Stratton House Hotel & Spa, Cirencester, Cotswolds

The hotel is about a mile from Cirencester town centre, where you'll find galleries, boutiques, cafés and the Corinium, an outstanding museum dedicated to the city's Roman past, complete with artefacts and a mosaic.

Easily accessible from London and the Midlands, via the M4 and the M5.

By car: around 2 hours from London, 1 hour from Bristol and 3 hours from Manchester. Free on-site parking available.

By train: London Paddington to Kemble takes 1 hour 10 minutes, after which, a taxi takes 15 minutes. Book trains to Kemble.

While the lounge has high ceilings, cornices and a chandelier, and the Oak Bar snuggles under ancient, undulating beams, the overall vibe is fresh, bright and modern. There's a country house theme, with equestrian pictures, wing armchairs and furnishings made with accents of leather and tweed.

Staff are welcoming, friendly and professional. Facilities include a wonderful garden, a big car park with EV charging points and a private dining room (for up to 16 guests). The biggest draw is the impressive spa - a soothing chill-out space with a whirlpool tub, experience showers, steam room, sauna and terrace. Treatment rooms offer Aromatic Temple Spa massages, scrubs and facials.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Spa
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Bedrooms are decorated in soothing tones of greys and greens, uplifted by feature wallpaper. The compact rooms might be a bit cramped for two people staying more than a couple of nights. Deluxe rooms are spacious, with super-king-size beds, rolltop baths and walk-in showers.

Room types: Compact, Standard, Superior, Deluxe

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The stylish restaurant serves modern British and European cuisine. Dishes include roasted hake with Hasselback potatoes and tomato concasse. The tarragon chicken with roasted garlic mash was delicious. Head to the elegant lounge for lavish three-tier afternoon tea.

The Garden Restaurant: British cuisine, locally sourced produce. All day menu, open daily.

The Oak Bar: traditional British pub, serving food and drinks. Open daily, 10am-11pm.