Buxton Crescent, Buxton, Derbyshire

Buxton is in the heart of the Peak District, perfect for hikes up Mam Tor or around Kinder Scout. The hotel is within walking distance of Buxton's most prominent attractions, from the art nouveau theatre and opera house to the gardens which house the Crystal Palace-inspired Pavilion. Just across the street is St Ann's Well, which dates from at least the 16th century and provides potable hot spring water. Behind it rise The Slopes, a rather steep set of pleasure gardens.

By car: around 1 hour from Sheffield, 2 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours from London. Parking costs £20 per day.

By train: direct trains to Buxton from Manchester Piccadilly (1 hour). The hotel is a five-minute walk from the station. Book trains to Buxton.

There are plentiful nods to the area's history, from the original 18th-century wooden spa bath in the lobby, to the display of blue and white porcelain plates by local craftsman Josiah Wedgwood, and renderings of the crest of the Dukes of Devonshire. The bar is hung with quirky wallpaper by avant-garde designers Moooi, while elsewhere a simple palette of matte colours adorns walls and carpets.

The spa extends over three floors and features an indoor/outdoor heated pool on one of the rooftops, as well as an LED-lit relaxation pool, and thermal bath. There are three saunas - infrared, biothermal and Finnish - as well as an ice fountain, salt cave, steam room, aromatherapy chamber, gym and dance studio, as well as a comprehensive programme of treatments.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Wellness suite
• Pet-friendly
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Of the 81 rooms, 12 are suites, which impress with four poster beds, spacious walk-in showers, and freestanding roll-top tubs. The more standard accommodation features comfortable beds and plush, fabric-covered chairs, and all categories are decorated with prints of local beauty spots or famous sites.

Room types: Classic, Attic, Crescent, Attic Superior, Crescent Superior, Suites

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

You'll find lighter fare at the spa cafe, which offers soups, salads and sandwiches. At the restaurant, the menu is more considered: think heritage tomatoes with burrata, skrei cod with steamed vegetables, or ham hock and chicken terrine, plus a daily changing list of specials. Make a night of it and start with an aperitif at the cosy bar. Breakfast is big and buffet style.

The Dining Room: stylish restaurant, modern British cuisine. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.