What makes the difference between an average b&b and a stand-out b&b is when you find that little extra thing that you weren’t expecting. Perhaps a welcome cuppa and slice of homemade cake, a sun-trap garden, a pile of books to browse or a list of tried-and-tested places to eat with handy notes. Here's our pick of the best b&bs in Yorkshire, who have gone the extra mile in some way, and all have the sort of relaxed atmosphere that comes from owners who are proud of their county.
Low Mill Guest House, a former 18th-century corn-mill on the banks of the River Bain in Wensleydale, was abandoned before owners Jane and Neil restored it with flair and fun. With its low-beamed ceilings, exposed-stone walls and weighty mill machinery, there's a tangible sense of walking into the pages of Dales history. Yet Jane and Neil's eclectic styling – retro sofas, huge china animals, colourful felt rugs and personal memorabilia – give the feel of a much-loved and lived-in home. In the three bedrooms, piles of books, pots of cacti, and homemade chocolate and shortbread add a warm welcome. Read expert review From £ 140• The best luxury hotels in Yorkshire
Millgate House lies just off Richmond's bustling Market Place, yet it is surprisingly quiet with rear views over the River Swale and countryside beyond. The modest, early 18th-century, terraced front gives no clue as to what lies behind; a grand but comfortable Regency townhouse that dazzles with antiques. Be sure to wander around the award-winning garden that tumbles in a voluptuous cascade of roses, clematis, hostas and ferns, at the back. In the six huge bedrooms the feel is lived-in rather than show home perfection. Breakfast, meanwhile, is a match for any luxury hotel with fat pots of organic yogurts and homemade bread. Read expert review From £ 165• The best restaurants and pubs with rooms in Yorkshire
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Entering through the stained-glass door of this five-storey Victorian terrace on Whitby’s West Cliff is like stepping into a cross between a stage-set and a bric-a-brac store. Eclectic doesn’t quite cut it. Deep-hued walls are covered with mirrors, bunting and old prints; chandeliers and birdcages hang from the ceiling; dark-stained floors are covered with faded rugs. The eight bedrooms resemble miniature stage-sets. Richly coloured, and dominated by a bed thick with cushions, each is themed: Stoker is a Gothic homage with black lampshades and a (dead and framed) bat. Breakfast is delivered to your room in a picnic hamper and includes cute containers of granola, yogurt, cheese and jam plus fresh croissants. Read expert review From £ 90• The best things to do in York
This gingerbread-style cottage, built in 1897, sits in just over an acre of private lawned gardens in picturesque Goathland. Downstairs, there is a combined guest lounge breakfast room with parquet flooring and an open log fire. Named after the classical composers Vivaldi, Ravel and Elgar, the three double rooms are, respectively, Italian, French or British in style. Each has a Nespresso machine and home-made flapjacks, biscuits and miniature chocolate brownies in glass jars. Breakfast is excellent with a regularly changing specials board with choices such as huevos rancheros or 'Greek-style' eggs. Read expert review From £ 100 Rates provided by Booking.com• The best nightlife in Yorkshire
This immaculately kept seven-bedroom b&b, furnished in tasteful vintage style and located in Scarborough's old town, is moments from the seafront. Staying here is like visiting a favourite aunt and uncle who keep a beautiful home and love having guests. Rooms are compact, cosily furnished in florals and velvets, and well equipped, each with two armchairs, tea- and coffee-making kit (plus chocolates and biscuits), and a television. Some have a four-poster beds, some a fireplace and Rooms 2, 4 and 6 have great sea views. Breakfast – in the charming lower ground floor dining room – is a feast. Read expert review From £ 103This charming 300-year old stone cottage is almost directly beneath the arches of Knaresborough’s soaring Victorian viaduct. The b&b is run by owner Mike who is committed to sourcing all his breakfast produce locally. On the ground floor, a king-sized bedroom is decorated with Laura Ashley soft furnishings, Cole & Son wallpaper and antique French furniture – doors open to a small private courtyard garden with hot tub and underfloor heating. An open wooden staircase leads to two further doubles on the first floor, which come with solid wood custom-designed furniture and, in the latter, a mahogany sleigh bed. Read expert review From £ 126• The best restaurants in Yorkshire
A classy b&b that belies its traditional Victorian red-brick exterior with themed rooms, luxury bathrooms and high-tech fittings. The well-travelled owners, Tony and Diana, have high standards, and it shows in a bold and shiny modern look with Victorian-style features such as (cornicing, stained-glass) plus a few Asian-inspired touches. For a b&b the 'extras' are sophisticated: a smartphone app for check-in, controlling your room's heating, choosing a restaurant and ordering breakfast, among other things. They also offer a free, daily shuttle service to the city centre and place ice buckets and wine glasses in rooms. Read expert review From £ 99Alum House occupies a commanding spot on a cliff top overlooking the North Sea. The property has been lovingly renovated by owners Deb and Brian with bespoke oak doors, cast iron fireplaces and mosaic tiled flooring. There are two large bedrooms: Alum and The Stables, the former with an outside hot tub, the latter with a log burner. Both have French doors leading to private tiered terraces with hand-made wrought-iron garden furniture, plus king-sized beds, homemade biscuits and eco-friendly toiletries. An excellent breakfast is brought to your room and there’s also a supper board menu of fish-finger sandwiches, crab tarts and cheese boards. Read expert review From £ 140Contributions by Yolanda Carslaw & Tina Walsh
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