Five hotels in national parks

Bovey Castle, Dartmoor

With 63 rooms and suites to check in to, 80 on-site activities to choose from and a vast sporting estate to explore, there's little chance of running out of diversions at Bovey Castle. This Dartmoor retreat – home to a spa and several bars and restaurants – is more luxury holiday resort than just a hotel. The facilities, too, are more modern than the Edwardian architecture might suggest, with Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions and Elemis toiletries all par for the course.

Bovey Castle, North Bovey, Devon (01647 445 000; www.boveycastle.com). Double rooms start at £250, including breakfast.

The Cross at Kingussie, Cairngorms

An antidote to the brutal Sixties architecture of so many hotels in nearby Aviemore, The Cross is an outpost of homely, historic charm in the heart of the Cairngorms. Surrounded by four acres of riverside grounds in the pretty town of Kingussie, this family-run restaurant with eight rooms is cosy as can be. Thoughtful touches include CDs by local musicians, Arran Aromatics toiletries and a carefully chosen selection of bedside reading.

The Cross, Tweed Mill Brae, Ardbroilach Road, Kingussie (01540 661 166; www.thecross.co.uk). Double rooms start at £90, including breakfast.

Ffynnon, Snowdonia

Set at the foot of Cader Idris, Ffynnon comprises just four suites; if guests don't manage to drag themselves outdoors, they can raid the library, order afternoon tea or watch the latest DVDs on flat-screen televisions. Families are actively welcomed: extra beds, toys and games, children's meals and a baby-listening service can all be arranged.

Ffynnon, Brynffynnon, Love Lane, Dolgellau, Gwynedd (01341 421 774; www.ffynnontownhouse.com). Suites start at £120, including breakfast.

Yorebridge House, Yorkshire Dales

Before David and Charlotte Reilly took over this former schoolmaster's house in 2006, it was used by the National Park authority. The hotel has 10 bedrooms and a restaurant. With decor ranging from English floral to New York loft, each room has a hi-tech TV, a designer bathroom and views.

Yorebridge House, Bainbridge, North Yorkshire (01969 652 060; www.yorebridgehouse.co.uk. Double rooms start at £150, including breakfast.

Hotel TerraVina, New Forest

The latest venture from Hotel du Vin co-founder Gerard Basset, this has 11 luxurious rooms designed by his wife, Nina. Guests can make the most of landscaped gardens and a swimming pool. Big on food and wine, the hotel runs regular wine-tasting weekends.

Hotel TerraVina, 174 Woodlands Road, Netley Marsh, Hampshire (02380 293 784; www.hotelterravina.co.uk). Double rooms start at £130, room only.