THE CASTLE HOTEL (Bishops Castle)

The Castle Hotel is almost in Wales but is actually just in Shropshire. From its hilltop perch it presides over Bishop’s Castle, a quirky, buzzy border town.

Henry and Rebecca Hunter, a young couple with bags of energy, have breathed new life into the historic listed building. But wisely, they have kept what’s best about it. The woodpanelled bars are filled with old prints and traditional games, not flashing machines or big-screen TVs - and there’s an outstanding range of real ales on tap.

The oak-panelled dining room is over 300 years old, but when it’s warm and sunny you can eat alfresco in the Castle Garden. This area alone - beautiful terraces and water features with far-reaching views - makes The Castle worth a visit.

And like the rest of the hotel, the bedrooms retain their warm, traditional character while appealing to the tastes of today’s travellers.