Eastwell Manor, Ashford, Kent

Eastwell Manor delivers a winning combination of easy access (it's less than an hour from central London by train) with a rural setting. You start to feel relaxed as soon as you pull onto the long, tree-lined drive and glimpse some of the 3,000-acre Eastwell Estate. Most guests simply immerse themselves in Eastwell's grounds, but the urban diversions of Canterbury and Ashford are within a 15-minute drive.

By car: Eastwell Manor is 1 hour 45 minutes from London, just under 2 hours from Cambridge and 2 hours 10 minutes from Oxford.

By train: Ashford International station is a 12 minute drive from the hotel, with links to all major London destinations and the high-speed Eurotunnel. Wye station is less than three miles away. Book trains.

Although much of the original Eastwell Manor was destroyed by fire, it has been rebuilt and restored so sensitively that it feels authentic and still oozes history. Thanks to extensive refurbishment work carried out by Champneys in 2017, it now adds elegant, contemporary interiors to the mix creating a sophisticated country house vibe.

There's a real "can do" attitude from the young, professional staff who seem equally happy arranging spa treatments and tinkering with cocktails as they are achieving the perfect toddler breakfast. Facilities are impressive including, but not limited to, two restaurants, a bar, an outdoor pool, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and a falconry centre. And, of course, one of Kent's best spas.

• Spa restaurant
• Bar and lounge
• Spa, gym and heated indoor pool
• Outdoor pool
• Gardens
• Afternoon tea

The rooms range from Shepherds Huts and spacious Mews Cottages to splash-out suites in the Manor House. Rooms in the Manor House are more traditional in style and lavished with Champney's amenities while the Mews rooms, suites and cottage are more pared-down.

Room types: Eastwell Mews Rooms, Eastwell Mews Suites, Shepherd's Huts, Classic Manor Rooms, Superior Manor Rooms, Luxe Rooms, Deluxe Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, coffee-making facilities, robes and slippers, free Wi-Fi

The freshly revamped Brasserie at the Manor offers up a seasonal, international menu with classics like lobster thermidor, wild mushroom risotto and ribeye steak crafted from mostly Kentish produce. Wood panelled walls, mullioned windows and stone fireplaces create plenty of atmosphere.

Brasserie at The Manor: European cuisine, steaks, classic salads. Open for lunch and dinner. Mains from £18.

Spa restaurant: light bites, healthy dishes, seafood.