We stayed only one night in a regular room and had a mixed experience. We booked the Abbey Hotel as a treat after a long drive, only to discover that hotel hadn’t bothered to update the opening hours for the pool on Expedia. Although the manager on duty went out of his way and kept the pool open just for us, this was representative for our mixed experience. Our room was fine, although a bit dated, especially the bathroom. It was on the main floor, and going back and forth to our room meant walking past dirty dishes and empty glasses and almost bumping into startled waitstaff rushing out of the kitchen to the dining room along the way. Not exactly a welcoming feeling. The grey exterior of the hotel in reality looks less like that of a castle and more like the owners are saving on a much needed paint job. Finally, given the fancy dining room and mention of award winning dining (we arrived too late to eat there), the breakfast was underwhelming. Few options, black pudding was very dry, coffee only lukewarm warm etc. and staff disinterested.