Lucknam Park, Colerne, Wiltshire

We love that you don't need to leave the estate to go horse-riding, cycle, play tennis or discover the gardens and sculpture dotted about.

By car: around 25 minutes from Bath, 40 minutes from Bristol, 2 hours 30 minutes from London and 3 hours 30 minutes from Sheffield. There is free parking on site.
By train: trains to Bath Spa run from London Paddington (1 hour 20 minutes) and Bristol Temple Meads (11 minutes). From the station the hotel is a 25-minute taxi ride away. thetrainline.com

The hotel suits couples or guests wanting to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends. We love the contrast between the house's formal rooms and the modernm polished-stone spa beyond.

We love the tranquil indoor pool area with swim-through access to the outdoor hot tub, for a soak contemplating the trees. For a £25 charge per day, dogs receive bowls, bedding, fleeces, towels, torches and a lead.

• Michelin-starred restaurant
• Bar
• Spa
• Two swimming pools
• Tennis courts
• Library
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Pet friendly

The Master suites are best, although not the most expensive, and blend antique furniture, sumptuous fabrics and expansive views of the gardens. We love the indulgent bathrooms in the suites, which are smartly finished with marble and chrome. A handful of dog-friendly rooms overlook the courtyard.

Classic, Country, Manor rooms, Junior, Grand, Grand Master suites
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom, Egyptian cotton bedding, TV, DAB bluetooth radio, 24 hour room service, tea and coffee-making facilities

We love the glamour of a pre-dinner cocktail in the drawing room and a digestif in the library, while leafing through 19th-century books. Our favourite Hywel Jones dish is a slightly salty, slightly sweet starter of scallops with succulent cubes of smoked eel.

Restaurant Hywel Jones: one Michelin star. Sophisticated fine dining. Open Thursday-Saturday 6-10pm. Tasting menu £110pp.
The Brasserie: Relaxed, modern British cuisine. Open daily 12-10pm. Mains from £14.