The Devonshire Arms

Part of the Duke of Devonshire’s Yorkshire estate at Bolton Abbey, the Devonshire Arms has grown from a 17th-century inn to a country house hotel with spa, fine dining and helipads. ‘Wonderfully located’ and much extended, the hotel mixes contemporary furnishings with period pieces, and has artwork from the Chatsworth collection. While ‘the hotel has a formal feel, the staff couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful’. Bedrooms range from ‘quite small’ rooms near the ‘not so quiet’ road or overlooking the garden to four-poster rooms, with some larger rooms in the 18th-century, more traditionally furnished wing. All come with fresh milk and coffee machines, and modern bathrooms with bath and shower. Dining is a choice between the casual Brasserie – ‘delicious, with good-quality traditional meals such as steak and chips’ – or the fancier Burlington restaurant. The latter’s short-choice menu offers ‘high-order’ cooking such as poached cod with razor clams and fennel, and aged Yorkshire lamb with pumpkin and oyster. After one of the ‘beautiful walks from the door’, return to afternoon tea. (See also The Cavendish, Baslow.)