Staying in a castle or old inn outside of London
 

My family will be in London for a week in
August. We would like to spend a night in a castle or old inn outside of London after a day trip (perhaps Bath or York). Can anyone provide any recommendations?

The Swan in Lavenham isn't bad, it's got old beams, a fine dining restaurant (70s style menu really) and plenty of character. The area itself "Constable country" is pretty, picturesque. This might appeal.

I'm not a fan of Bath, it's too touristy, and "obvious" for my tastes. Also, I prefer Harrogate to York, the former has far more individuality than the latter, and it also plays host to the original Betty's tearooms which are a must if you choose to go there!

The Swan at Lavenham is a good choice, but being Suffolk born and bred it I have to say it certainly isn't Constable Country, although Constable did briefly attend school there! Constable Country is on the North Essex/South Suffolk border and is mainly the area around Flatford Mill, such as East Bergholt and Dedham. Another suggestion is the Bull at Long Melford.
www.thebull-hotel.com

How about an old manor house? Tylney Hall, not far from Heathrow, is a great place to stay. And in Egham, not far outside London, is a former hunting lodge of Henry VIII's, Great Fosters. If you'd like to be in Suffolk, there's the very nice, old Seckford Hall in Woodbridge.

Well, it's a stone's throw from Constable country... rowing a boat along the river at Dedham (it is Dedham isn't it?) for an hour or two can be great fun in the summer sunshine.