Boscundle Manor Country House Hotel

The stone-built Georgian manor house, its façade adorned with wisteria, stands only a mile away from the Eden Project, so that's at least one day out sorted. With attractive gardens of its own, as well as hot-tubs and pools, it's clearly dedicated to relaxation, a mood that carries through to the initimate wood-panelled dining room, where candlelight, elegant table-vases and an air of courteous professionalism add to the occasion. Seasonally changing menus mobilise the more eye-catching aspects of modern technique for dishes that aim to impress. A seafood spin on knickerbocker glory contains prawns and crayfish, layered with avocado cream, for a fun starter, while mains bring on monkfish with curried mussels in a saffron-fragrant Noilly Prat cream sauce, or honey-glazed duck breast in cranberry and orange with potato gratin. Finish with banana parfait and peanut brittle, or a slate of West Country cheeses with membrillo and dried apricots.