Washingborough Hall Country House, Lincoln

A trip to Washingborough Hall is as though going to the country to stay with friends…..a mellow stone, Georgian Grade II listed former Rectory, this charming little hotel has just eleven bedrooms.

Family-owned and managed by Lucy and Edward Herring, you can be certain of a warm welcome and good old-fashioned hospitality here. The pretty setting in three acres of gardens is homely yet idyllic. What’s more the delights of historic Lincoln are only three miles away, and if you speak to Ed nicely he may even drop you off in town.

Young, cheery Chef, Dan Wallis, along with owner Lucy Herring, has created delicious modern British menus with lots of flair but no fuss. Her training at Tante Marie Culinary Academy, and ‘Cordon Bleu’ skills have equipped her well for the role as Executive Chef.

The 2 AA rosette restaurant showcases Lincolnshire’s finest produce. Less formal dining is available in the Bar area, as well as their delicious Afternoon Teas. Both Lucy and Edward are from local farming families and are passionate about quality, ethically– farmed produce.

Two of the guest bedrooms have four-poster beds, adding a touch of romance is that is appealing. Equally so is The Ingleby Suite sumptuously decorated in rich shades of gold and green. All rooms are individually designed in country-house, classic-contemporary style and many have feature bathrooms the size of a typical hotel room in the city.

Tasteful décor and period style is consistent throughout the property, with original artwork, depicting the local landscape and coastline. It’s a real home from home place, with no airs and graces and the occasional patter of feet and burst of giggles from the Herrings three young children and their family dog, as they pass through the place en route to the family home close by.  The log burning stove is always lit in the entrance hall at this time of the year – with lovely sofas close by and tempting home baking at hand, should you be feeling puckish.

This intimate and cosy ambience appeals to many tourists; foodies, romantics, families, nature lovers, heritage buffs and cyclists, all of whom appreciate this unique property.  Well-behaved dogs are also welcome.

This place enjoys consistently excellent reviews and in 2015, the hotel entered the Trip Advisor ‘Hall of Fame’, reserved for properties who have been awarded the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ each year for the last 5 consecutive years – an accolade granted to only the top 10% of businesses on the site.