Page 24 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

22 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

Where to Stay

The picturesque views seen while driving the back roads of Great
Britain will perhaps raise the question: what would it be like to live
here? The accommodation in each of the driving tours has been
selected to give a taste of life in this varied country, whether it be
a cosy bed and breakfast in the Scottish Highlands, a boutique
hotel on the Cornish coast or even an ancient castle. There is also a
range of luxury golf and spa resorts, and camp sites with heavenly Above Doorway to cottage accommodation with
views from forests to mountains to seaside. plaque displaying its grading
Hotels and Inns hotels will normally have at least one hosts will offer an evening meal for an
Great Britain is known for its traditional restaurant and a bar. Most include additional charge, but this must be
hotels, many of which have been breakfast in the room rate, but some arranged in advance. B&Bs are often
operating for over a century. Historic do not. Most hotel rooms have en-suite cheaper than hotels and guesthouses,
inns offer some of the most characterful bathroom facilities, and some also and are a great way to meet local
accommodation, often in village pubs, offer family rooms and suites. people and pick up local tips.
converted mills or old coaching inns,
which served travellers as far back as Guesthouses Castles and Historic Homes
the 17th century. Because of the age Guesthouses are smaller and usually Stunning accommodation can be
of the buildings, some rooms may be less expensive than hotels. Many were found in the castles and historic
small compared to modern hotels. formerly large family homes, with all homes that have opened some of
Many inns have excellent restaurants or several rooms converted for guests, their rooms to overnight visitors. You
or pub menus. often with simple but charming decor. will certainly pay for the privilege, but
Country-house hotels usually have Those with higher ratings will have a night or two in one of these glorious
beautiful grounds and bigger rooms. en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast is landmark buildings can be the most
Food is often a highlight here, with usually included in the rate, but most memorable of your trip – book early.
more formal dining rooms, creative guesthouses do not have restaurants
set menus and top chefs in the or bars, though they may have snacks Luxury Resorts
kitchen. Be aware that some may and drinks available for guests. In the Golf resorts have long been popular,
not cater for young children. countryside, pubs and, increasingly, especially in Scotland, and now most
Boutique hotels are not just for restaurants have guest rooms available luxury resorts feature spa facilities, too.
cities anymore. Chic, high-concept and this can be an good way to enjoy These establishments have a range
hotels dot the smaller towns and the local nightlife without worrying of activities on offer, as well as fine
resort areas, with everything from the about driving afterwards. dining and casual restaurants – an
reception area to the bathroom sinks attractive option when you want a
(basins) featuring the best in modern Bed-and-Breakfasts (B&Bs) relaxing break from the road.
design. These establishments usually Bed-and-breakfast accommodation is
have lively bars and restaurants, too. offered in private homes around the Booking a Hotel
National and international chain country, from town centres to country It’s essential to book ahead for July
hotels offer accommodation in all farmhouses. They usually have several and August, and during festivals,
price ranges, and these can be found guest rooms – often en suite, but events and busy holiday periods,
in the larger towns and cities or along sometimes with shared bathrooms. to ensure you get your choice of
the motorways throughout Britain. Facilities and decor vary, but they are accommodation. Book by phone or
Depending on their quality rating, usually clean and comfortable. Some (in most cases) online directly with

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