Lastingham Grange

Where the road turns into a moorland track, this country hotel offers peace, seclusion and comfort far removed from the modern world. ‘One of our favourite places,’ reports a regular after a visit, ‘as lovely and peaceful as ever.’ On the edge of the North York Moors, the former 17th-century farmhouse – all sash windows and wisteria – has been run by the Wood family for more than 60 years. Not much has changed, some might say, and that is the charm. Public rooms are traditional with floral fabrics, patterned carpets and linen cloths on tables. Guests are welcomed with home-made scones and tea, while the fires, newspapers and views over the terrace and rose garden provide relaxation – especially after a day’s walking. (Wet clothes will be whisked away to the drying room.) Bedrooms are ‘comfortable’ rather than stylish but pin-neat and with up-to-date touches including fresh milk and coffee machines. Fine dinners are a five-course affair with starters such as pan-fried scallops with basil followed by pork in cider and cream, perhaps, or local partridge with game chips. Guests find they leave ‘deeply refreshed’. (Alison Judson, and others)