This thoroughly likeable, dog-friendly, family-friendly hotel stands at the edge of the Burghley Estate in ‘England’s finest stone town’, and is named after William Cecil, Lord Burghley, Elizabeth I’s Lord High Treasurer. ‘It’s a relaxing sort of place with English country-house interiors,’ inspectors report. Traditionally styled rooms range from cosy attic doubles to the Verrio suite with private terrace and garden. Some have a four-poster, an in-room bath. All have a coffee machine, a Roberts radio, fresh milk, handmade treats and Bramley toiletries. ‘The lounge is particularly delightful, with large sofas and table lamps, hanging lanterns, green-painted panelled walls, greenery and a fireplace garlanded with a lovely plant arrangement.’ You can eat here from a menu of light bites, sandwiches and small plates, or in Milly’s bistro. There, a weekly changing menu might include potato and cheese pie, sautéed greens, cheddar sauce; steak with confit garlic and parsley butter; crispy sea trout, black cabbage, clams, new potatoes, caper butter sauce, served by ‘efficient young staff’. Breakfast on a buttered kipper, a full English or veggie, before visiting Burghley House, Cecil’s own many-towered Camelot.