‘The Nare’s description of itself as “the country house hotel by the sea” sums it up nicely. It is so comfortable, in a somewhat old-fashioned way,’ writes a regular visitor to Toby Ashworth’s much-loved hotel. He adds that everything is ‘as welcoming, friendly and helpful as ever’. Sub-tropical gardens, which flourish around the hotel above dog-friendly Carne Beach, are home to an outdoor pool (there is an indoor one too). Sea-facing bedrooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony or terrace, while country-view rooms have their own charm. The styling is traditional, with artwork and antiques, comfy seating, a writing desk, fresh flowers, and Penhaligon toiletries. At 4 pm, by long tradition, a Cornish cream tea is served, and an early supper is offered to children. You can eat in The Quarterdeck restaurant, on the terrace, or in the silver-service dining room, with a ‘wonderfully retro’ hors d’oeuvre trolley, and flame grills from the gueridon. Chef Brett Camborne-Paynter’s menus have something for everyone – maybe a steak, seaweed gnocchi or line-caught turbot with langoustine emulsion. (Peter Govier). This hotel is a member of Pride of Britain.