Self-touring Britain and staying in Inns - where would YOU go?

[ilovedplaydays]

DH and I have a week to holiday on our own, in June. I would love to explore some of Britain but do not know where to start. We live in Ireland. Have been to fabulous London a few times but love the idea of exploring some of the lesser known (or not) places following a 'pretty' trail, staying in nice enough pubs/inns. If that plan is a bit general then you understand my dilemma - I do not know where to start!! (seriously considering narrow boats - slightly over our total budget but still a strong contender).

We have motor bikes so could tour that way.

I know we cannot see it all, so help me - please come up with a plan!!!

Presumably you would start either in Wales or Liverpool, that's where the ferries come to isn't it?

You want a single destination or a series of 7 places?

If we ferry in we will happily travel . Or we can fly in and hire a car. I like the idea of going to a few different places to stay, seeing a few sights and then staying at a nice pub, or just one or two places and relaxing in each for a couple of days sound good two. What sights SHOULD I see if I only had one time to visit the UK excluding London, Wiltshire (my home county before I moved to Ireland) and Cheshire (my sisters live their with the mancurian DHs). Loved our family holidays in cornwall, and also visited the lake district a couple of times and thought it was lovely. DH hasn't seen much outside London, Cheshire and the M4!