Hotel Review: Castle House Hotel, Herefordshire

Castle House and its annexe, Number 25 Townhouse, is in a quiet, residential cul-de-sac beside Hereford city's old castle moat and not far from the impressive cathedral and famous ancient Mappa Mundi, Church Street with its delightful independent shops, the Old Market shopping centre and a range of great restaurants. Learn about delicious Chase Gin on a distillery tour and take in Leominster's famous Black and White Trail of picturesque houses.

By car: just over 3 hours from London, 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol, 1 hour 35 minutes from Coventry. Free public parking is available nearby.

By train: Hereford station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, with services from Manchester Piccadilly (2 hours) and Birmingham New Street (1 hour 30 minutes). Book trains to Hereford.

This family-owned elegant hotel is traditionally decorated, with a more modern conservatory-style restaurant with big bold windows looking out to a small patio and the moat. All public rooms are immaculately kept, and the atmosphere is calm and homely.

Castle House has a pleasant, homely atmosphere, yet still manages to feel special thanks to great service. Special events range from wreath-making and painting on fine china courses to celebrity talks and wine dinners.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Patio
• Gardens
• Kitchen Garden
• Afternoon tea
• Events
• Wheelchair accessible
• Free Wi-Fi

The main house has 16 luxury country house-style rooms, with eight more contemporary rooms at No 25. All have en-suite bathrooms, Hypnos beds, TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges and nice touches such as fresh milk, sherry and fruit. Most have a writing desk and seating area, too.

Room types: Single, Standard Double, Deluxe Double rooms, Junior, Castle suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathrooms with L'Occitane toiletries, a basket of Herefordshire produce, TV, free Wi-Fi

Dining from an extensive menu is on offer all day, from breakfast, morning coffee and pastries to lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The Herefordshire beef is fantastic, and dishes include produce from the local kitchen garden.

Restaurant & Bistro: Seasonal, locally sourced produce. Open Wed-Sun for breakfast, Wed-Sat for afternoon tea, Fridays for dinner, Saturdays for dinner (tasting menu only) and Sundays for lunch. Mains from £17. Afternoon tea from £19.