9 beautiful b&b’s in Yorkshire, from cosy cottages to coastal townhouses

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.

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.

This elegant yet relaxed Victorian terrace house in the suburb of Clifton skilfully mixes its period feel with a light, modern touch. Guests are welcomed with tea and Paul’s delicious lemon drizzle cake; there’s a fridge with help-yourself water and soft drinks, books and board games to borrow, and they’ll store bikes and even do washing for no charge. As with the rest of the house, the eight rooms are in sympathy with the building’s Victorian heritage but with a modern freshness. Nice touches include books, handmade chocolates, good reading lights and generous toiletries.

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.

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.

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.

This 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.

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.

Alum 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.