The William Cecil

This attractive townhouse hotel stands yards from the gates of the Burghley estate. Inside, interiors offer a pleasing mix of English quirkiness and splendour, and informality reigns downstairs.

There are armchairs in front of the fire in the bar, smart wicker tables in the conservatory, doors onto a lovely terrace in summer, and hanging lamps and half-panelling in the colourful restaurant. The food is fresh and local with seasonal delights that include game from the estate. You might find pan-fried stonebass with pak choi and Thai green curry broth, king prawn and sundried tomato linguine, salted caramel tart with peanut butter powder and candied peanuts. Staff recommend booking ahead as it’s so popular, for good reason.

Walk it all off through historic Stamford or spin over to Burghley for one of the finest Elizabethan houses in the realm.