I'm not a hotel

This makes me smile, as we had the same issue sort of at least.
Lots of visitors making the most of somewhere to stay while having a weekend or longer away.
It makes me smile as the visitors I was most dreading were the very best and undemanding and the ones I’d expected to be most fun were polar opposites!
We were in a desirable location for a period of 3/4 years and saw it all. You really can politely refuse saying it’s inconvenient.

Do people really ask to come and stay? I’d just say you can’t put people up but would be pleased to see them for a meal. And take great care not to invite the problem by saying You must come and see us.

winterwhite

Do people really ask to come and stay? I’d just say you can’t put people up but would be pleased to see them for a meal. And take great care not to invite the problem by saying You must come and see us.

Do they invite themselves or do you tell them they'll be welcome to come and stay?

Just tell them that, much as you'd love to put them up, you just can't manage it any more. I know we can't, unless it's one of our DC and immediate family, who always pitch in to help (or take over the kitchen 😀).

Send them a list of local b&bs or hotel and tell them you'll look forward to joining them for an evening meal at the hotel or local restaurant.

Not sure why I quoted your post, winerwhite, but I do agree!

"We'll meet you for a meal". 👍

Tell them you have done it for years, but are getting too old now.
The reasonable people will quite understand.

The unreasonable ones..well, they are unreasonable, so wont.

In your situation ,I would be happy to provide a bed, access to a bathroom and a kettle. They can sort out their own food by eating in restaurants or ordering takeaway. No way I'm cooking for multiple people all summer long. They should be out and about most days anyway, exploring that lovely countryside, and only coming back for sleep. Unless they are there to actually see you and spend time together, but that's an entirely different conversation.

Lucky you that people want to come and stay- you must be doing something right!

Unlucky you that you don't get the chance to go away yourselves so my suggestion is either:

ask them to return the favour and expect the same treatment you give to your guests

or

just go away every weekend, or tell people you are away and so can't let them stay.

If they call your bluff and offer to housesit then charge then B&B rates.

Good luck.

Our own children and grandchildren are welcome to stay.

Our own generation don't seem to expect to stay and have always booked a local hotel or Premier Inn without any prior discussion.
I think they like a bit of their own space as much as we do these days!

I have made an exception when it was my (older, widowed) sister-in-law or my sister coming on her own, and I have invited them (separately) to stay here.
However they certainly didn't expect to, and it's only been for an odd night, not a full-blown holiday. That's really cheeky!

Do you have any regular social engagements or groups you go to locally? That could narrow down the day(s) you'd be free to meet up with your would-be guests.

I'd just tell them you're sorry but your "B&B" is closed now though you'd be happy to meet up with them once or twice for a meal, as Allira and winterwhite suggest.

How lucky are you to be living in a beautiful part of the country !
Just say ‘No’ . Ofcourse, your house is not open house. Just say you and your husband are not as young as you used to be. Better still, give them the names and telephone numbers of local B&Bs

We have quite a few visitors throughout the year and they are very welcome but we always suggest three days at the most. Arrive for tea and cake first day and we go out for supper (they pay), next day we organise a nice trip, we split the cost of a lunch out and I provide a simple supper in the evening, third day I do lunch and they go home. We do the same if we visit them. It works really well and our visitors always come with wine and some really nice consummerables. If for any reason I don't want visitors I just say "sorry can't do those dates" with no further explanation.

"Sorry, love, I am feeling my age, and can no longer cope with the extra work."

If you want, you can add you will be thrilled to see them for afternoon coffee while they are in your area, or suggest you meet up with them at one of the beauty spots they are intending to visit, then add "bring a packed lunch, and we will do the same"

Just say no, you don't have to say why.

We used to have "summer soldiers" when we lived in a beautiful spot years ago.
Nobody in the winter but as soon as the sun came out ...

Sadly you must just say sorry, it's unfortunately not convenient - but I could meet you somewhere for afternoon tea (or lunch).

I think if they invite themselves, well that's what's commonly known on MN as cheeky f*****y. Many an entertaining thread over there along the lines of "we live in a beautiful part of the country, we have people who invite themselves".....and some more alarming ones of "they've come to stay and now we're worried they'll never leave" ..........no! you don't need it, we have a few friends where it's become a sort of set in stone yearly fixture on top of family, you can't say no to the latter! but I'm trying to cut back on some it can be hard work, preparing the house, the guest room, cooking etc.

You need to be up front, things don't stay the same, what might have been ok for you 20 years, 10 years, 5 years ago is now taking it's toll........just say "I don't want to do this anymore, for all the reasons you've given..... I'm too tired, get a hotel nearby and come for lunch"

You're not selfish, do they reciprocate in any way I'm wondering? meals out, gifts or reciprocal invites to stay with them.

I think you need to tell them that you cannot manage anymore.
You need to enjoy the beutiful place you live as well. You should not have to cater for others.

Would not invite them and if they invite themselves say you are feeling your age recently and suggest a nearby B&B they can book with the offer to meet up for sightseeing or meals out now and again.
All the best.

The next time someone proposes coming to stay simply reply ‘oh dear, that doesn’t work for us but here’s a list of nearly hotels, guest houses, Airbnb, etc’ for you to choose from. And leave it at that.
Be strong, have the conversation!

If you have a brother or sister or grown children or nieces or nephews or grand children who live in another area of the U.K. or The European Union, you could "white lie" and state that you and your hubs are visiting them this year or a univeristy reunion or secondary school reunion ..

Best wishes.

I don't think you need to give any excuse other than to say, "I simply find hosting too much now, life moves on!"

Cook horrid food and provide nasty accommodation. That should separate the sheep from the goats.

Agree TerriBull honest and to the point.

"I am really sorry but I am not in a position to put you up this year as...........(provide excuse suitable to your situation without tempting fate) because we are having work done on the house? Or, you may have a big project on? Or, you could be doing an online course which will take up a lot of your time? Or, you are volunteering somewhere and are needed just for the days they suggest?

You need to be completely honest with them. If you go about it half hearted they might think it's just a one off and want to visit again next year so it needs to be made very clear that you can't do this any longer. It will also weedle out the friends who actual want your company rather than looking for a freebie break. Time to put on your big girl pants. Good luck.

What you don't want is for them to stay at a B&B but expect a full three course meal in the evening supplied by you.

I agree with "it’s inconvenient, "age has crept up on you, and you can no longer do it" and "you have been told to rest more".