Over 800 fabulous B&Bs! And every type of architecture, too, from cottages to castles, including one 900 years old – a grand place made informal by owners who love to share their home. Looking for a child-friendly city bolthole, somewhere remote to walk the dog, a delicious hideaway for two? Alongside the traditionally furnished country homes are handsome townhouses and sleek city apartments, and interiors that stretch from the simple to the lavish: gingham fabrics, funky china, antique furniture with a contemporary twist. This 15th edition introduces over 150 new places – and several owners with a passion for conservation and wildlife. There are kitchen gardens galore, producing fruits and vegetables for your dinner, and splendid homemade chutneys and jams. More owners than ever are keeping pigs and chickens too, so breakfast’s eggs and bacon will be something to write home about.

Alastair has built a team of talented editors who are as committed as he is to the search for authenticity and personality in places to stay. They are also ‘driving’ the world’s first carbon ‘neutral’ publishing company; the search for a reduced ecological footprint is a serious one. The company has won The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category, an award from Business Commitment to the Environment and a Green Apple Award and moved to its own eco-offices in January 2006.