Standing on the bailey of a medieval castle built for the Bishops of Hereford, this hilltop Georgian coaching inn a mile from the Welsh border continues to please with its easy-going professionalism. It’s ‘one of the few places where guests come before profits’, writes one reader, while others describe a ‘very well refurbished and busy country hotel’. Hospitality is second nature for proprietor Henry Hunter, whose family own Pen-Y-Dyffryn (see Oswestry). Staff are ’approachable and attentive’. Bedrooms include singles, twins, doubles (some with in-room bath) and family rooms. A ground-floor double with a few steps has a decked courtyard. The style is traditional, characterful, with an emphasis on comfort. For a longer stay, pack your trunk and book the self-catering Gate House, former stables that housed displaced circus elephants in WW2. Gastropub fare, served all day in tne bar, restaurant, and under the pergola, features classics, with vegan and vegetarian items (lentil shepherd’s pie, vegetable tagine), and ales from the nearby Three Tuns Brewery. ‘Service, food and drink are good and varied, with much local produce, including breakfast kippers.’ ‘The perfect base for exploring this beautiful area.’ (Stephen and Pauline Glover, Jan Rowley, Tonie Jascourt, and others)