Brother and sister partners Michael Thurlby and Sue Olver modernised their lively hotel in the centre with some striking decor, and have added additional accommodation in two separate buildings close by. Sally Rouse manages

An imposing presence on the old Great North Road, this creeper-covered coaching inn is a bit of old England, much loved for its timeless ambience, solidly traditional styling and retro classic dishes in the Oak Room, where a silver-domed carvery trolley still makes the rounds.

There is a wide choice of generously equipped rooms at this substantial, dog friendly, family-friendly hotel on the edge of the Burghley Estate, with a pleasantly informal ambience and imaginative, seasonally inspired food served in the bistro.

Part of the Signet Collection, this hotel has an easy-going vibe, smart, affordable bedrooms, relaxed brasserie dining, an outdoor spa and a rolling programme of activities, from yoga to wine tastings and murder-mystery dinners.

With its wing armchairs, antique settles, warm lighting, and Farrow & Ball palette, the bar of this 19th-century ironstone and limestone village pub with rooms is reassuringly cosy and welcoming.

There is no isle here, no lake, no bee-loud glade – the name of Richard and Janine Burton's lauded restaurant-with-rooms draws inspiration from WB Yeats's Innisfree, a place of serenity and escape.