THE FACTS ABOUT LOG FIRES IN SHROPSHIRE

England

Take in the sights of Chester or Shrewsbury from Pen-y-Dyffryn, an idyllic old Georgian rectory with 12 rooms in Rhydycroesau, near Oswestry. The most romantic is the Champagne room, in creams and greens with a half-tester bed and a double Jacuzzi in the Japanese-style bathroom. The four more contemporary rooms in the Coach House have private patios; the first-floor Rector's room has gorgeous views of the valley and hills. Four-course dinners cost £28 per person. X-FACTOR Roaring log fires make this a wonderful place for a winter or early-spring stay. CONTACT Pen-y-Dyffryn, Rhydycroesau, Oswestry, Shropshire (01691 653700; www.peny.co.uk). Doubles (including Champagne room) £192 half board at weekends; rooms in the Coach House (including Rector's room) £180. Minimum two-night stay at weekends