Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Ellenborough Park is within easy striking distance of Cheltenham's horse racing course and about three miles from the Regency heart of the town. The grand and spacious property is approached down a twisting drive on a 90-acre estate. Cheltenham Spa station is a 17-minute taxi ride south.

By car: 2 hours 3o minutes from London, 1 hour 10 minutes from Oxford and 1 hour 15 minutes from Birmingham. Free on-site parking available.

By train: direct trains from London Paddington to Cheltenham Spa take 2 hours. The station is 15 minutes' drive from the hotel and taxis are available at the station. Book trains to Cheltenham.

A number of honey-stone buildings, old and new, make up Ellenborough Park - and at first sight you might think this is small village. At its core is a Tudor house with many historic features: today its great hall is a spectacular yet relaxing lounge. There are very traditional furnishings in some parts, strikingly sleek, modern features in others.

Staff are exceptionally efficient and cheerfully friendly - It's a joy to be served by such an enthusiastic team. Facilities include the much applauded spa; a large boot room with Dubarry and Hunter boots to borrow, even coats as well; private rooms for parties; and several well devised areas for weddings.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Terrace

• Swimming pool

• Spa

• Family-friendly
• ​Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are spread across four different areas, all with a country house look. Those in the main house have antiques and exposed beams. Elsewhere, they're bright and have traditional features such as pelmets and stripy wallpaper. Bathrooms are large, and many have roll-top tubs.

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

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

Beautifully set in a wood-panelled dining room, The Restaurant offers a treat of modern British cuisine. For less formality, head to The Horse Box pub, which serves classics such as fish and chips, alongside 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.