Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham, Cotswolds

This grand and spacious property is approached down a twisting drive on a 90-acre estate. From the hotel, there's a great circular walk up Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds.

Within easy striking distance of Cheltenham's famous horse racing course and about three miles from the Regency heart of the town.

By car: 2 hours 3o minutes from London, over an hour from Oxford and 1 hour 15 minutes from Birmingham. Free on-site parking available.

By train: London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa takes 2 hours, after which, a taxi takes 15 minutes. Book trains to Cheltenham.

Ellenborough Park is made up of several honey-stone buildings, both old and new; a contrast that can be found throughout the property. At its heart, it's a Tudor house with striking historic features - today, the great hall is used as a spectacular lounge. You'll also find a mix of traditional furnishings in some parts, and strikingly sleek, modern features in others.

Facilities include the much-applauded spa, a large boot room with Dubarry and Hunter boots to borrow, private rooms for parties and several well-devised areas for weddings. Staff are efficient and friendly.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Family-friendly
• ​Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are spread across four different areas, but all have a country house look. Main house rooms have antiques and exposed beams, while elsewhere, they're bright with traditional features such as pelmets and stripy wallpaper. Most bathrooms are large, and many have roll-top tubs.

Room types: Traditional, Classic, Deluxe, Luxury, Junior Suite, Manor Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Noble Isle toiletries, hairdryer, Nespresso machine, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Restaurant offers a treat of Modern British cuisine in a formal, wood-panelled dining room. We recommend the exquisite honey-roasted duck breast with dates. The Horse Box Brasserie is the hotel's less formal option, where you can dine on classics such as fish and chips or wild boar burgers.

Horse Box Brasserie: casual bar and restaurant, seasonal menus. Open daily, 12:30-9pm.

The Restaurant: elegant restaurant, fine dining. Open daily for dinner. Main courses from £28.