‘The setting, ambience and gardens are possibly the most attractive of any hotel we’ve stayed in, anywhere,’ writes a Guide reader this year of the Turner family’s country hotel, in a 16th-century priory on the River Frome. Its fans, who praise the ‘delightful riverside gardens’, ‘admirable staff’ and timeless charm, agree. ‘It must be 30 years since we last stayed, but it hasn’t changed a bit – and I mean that as a compliment.’ Guests have a choice of ‘well-equipped’ accommodation in the main house and a converted boathouse. Individually styled, each room is supplied with fresh fruit, a minibar, books, magazines; robes and high-end toiletries in the bathroom. Boathouse suites on the river have a balcony or veranda: while away the hours watching life on the water. The ‘attractive’ drawing room, where French doors open to the river terrace, is a winning place for afternoon tea; at sundown ask for a drink, over canapés, in the cosy Cloisters bar. Served in the newly refurbished Garden Room restaurant, which has delightful views onto the garden and river, Stephan Guinebault’s modern dishes take inspiration from French and English traditions. (Robert Cooper). The Priory is also a member of Pride of Britain hotels.