Chilston Park, Lenham, Kent

Lying in a pretty valley at the feet of the North Downs, Chilston Park is set in 22 acres of listed parkland. The manor house looks out over a small lake, with walking trails leading into the surrounding countryside. Were it not for the fact that you can see the M20 and Channel Tunnel Rail Link, you would easily forget that London is just over an hour's drive away. Leeds Castle is just a ten-minute drive from the hotel, while Sissinghurst is a scenic 25-minute drive through the Kent Weald.

By car: 1 hour 15 mins from London via A2, 1 hour 30 mins from Brighton via A23. 3 hours 15 mins from Nottingham. Free parking is available on-site.

By train: Lenham station is a 4-minute drive from the hotel, accessed in 1 hour 30 mins from London Victoria, 45 mins from Canterbury. Book trains to Lenham.

Chilston Park delivers unabashed and suitably faded country house grandeur. The original manor house dates to the early 15th century, with attractive features like its towering twelve-paned sash windows and grand 'Chinese Chippendale' split staircase added by its various owners over the centuries, who have also bequeathed a host of antiques, chandeliers and portraits.

Accustomed to hosting weddings, conferences and large groups of foreign tourists, the staff are friendly and accommodating, but service can be slow. There's an abundance of meeting and private dining rooms, the Marble Lounge for light snacks and afternoon tea, and a little bar at the foot of the sweeping staircase.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Marble Lounge
• Afternoon tea

• Parking

• Free Wi-Fi

The bedrooms are spread between the main house and the 17th-century stables, 18th-century Coachman's Cottages and a new extension. They run the gamut from full-on period opulence to homely comfort - phone ahead for advice on which rooms might best suit your taste and budget.

Room types: Mews Classic, Mews Executive, Mews Junior Suite, Manor House Classic Double, Manor House Executive, Feature bedroom, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, hairdryer, bathrobes, tea and coffee-making facilities, Wi-Fi

Set in the elegant Long Drawing Room, Culpeper's Restaurant uses local produce to serve classically British dishes. Breakfasts are equally reliable, with generous traditional cooked breakfasts complemented by a good buffet. Light snacks, lavish afternoon teas and cocktails can be enjoyed in the Marble Lounge, which overlooks the lake.

Culpeper's restaurant: Formal dining, 2 AA Rosettes. Traditional British cuisine, seasonal dishes, local ingredients. Mains from £15.