Devon, England

Some are in Somerset, but I would aim at Dunster (small town) Selworthy (cute village) Cleeve Abbey (ruins), Exmoor and dartmoor; , Exeter cathedral, Doone valley, Clovelly (cute , tourist but a 'dont miss' village) ; Tarr Steps a very ancient clapper bridge
No suggestions for B&Bs we enjoy the local coaching inns. (Lutrell Arms in Dunster) If you are that way inlined there are a number of typical english seaside resorts

Dorset is the main county for Thomas Hardy, it is where he was born and lived for most of his life. This link gives you the places he included in his novels eg Dorchester = Casterbridge and touring routes. It is also a lovely area to visit in its own right. http://www.lymeregis.com/hardy_country/

I spent good times in Devon in years past visiting a dear relative there. Branscombe is a gem of a village on the South coast, which is where you want to be for Hardy country who as Linda points out is from nearby in Dorset, the next County to the East. The Masons Arms is a good hotel in Branscombe with a good restaurant. The Jurassic Coast is beautiful. The coast walk between Branscombe and Beer has spectacular views. Lyme Regis is almost a must see for lovers of English literature. Jane Austen and John Fowles used it as a setting in their works. Taking a walk on the Cobb, the harbor barrier, is like being with their characters. Hardy's Cottage is in Higher Bockhampton outside Dorchester. If you visit, also try to see the Cernes Abbas Giant and Maiden Castle each of which are not far from Dorchester. It is all beautiful country.

Here are some of the sights we really enjoyed in that area, although I am not sure if they are in Devon or an adjacent county: Cadbury Hill, Corfe Castle, Maiden Castle (actually a huge hill fort), Restormel Castle, Oakhampton Castle, the swannery at Abbotsbury, Exeter Cathedral........If you enjoy mysteries, the Crowner John series is set in Exeter.........For the Hardy sites, check carefully to be sure they are actually open the day you want to visit.