Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

‘The 21st-century’s answer to staying at Downton Abbey’, this ‘elegant’, ‘well-run’ William and Mary mansion continues to win accolades from guests who deem it ‘superb’. The ‘lovely old house’ standing in ‘extensive’, ‘tranquil’ gardens (‘a real joy to behold’) is owned by the National Trust; Lionel Chatard, the long-serving manager, heads a team of ‘friendly’, ‘efficient’, ‘discreet’ staff. ‘The charming staff addressed us by name, and ensured we had everything we could possibly want.’ ‘Spacious’ public rooms, reached via ‘fire-lit’ halls, are ‘beautifully furnished’ with antiques. In the ‘well-staffed’ dining room, Ashley Binder, the new head chef, cooks a ‘first-class’ modern menu (though a guest this year wished for a more frequently changing selection of dishes). Well fed, retire to traditionally decorated bedrooms (‘creaky’ floorboards; ‘soft stripes and florals’ from ‘yesteryear’) spread out between the main house, the restored 18th-century courtyard and cottages in the gardens; umbrellas are provided. ‘It’s top of the tree – our favourite hotel.’ (Jane Bailey, Richard Morgan-Price, Caroline Faircliff, Harry Medcalf). This hotel is a member of Pride of Britain hotels.