The George Hotel

With its honey-coloured terraces, Stamford is one of England’s most beguiling towns. At its heart, The George Hotel is a Stamford institution, a delightful old coaching inn whose salad days were when stage coaches rattled up and down the Great North Road between London and Scotland. Reflecting this long history, the George of today has all sorts of nooks and crannies, beginning with the ancient wood-panelled bar at the front of the hotel through to the creaky wooden staircase opposite reception and the cobbled courtyard to the rear. The hotel’s 45 guest rooms have all the traditional comforts you might expect, with memorably thick carpets and fancy floral coverlets, shaded lamps, deep armchairs and – in the more expensive rooms – 4-poster beds. Dog owners will be happy to know that dogs are allowed in all of the hotel’s guest rooms, as well as the bar and lounge, and receive a doggie ‘welcome pack’, including treats, when they check in. There are 2 restaurants – the conservatory-like Garden Room, which serves fairly simple food, and the more serious (and expensive) Oak Room. Stamford itself is a lovely town for a stroll, and staff can advise on  nearby walks in reception, but really neighbouring Burghley Estate is the perfect place to wear out your mutt.