Lastingham Grange

For a regular visitor from America, this is 'one of our favourite places'. Other returning visitors are equally enthusiastic: 'As good as ever.' 'Truly family-run.' 'Like a second home.' This traditional hotel on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors national park is run by Bertie Wood, helped by his mother, Jane, and brother, Tom. One of them is 'always on hand to attend to the residents during pre-dinner drinks'. The converted 17th-century farmhouse stands in large gardens with an adventure playground for children, and good walking from the door. The decor is traditional. 'Bedrooms are very comfortable, particularly the beds.' There are 'real cotton sheets and blankets, rather than the dreaded duvet', and 'excellent lighting; sheer bliss'. The 'good, plain English cooking' of Paul Cattaneo and Sandra Thurlow, on a daily-changing menu, might include game terrine with home-made chutney; roast Yorkshire goose with sage and onion stuffing. 'Good breakfasts' have 'excellent kippers'. Rates include newspaper, morning coffee and afternoon tea ('good as ever, hot scones, jam and cream'). (RL, Anne and Denis Tate, and many others)