Hever Castle B&B, Edenbridge, Kent

Hever Castle is set in 125 acres of beautiful grounds amidst the rolling Kent Weald. Highlights include a scenic lake fed by the burbling River Eden, which is escorted through the estate by winding footpaths, overflowing rose and Italian gardens, a manicured yew maze and a summer tangle of wild orchids. For all its sense of blissful isolation, Hever is 25 minutes' drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells and under one and a half hour's drive or train ride from London.

By car: Hever Castle is 90 minutes' drive from London, and just over 1 hour from Brighton. There is free parking.

By train: A direct train from London Bridge to Hever station takes 50 minutes. Guests should pre-book a taxi from the station, which is a five-minute drive away. Book trains to Hever.

Hever Castle itself is packed with original medieval and Tudor interest, including two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn. The property's B&B rooms are housed in two wings that form part of a sensitively designed "Tudor Village," built in 1903 to accommodate guests of the castle's erstwhile owner, William Waldorf Astor.

There's a dedicated reception for B&B guests, with helpful staff on hand to book taxis and restaurants as well as golf and spa treatments at Hever Castle Golf Club. Entry to the Castle and gardens is free throughout your visit, including diverse attractions from exhibitions and Castle tours to jousting tournaments and triathlons.

• Bar
• Free breakfast
• Gardens
• Sitting rooms
• Child-friendly
• Castle access

• Free parking

• Free Wi-Fi

With four-poster beds, antiques, chaise-longues and roll-top baths with castle views, Hever Castle's bedrooms are far from an average B&B offering. Rooms range from cosy singles to the palatial Edward VII Suite, complete with a 7ft Romanesque bed, and a four-bedroom cottage to boot.

Room types: Single Rooms, Standard Twin Room, Deluxe Rooms, Feature Rooms, Superior Rooms, Edward VII Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with luxury toiletries, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

While it does host occasional dinner and overnight packages, Hever Castle generally only serves breakfast (and daytime meals in restaurants in the grounds). A splendid spread of pastries, cold meats, fruits and cereals accompany a good selection of cooked dishes in the impressive vaulted Tudor Suite.