After our culinary delights on the Yorkshire Wolds, it was time to head up to Helmsley, a charming Yorkshire market town with a wonderful square, churches galore and of course (as you would expect in any self respecting Yorkshire town) a plethora of pubs.
 
Our port of call was the Feversham Arms, the current AA Hotel of the Year for England.

Nestled behind a picturesque church, the hotel is built of a typical cream limestone. We were warmly greeted then taken on an escorted tour of the property, via the newly refurbished library and outdoor heated pool and on to our poolside suite.
 
We felt instantly at home with its mixture of traditional plump couches and armchairs and cutting-edge gadgets, and in the true spirit of healthy holidays, by-passed the swimming pool and headed straight to the lounge for full afternoon tea.

Here vibrant paintings made for interesting viewing while we consumed scones, clotted cream, sandwiches and delicious cakes.
 
After a stroll round the town, we went to dinner. Scallops, turbot and a selection of apple desserts were the fare for me that evening, served with a wonderful bottle of New Zealand bubbly in the conservatory-style dining room overlooking the pool (it really is the centre of what goes on at the hotel).

Tempted by succulent, unctuous ice wine to pair with my dessert, my evening was complete – apart from one sneaky after-dinner cocktail made from local apple liqueur.

A rare treat, coffee brought to the bedroom was another wonderful touch.

Breakfast was superb – a huge choice of buffet items and a chunky bacon sandwich served with home-made relish – and the sun shone warmly as the staff delivered my car to the door and helped us with our luggage.
 
We gathered some great ideas from the Feversham Arms including small touches such as in-room DVD’s (not via reception) and fresh coffee brought to the room in the morning – the sort of things which make for a memorable experience. Next it was time to journey back to the Borders. Part III coming soon!

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