Atop a tree-lined drive, arrive to a ‘cheerful welcome’ at Jan and Adam Moore’s ‘excellent’ hotel, in an 18th-century hunting and fishing lodge. With ‘friendly, unobtrusive’ staff, the Moores have created a comfortably dog-friendly spot, where well-travelled pooches are allowed ‘everywhere but the dining room’. Ring ahead to discuss room choices, as bedrooms vary in size. Spacious or snug, however, all are ‘spotless and well cared for’, with views of the ‘very pretty’ garden (‘spring bulbs everywhere when we visited’). ‘My large room was well appointed, with tremendously thick curtains. The only sound I heard came from the sociable rooks outside,’ said a guest this year. Adam Moore’s ‘beautifully cooked, well-presented’ rustic menu takes an inventive approach to local and home-grown produce, including an ‘outstanding’ smoked grouse starter. In the morning, wake to ‘delicious’ home-made granola and ‘perfectly cooked’ hot dishes, including local whole kippers. There are walks to be had nearby – a guide of local routes is in the room – but guests looking for more languid activity may prefer booking into the new garden spa.