‘High standards are maintained,’ writes a devoted fan, following a New Year stay at the Francis family’s hotel, forged from a 16th-century fortification. ‘It was warm and cosy, with gorgeous flowers and an entertaining programme of activities.’ Other guests report ‘plenty of positives: helpful staff, great setting, delicious breakfasts’; ‘fabulous historic features, in particular the dungeon bar’. There was praise for the castle’s ‘wonderful comfy bedrooms’, but a mixed reception for one of its ‘slightly Butlin’s-style row of cabins’. It was ‘nicely decorated with a comfortable, large bed’, but also ‘fairly small, with a rather jaded bathroom, and a view of bushes’. In the dining rooms, one a vine-hung conservatory, chef Billy Littlejohn’s ‘stupendous’ modern British menus include the likes of sea bass fillet, chive and Parmesan risotto cake, carrot purée, asparagus spears, baby corn and chive velouté. Some wines are from the family vineyard. Vegan visitors were disappointed to find, despite assurances when booking, no dining options. Boating excursions are run on fine days, with ‘well-stocked bookshelves and board games’ for less clement weather. (Abigail Kirby-Harris, IB, and others)