Just over a mile from York, this imposing William and Mary country house in 20 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland offers 'first-class food and service'. Inside, elegant rooms with sash windows and wood panelling are furnished with sofas, paintings and glowing table lamps. The house was given to the National Trust in 2008, yet it is not precious; there are newspapers to browse, open fires and a friendly, unstuffy atmosphere, with thoughtful service. Two cottages contain a small spa. 'Excellent, very comfortable bedrooms', in the hall and converted outbuildings, are traditional country-house style with antiques, patterned wallpapers, blankets and eiderdowns. All have books, flowers, fruit and delicious homemade biscuits. Canapés are followed by a dinner of dishes such as stone bass with girolles and pancetta or aged beef fillet with ox check, sea aster and truffle. 'The food was excellent even on the chef's day off.' After a breakfast that includes freshly squeezed juice, leaf tea and cooked dishes such as poached haddock and a full grill, explore the grounds, which have a ha ha, walled gardens and a lake. 'One of the very few hotels in the UK where we struggle to find something wrong.' (EG, and others)