The Observer Sounds like a vicarage. Bishopstrow House is a classic country hotel, formed from an old Georgian mansion, and set in vast grounds outside Warminster, near Bath. There are tennis courts, a gym, sauna, croquet, a children's playroom and a large, luxurious Greco-Roman swimming pool that would have satisfied Caligula. Particularly impressive is the front hall which has been converted into an excellent wood-panelled bar, replete with an impressive range of malts and armagnacs and a log fire.
Rooms range from luxurious suites to compact top-floor apartments.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Bishopstrow may look old and rambling but its clientele is young, dress is casual, and there is no intimidating hush in any of the public rooms. This is a bustling, chirpy sort of place with the emphasis on friendly, efficient service. We arrived late with three hungry, tired children. They were immediately proffered children's menus, even though these were only supposed to apply to early supper sittings.