Arthur’s

Royal Hillsborough’s handsome Georgian high street, which climbs up towards the stately home built for the Marquesses of Downshire, is home to this beautifully decorated coffee house and B&B. The plush cafe, serving artisan coffee, pastries and gooey cakes, has proved an immediate hit with locals and visitors. Beyond are 12 jewel-box rooms featuring centrepiece headboards covered in fabrics from Zoffany, Sanderson, Osborne and Little: 19th-century chinoiserie, Victorian paisley, William Morris hares and peacocks. Bathrooms are marble affairs with Paul Costelloe toiletries; some have a roll top or copper tub. Antique furniture, vintage sconces and velvet curtains complete the indulgent feel. Discreet ‘refreshment stations’ on each floor offer tea, coffee, biscuits, sweets, alongside a Smeg mini-fridge for water and milk. Rooms at the back have views of the forest and church spire. Excellent breakfasts include Paddington’s French toast or a Lord Downshire Ulster Fry. Walk it off around the lake, Fort and Castle – the King’s official Northern Irish residence. If you’re lucky, the Fort Guard, established in 1660, might be on duty. Huzzah!