The Bull & Swan at Burghley

An ancient inn that stands a short walk from the middle of Stamford, part of the Burghley Estate. Step inside to find varnished wood floors, golden stone walls, and fires smouldering all over the place. At the bar venison Scotch eggs are impossible to resist, as are a raft of local ales and splendid wines. Regal oils line the walls, leather-backed settles take the strain, and you eat breakfast outside on sunny days.

Bedrooms come in country-house style with huge beds, fabulous linen, warm colours and super-funky bathrooms. Most are big, all are delightful, two interconnect for families, and mattresses are deep. Back downstairs, delicious food waits, perhaps duck terrine, crispy pork belly, rhubarb crumble.

Breakfast is a feast too: the Full Bull will set you up for a day of sightseeing or walking, there are veggie options, pancakes with crispy bacon and maple syrup or simply Greek yogurt with berries and good coffee.