Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent

Just an hour's drive from central London, Leeds Castle feels like its own little kingdom, sitting amidst 500 acres of parkland and landscaped gardens. Glamping tents and self-catered cottages are dotted across the expansive grounds, together with various eateries and attractions, while the 1930s Stable Courtyard and 16th-century Maidens Tower house 22 bedrooms. Everything is on your doorstep, from a restaurant, cafés and shops to a dog collar museum, falconry centre and Go Ape Tree Top climbing facility.

By car: 1 hour 20 minutes from London, (42 miles ), 1 hour 40 minutes from Brighton, (70 miles). Free parking.

By train: Direct trains from London Victoria to Bearsted take just over an hour. A shuttle to the hotel and castle or a taxi will take 5 mins. Book trains to Bearsted.

It's hard to compete with what's been dubbed "the world's loveliest castle" but care and attention are given to every aspect of the bedrooms and public spaces here, be it fur throws provided in the glamping pavilions, pretty botanical prints in the bathrooms or stable windows thrown upon to scented spring gardens.

There's no faulting the friendly, enthusiastic and courteous reception here, from our cheery punting guide and the studious volunteers in the Castle rooms to the attentive restaurant waiting staff. Facilities, too numerous to list here, include shops, cafés, adventure playgrounds, Segway tours and an open-air cinema.

• Restaurant on request
• Bar
• Family rooms

• Afternooon tea

• Free falconry or punting

• Golf course

• Open-air cinema

• Shops

• Free parking

• Free Wi-Fi

Stable Courtyard rooms feature country house chic interiors and lovely views of the gardens, lake or castle. The Maidens Tower bedrooms up the luxury ante with sleigh beds and vast contemporary bathrooms although the use of more antique and less repro furniture would better match the building's heritage.

Room types: Holiday Cottages, Stable Courtyard B&B Rooms, Maiden's Tower B&B Rooms, Knights Glamping Tents

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, free Wi-Fi

Breakfast and dinner are served in the aptly-named Castle View Restaurant, a towering oak-beamed and timber-framed barn dating to the 17th century. Menus are staunchly British, championing local produce with dishes like Sussex game terrine with plum chutney and creamy risotto made with vegetables grown on the castle estate.

Castle View Restaurant: Available for lunch and dinner, booking required. From 6.30pm the menu changes and the restaurant takes on a more intimate tone. Mains range from £15.95 to £26.95.