Star Castle

The Francis family’s charismatic hotel, with many historic features, continues to please regulars, mainly for its ‘superb’ hilltop location, genial service and tip-top seafood. ‘Staying here is like being a guest at a private members’ club,’ one reader tells us. The star-shaped 16th-century fortress has been ingeniously converted to retain original features: a beamed and stone-walled dining room and lounge, an atmospheric bar in the dungeon, and terraces on the garrison walls. Food is ‘undoubtedly the highlight of a stay’ with dishes ‘almost universally of excellent quality’. Locally caught seafood – lobster is a speciality – and vegetables from the kitchen garden appear on the menu as well as seared venison. Breakfast has ‘splendid’ choices including ‘smoked haddock’. Vegans, however, may struggle. Bedrooms divide opinion: the purpose-built cottage-style rooms in the garden are considered ‘wonderfully comfy with everything you could need’, or ‘rather dated’ but ‘adequate and comfortable’. Castle rooms, with sea views, have more character. The staff are ‘friendly but super professional’. ‘Remember to watch the sun set.’