Historic Surrey Hotels: Burford Bridge, Grayshott

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Built in 1527 upon the site of Whitefriars Monastery, The Angel is a part timber-framed building located in the famous old High Street of Guildford. Indeed, evidence of its predecessor is still in existence today � the stone vaulted undercroft with remains of the original spiral staircase is said to date from the 14th century.

The name is related to its history as a stop-off point for those travelling on horse-drawn coaches or on horseback between London and Portsmouth. It is unsurprising, therefore, to find that the building has accommodated a fair few historic figures: Lord Nelson, Jane Austen, Lord Byron and Charles Dickens have all rested within its walls.

Poet�s Retreat.

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

The epic poem Endymion is widely regarded as one of English literature�s finest. And its author, John Keats, completed the verse in November 1817 in a room overlooking the gardens at the Fox & Hounds in Mickleham, Surrey.

The scenery which inspired him, and the room in which he worked, still exist today. The name may have changed, but the romantic poet would still very much recognise the building and beautiful grounds of The Burford Bridge Hotel.

While parts of the structure date back to the 1500�s, the first recorded hostelry was founded in the mid-thirteenth century. It wasn�t until the 1800�s, however, that it became a popular escape for many of society�s notable figures.

Robert Louis Stevenson is known to have been a visitor on numerous occasions, and both William Wordsworth and Jane Austen are known to have each stayed at least once. Queen Victoria was also a guest at the hotel as a young girl.

The most romantic connection, though, is that to Lord Nelson, as it was here that he spent his last night ashore with Lady Hamilton before leaving for Portsmouth and his death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Those with an interest in architecture will also be interested to learn that the building incorporates beams taken from ships of the Spanish Armada

Grayshott Spa
Headley Road, Grayshott GU26 6JJ

Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.

Originally known as Grayshott Farm, it was here that Alfred, Lord Tennyson, came to live in 1867.

Today the hotel has 47 acres of its own gardens and woodland, with around seven hundred acres of protected National Trust land lying just beyond.

Avoid the new... The following may not necessarily be linked to famous figures or events, but all offer accommodation in historic surroundings. Click on the links for further tariff and availability information.

Great Fosters. EGHAM. Dating from the mid 1500�s, this magnificent house is thought to have once been a hunting lodge used by Queen Elizabeth I. Quite rightly, Great Fosters is a designated historic monument. Expedia.co.uk

Langshott Manor. HORLEY. Four-star accommodation in a magnificent timber-framed property dating from the 15th and 17th centuries. Expedia.co.uk | LateRooms

Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa. HASLEMERE. Part-Tudor, part-contemporary accommodation in the Surrey countryside. Expedia.co.uk

Running Horses, The. MICKLEHAM. A traditional sixteenth century village inn offering five en suite guest rooms. LateRooms

Wotton House. Nr DORKING. Four-star accommodation at the family home of the famous diarist, John Evelyn. LateRooms