ISLEY WALTON.

Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel (Melbourne Road, Isley Walton, Nr Castle Donington, Derbyshire, England DE74 2RN) (01332) 862409. E-mail: info@parkfarmhouse.co.uk.  Not really a pub, though it does serve real ales, this is a 17th Century Farmhouse and stands in 20 acres of land an offers en-suite bedrooms that are spacious and furnished in a country style. There are 9 bedrooms in the main hotel, two Executive bedrooms in the courtyard, and a further three bedrooms in the Stable Suite Annexe, which has its own car park 150 yards from the main building. For relaxation, there is a bar and a cosy lounge which has a superb view of Breedon Hill.  There is also a stable annexe suite which is very popular with families and racing teams visiting the Castle Donington Motor Racing Circuit. Located next to the Competitors entrance to Donington Park, it is also just 2.5 miles away from East Midlands Airport, making this a good place to leave your car when departing for a holiday overseas.  Note: if you are using the M1 from the North take EXIT 24 - you cannot get off at 23A or the A42 until Ashby de la Zouch! The hotel does not have a public restaurant, but each evening the dining room is open to residents and their guests for home-made Farmhouse suppers.  The bar, which has a log fire in the winter, serves Real Ale! There is lots to do locally and many places to visit, including: Calke Abbey, Donington Park Motor Racing Circuit and Museum, Elvaston Castle Country Park, Melbourne Crystal, Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Bass Museum of Brewing, Bosworth Battlefield and Visitor Centre, D H Lawrence's Birthplace. Accommodation costs (per night): Double / Twin Room £80, single £55. Special reduced rates on specified weekend evenings. For major race events, single occupancy rate for double/twin rooms does not apply. Owners: John and Linda Shields.