Fancy a rural retreat on the edge of the in-demand Notswolds, bang in the midst of gorgeous Stamford, Oundle and Oakham? Haycock Manor Hotel in the picturesque village of Wansford is the escape of dreams, surrounded by 12 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, with the river Nene flowing peacefully past, offering newly refurbished rooms, luxurious bathrooms (copper, roll-top bath anyone?) and fine-dining with the wow-factor.

The gorgeous Prévost restaurant in the hotel dishes up a delightful gastronomic dining experience in the Haycock orangery, with modern British dishes presented as a 3, 5 or 8 course tasting menu. Leading the kitchen team in Prévost is Rikki Hughes, who joined the team from Tom Kerridge’s 2 Michelin stared Hand and Flowers, where he spent 6 years developing the expert knowledge he brings to the Haycock Manor table.

Don’t fancy the fuss? The Haycock Kitchen offers a more relaxed culinary experience. Think quail scotch eggs with parsley sauce, slow cooked beef cheek pie and mash or classic haycock cheesecake, and the award winning afternoon tea really is a must if you haven’t tried it.

Haycock Manor is also an idyllic location for exclusive weddings, with the light-filled Manor Suite seating up to 80 guests and the iconic Haycock Suite with its soaring oak beams, ornate fireplace, private entrance and bar, accommodating up to 250 seated guests, it’s the perfect suite for the most extravagant of wedding breakfasts.

Fun facts: Mary Queen of Scots was supposedly lodged at The Haycock on her way to her imprisonment and later execution at nearby Fotheringhay Castle and Princess Alexandrina Victoria, later to be crowned Queen Victoria, stayed at the Haycock on 2nd September 1834.