Accommodation ranging from historic mansions to farmhouses in some of the most beautiful Welsh countryside can be found in the latest Great Little Places guide. Fifty hand-picked properties “that stand out in a crowd” have made it into the 2007-08 guide, most with fewer than ten bedrooms — an indication of the number of small hotels and B&Bs opening up.

“We looked for buildings with character, beautiful locations, houses with a sense of history, warm welcomes and relaxing atmospheres,” say the guide’s compilers.

The places chosen are spread across Wales in national parks, in the mountains, close to untouched heritage coastline, beside lakes and in peaceful villages. Many have woodland walks or coastal paths on their doorsteps, are within easy reach of sandy beaches, golf courses or castles, or are ideally located for fishing, birdwatching or mountain biking.

The showpiece is Llanerchyddol Hall, near Welshpool. Step inside the Grade II* listed castellated mansion and you will think you are in a grand National Trust house. But instead of leaving at closing time you will sweep up the imposing staircase to one of the four bedrooms. You can live like a lord for just £95 to £125 B&B for two people a night.

Just 15 miles from Cardiff, a sparkling welcome awaits at Llanerch Vineyard — its award-winning Cariad wine can be found in restaurants throughout Wales. The vineyard, in Hensol, in the Vale of Glamorgan, is set on a 21-acre estate, amid mature gardens and woodland. Guests stay in a traditional farmhouse or studios created from the old winery buildings (£69 to £85).

Another property full of character is the former courthouse and police station in the mountain resort of Betws-y-Coed. The lounge was once the police station, one bedroom was a cell and others were former judges’ chambers. Rooms at The Courthouse (Henllys) cost £50 to £88.

Cyfie farm, a converted 17th-century farmhouse near Llanfyllin, proved such a favourite with holidaymakers Claire and Neil Bale that they bought it and now run it themselves. Luxury stable and barn suites with private lounges provide accommodation for guests, while stabling is also available for two horses, so that riders can explore the area’s scenic bridleways. Guests who would rather stay put can relax in a hot tub while enjoying the tranquillity and views over the Vyrnwy Valley (£85 to £105).

Among this year’s newcomers to the guide is the Kinmel Arms, in St George, Abergele — not so much a restaurant with rooms but with luxury designer suites. Menus are based on local produce cooked by one of North Wales’s leading chefs. Many of the properties serve meals featuring local produce, often organic.

Reduced price breaks are available at some properties.

www.wales.little-places.co.uk01686 668030

No tone up unturned after a hard day’s cycling

Spa breaks to soothe the aches and pains of action holidays or just put a spring in your step are among the special deals on offer in Scotland.

After a hard day’s mountain biking, cyclists can unwind with a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage on a two-night Bike & Bliss package at the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Country Club. The four-star resort, tucked away in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders near Peebles, is a short ride from mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen, acknowledged as among the best in Europe.

The £223 deal includes a full day at Glentress forest with a guide from a local bike company, as well as Scottish breakfast and dinner both nights.

Less active souls can relax in an outdoor hot tub overlooking Oban Bay. Two-night stays until the end of May start from £129 at the Oban Bay Hotel & Spa in Oban. The offer includes a massage and use of spa facilities at the hotel, which is also a good base for whale, dolphin and seal spotting.

Alternatively, stay two nights at the Victorian Ben Wyvis Hotel, in the scenic spa village of Strathpeffer in the Ross-shire Highlands, for £69 until the end of May, including dinner and breakfast. The hotel is set in extensive gardens and is near Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park.

Cardrona Hotel: 0870 1942114; Oban Bay Hotel & Spa: 0870 9506273; Ben Wyvis Hotel: 0870 9506282

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