Hall is a “luxuriously restored 17th-century manor house”
The AA says: ‘Decorated in a beautiful boutique style, Children’s room It is a luxuriously restored 17th century manor house, now resurrected as an elegant restaurant with rooms.
The inspector says that “it is a pleasure to walk around the beautiful gardens” and that “the location is perfect for exploring Kent’s attractions”. Each of the nine rooms has an “individual style”.
SCOTLAND: Mingary Castle – Kilchoan
This restaurant with rooms is built within the curtain walls of Mingary Castle, facing the Isle of Mull.
The AA explains that this “unique and individual” property is “built within the 13th century curtain walls of Mingary Castle“and possesses “high levels of quality, charm and character.”
The inspector continues: ‘Luxurious en-suite bedrooms and bathrooms are combined with an impressive restaurant that exhibits great technical skill.
‘Guests can explore the top of the curtain wall or descend the staircase to the sea and viewing platform to gaze across the water at the Isle of Mull.’
WALES: The Chequers – Montgomery, Powys
Chequers offers “a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to get away from it all” in a 17th-century inn “full of character”.
The AA says guests here can “expect modern British cuisine served in an intimate, relaxed setting, with a focus on carefully selected seasonal ingredients and fine wines.”
Checkers It can be found in Montgomery, a “picturesque border town with Wales, close to the Offa’s Dyke trail, the River Severn and the Shropshire Hills”.
The team adds that this 17th-century inn is “packed with character”.
For more information on the AA B&B Awards, please visit www.ratedtrips.com.
