Carden Park Hotel, Tilston, Cheshire

With fields and farmland in all directions, and the Welsh hills visible in the distance, the feel is rural but the hotel is easy to reach, just off the A534 between Wrexham and Nantwich. It's a 30-minute drive north to Chester; beyond that lie the animal attractions of Chester Zoo and the Blue Planet. The Ice Cream Farm, one of Cheshire's top attractions, with dozens of flavours and a family-friendly theme park, is 20 minutes' drive away.

By car: The hotel is 4 hours 30 mins from London and 90 mins from Manchester. Parking is available on-site.

By train: Crewe Station has direct links to London and Manchester and is 30 mins away in a taxi. Book trains to Crewe Station.

Modern glamour is the look they've gone for in the spacious public areas. Step through the front door and you're greeted by marble floors, chandeliers and oversized flower arrangements. There are tubs of white orchids dotted here and there and, in the bar, squishy leather sofas and a white baby grand.

Service is fine; the facilities shine. Most come at an extra charge but there's no shortage of choice, from two championship golf courses and an excellent spa to an assortment of outdoor activities, including an aerial adventure course, archery and rifle shooting. Guests also get free access to the leisure centre, with a pool, gym and sauna.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Golf course
• Tennis courts
• Bike hire
• Library
• Spa
• Swimming pools
• Coffee house
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are divided between the main hotel building and a cluster of smaller buildings set around a brick-paved courtyard; some of these have their own little balcony. Décor, on the conservative side of contemporary, is unremarkable but comfortable; bathrooms were recently refurbished, with marble-tiled walls and chrome fittings.

Room types: Twin/Double, Twin/King Estate view, Courtyard Suites, Luxury Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom or wet room, 39" TV with Sky, luxury toiletries, free Wi-Fi

The main hotel restaurant is Redmonds, open all week for brasserie-style food and golf-course views, but for something a bit more refined, there's also The Vines, offering fancier fare and dressier surroundings on Thursday-Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch. The spa, too, has its own restaurant, and Morgan's Bar serves light dishes and afternoon tea.

Redmonds: AA Rosette, relaxed brasserie-style dining. Open daily. Mains from £15.

The Vines: fine dining, contemporary cuisine. Open for dinner Thursday-Saturday. Two courses from £55 per person.