Travel Info

Travels tips, some information to help you plan your trip.Back to top

Read some travel tips here

Who we areBack to top

We are a small, personal company with experience of running B&Bs and first published a brochure 25 years ago and ten years later the first website.

The company has become well established over the years and still retains the personal service on which we have built our reputation.

We hope you find our website easy to navigate and the homes easy to contact.

Please note that although we do offer a booking service, you can contact the hosts direct if you prefer. The choice is yours.

Where are the B&Bs?Back to top

The B&Bs are throughout the British Isles – England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To find a B&B in the location you wish to visit, please click on the relevant area on the main map. You will then have a wide selection of towns in each region. Choose a town, and B&Bs usually within a 15 mile radius, will be listed.

Alternatively, if you know the reference number of the B&B, go to B&B Search and type it in the box provided.

Which B&B shall I choose?Back to top

Each offers something unique – please read the description to get the “feel of it”. Some may be peacefully situated in the countryside, others may be convenient for town centres, some may be more suited to families, while others offer superior accommodation for couples treating themselves to a weekend break.

Are any near airports or ferryports?Back to top

There is a choice of homes for travellers wishing to spend the first or last night near to their point of arrival or departure.

For B&Bs near major airports click here

For B&Bs near major ferryports click here

Are they graded by the Tourist Board?Back to top

Many have been inspected by the Tourist Board and have high grading (4 or 5 star) and also silver and gold awards.

However, we do not insist that they join other tourist organisations to be graded. We have our own high standard of inspection and all must meet our criteria.

Is B&B suitable for the disabled?Back to top

A few have special facilities for the disabled. There are some that have ground floor rooms, but there may be steps or parking difficulties, please check with hosts. For a list of those with special facilities click here

How much will I have to pay?Back to top

The prices shown are PER PERSON PER NIGHT for bookings made direct with the hosts and are based on two people sharing a double or twin room per night. The rates include all taxes and, unless otherwise stated, full cooked breakfast.

The single occupancy rate of a double/twin room is also shown.

A booking fee of approximately 15% (minimum £10.00) will be charged for bookings made through our on-line booking service.

Do B&Bs cater for special interests?Back to top

Some have gardens of special interest. Click here to see them

Some provide special interest courses. For details click here

Do I need to book ahead?Back to top

The majority of our B&Bs are private homes with 2-3 bedrooms – do not leave it too late to book. July and August are notoriously busy months – it is essential to book ahead. See Travel Tips for Bank Holiday dates and book well ahead.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY B&BS WILL NOT ACCEPT ONE NIGHT BOOKINGS AT WEEKENDS AND PEAK PERIODS.

Please click on “How To Book” to see how to make your reservation

When should I arrive?Back to top

When you make a booking you will be asked to give your expected arrival time. If you are delayed, please telephone and advise your host or THEY MAY RE-LET THE ROOM! Most hosts expect you to arrive between 1700-1900 hours.

…and depart?

You will be expected to leave after breakfast on the day of departure: the time may vary but will generally be before 10.30am. The majority of B&Bs will allow all day access for guests staying more than one night but please check and do remember that you are in a private home and not a hotel.

What about bathroom facilities?Back to top

Bathroom facilities are either shared, ensuite or private and are listed in the description. If you have a particular preference please enquire at the time of booking.

ENSUITE FACILITIES include a bath/shower room with access directly from the bedroom.

PRIVATE FACILITIES include a bath/shower room exclusively for the use of one bedroom but located on the landing nearby.

Where ensuite or private facilities are NOT mentioned, the bath/shower room will be shared with other guests and (very occasionally) with the host family.

Are B&Bs open at Christmas?Back to top

Most are closed over the Christmas period. There are a few that do special “all in” Christmas breaks – these must be booked well in advance.

Do not expect to find accommodation if you have not booked – and please remember that in England there is no public transport on Christmas Day and restaurants may be fully booked some time in advance.

Are children welcome?Back to top

Many have special rates for children, particularly if a family room is available. Some are more suitable for children than others – please read the description for each home. If a cot or highchair is needed please ask at the time of booking.

What happens if I cancel?Back to top

Please remember a booking is a contract under English law, and if you cancel you may lose your deposit. Each B&B has its own cancellation policy – if you book direct please ask the host about this.

The host will try to relet the room, but if he/she is unable to do so you are liable to pay, possibly the total cost.

If you do need to cancel, do so as far in advance as possible in order to give the host the best chance to relet the room. For bookings made through Bed & Breakfast Nationwide please see our cancellation policy in ” How to Book”.

WE STRONGLY ADVISE THAT YOU TAKE OUT HOLIDAY CANCELLATION INSURANCE.

Am I allowed to smoke?Back to top

Smoking is banned by law in all public places and this includes B&Bs.

What about pets?Back to top

Many B&Bs have resident cats and dogs. If you are allergic to them please make sure at the time of booking that the B&B is suitable for you. Visiting dogs are welcome at many – but it is essential to confirm this with the host. Click here for a list of B&Bs who welcome dogs.

Do any B&Bs have facilities for my horse?Back to top

Several have grazing and/or stabling for you to bring your horse. Click here for a list.

What about sitting rooms?Back to top

Many of our B&Bs have sitting rooms for guests or you may be invited to join the family for the evening. Where a sitting room is not provided there may be a television and comfortable chairs in your bedroom. If this is important please check with your host.

Are evening meals available?Back to top

This varies tremendously. Where dinner is available, this ranges from traditional, plain fare to sumptuous dinners. Remember to ask for the cost when you book. MOST HOSTS REQUIRE AT LEAST 24 HOURS NOTICE. If an evening meal is not provided the host will be pleased to recommend a pub or restaurant.

What drinks are provided?Back to top

The majority provide tea or coffee making facilities in the bedrooms. Where this is not so they will be happy to provide tea or coffee on request.

What about alcoholic drinks?Back to top

A few have residential licences to sell alcohol. Most B&Bs without a licence are happy to permit guests to bring their own wine to have with meals, but it is courteous to ask permission.

Are any of the B&Bs historic?Back to top

Some of them are very old, and have very interesting histories. If a B&B is stated “listed”, “Grade II listed” or, “Grade I listed” they are registered as being of special interest – “Grade I” listed being the highest. There are planning restrictions on these to preserve their character, so alterations to the structure may not be allowed.

Is there always easy parking?Back to top

Most B&Bs in the countryside have ample private parking. In towns and city centres, if off street parking is required, please ask your host first.

What if I have a complaint?Back to top

We hope you will not have cause to complain but in the unlikely event that you do, please try to settle the matter with the host at the time. It is always better to give the host a chance to put things right than complain to us later. We endeavour to respond to all complaints within 5 working days.

Can I pay by credit card?Back to top

Only a few of our B&Bs are able to accept credit cards. If this is important to you please check with the host at the time of booking. Bed & Breakfast Nationwide can accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Switch, via Paypal, when booking with our online booking service.

Do any B&Bs offer WIFI facilities?Back to top

For a list of homes that offer WiFi access please click here

Anything else?Back to top

The hosts are there to help, please ask. They are quite used to it. Many have details of local attractions and places of interest to help you enjoy your stay. Many offer extra services, such as a pick up service from the nearest railway or bus station or airport.

Finally remember you are staying in a family home and enjoying the benefits of that. Every B&B is different and provides a unique experience. All B&Bs have different ways of doing things and that is the pleasure of staying in a home rather than a hotel. Please do not forget however that, unlike a hotel, there are no employed staff on-call 24 hours a day, and if you arrive unexpectedly your host may have gone out.

Terms and ConditionsBack to top

To see the Terms and Conditions of this website click here.