The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

The Greenway sits in eight-acre grounds in the busy village of Shurdington on the outskirts of Cheltenham. The approach along suburban roads may not inspire - but then you twist down a driveway to find this old manor house backing onto lovely countryside. Famously striking Crickley Hill rises up behind the hotel. Cheltenham Racecourse is about a 20-minute drive north east.

By car: The Greenway is 2 hours and 15 minutes from London, just over 1 hour from Oxford and 45 minutes from Bristol. There is free parking at the hotel.

By train: London Paddington to Cheltenham takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Cheltenham.

The oldest part of the manor house dates from the Elizabethan era. Inside there's a traditional country house hotel feel, with snoozy lounges, swathes of curtains, and equestrian prints on the walls nod to Cheltenham Racecourse.

The staff are charmingly friendly and welcoming. The garden, with a croquet lawn, lily pond and terraces, is a delight.

• Restaurant

• Bar

• Swimming pool

• Spa and wellness centre
• Terrace
• Croquet lawn
• Pets allowed
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking

21 bedrooms are dotted around the property, 13 traditional rooms in the main building; six more modern rooms in an adjoining old coach house, and two bedrooms in the gatehouse lodge at the start of the drive. Bathrooms are varied, some with tubs and strong showers, some slightly tired, with shower over bath.

Room types: Classic, Classic Lodge, Superior, Deluxe, Master, Feature Suite, Master Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with ESPA toiletries, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, bathrobes, slippers, desk, free Wi-Fi

The Garden Room restaurant will delight dedicated foodies, offering smart-casual dining with an impressively inventive series of menus. The spa café presents a choice of lighter brunch and lunch fare as well as afternoon tea.

The Garden Room: 3 AA Rosettes, contemporary and seasonal menu. Open daily for breakfast and afternoon tea, and dinner Wednesday-Sunday from 6.30-8.30pm. Two courses £37.50.

The bar and lounge: Sandwiches, salads and larger plates. Open daily 10am-9pm. From £9.50.