The competition starts in Stratford upon Avon at The Water's Edge Guest House where owner Julie Allison and friend Gerry Crabtree hope their luxurious approach will win the day. On arrival, Ross Williams and Kath Caple, who run the Kilpeck Inn in Herefordshire, are immediately shocked by the themed rooms. During an afternoon canoe racing on the river, Gill and Mick Jennings from The Ivanhoe in Bridlington are left sinking. At breakfast, tensions mount as Michael Crane and Jai Bennison from The Fox Inn in Guisborough think one competitor's criticism is unreasonable.