Details

9 / 10

The Abbey is a rare gem, a hotel that refuses to enter the modern world, choosing instead to linger in its serenely elegant past. The feel is of a smart country house, and the drawing room – roaring fire, huge gilt mirror, walls of books, rugs on stripped floors – is hard to beat. Drinks are brought to you, there’s a bust of Lafayette, exquisite art and huge arched windows that rise to the ceiling and open onto the loveliest walled garden; step out in summer for afternoon tea or a breakfast to remember.

The house dates to 1660 and has views to the front of Penzance harbour and St Michael’s Mount. Sink into big comfy beds wrapped up in crisp white linen and woollen blankets. There are chandeliers, quilted bedspreads, French armoires, plump-cushioned armchairs. You breakfast indulgently in a panelled dining room with a fire crackling and the kind staff don’t act the part, they simply go the extra mile.