Christine Faughlin sings the praises of a converted chapel on the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey estate in the Yorkshire Dales

Three historic country houses in Yorkshire, a stone’s throw from the most northerly of Britain’s 16 white chalk horses, offer comfortable contemporary living and fascinating backstories

York is a fine place to visit at this time of year, with medieval streets such as The Shambles and the towering York Minster lending it a romantic Christmassy atmosphere. Nearby adults-only York Carav

Get into the festive spirit with a trip to one of England’s most historic cities

Part of a cluster of cottages in Shropshire, just seconds from the Welsh border is Marrington Escapes -an ideal base for long leafy walks and cosy pub visits

Comfortable seclusion is on offer at three historic houses, each beautifully presented and set in glorious landscapes worthy of God’s own county