Judges Hotel, Yarm, North Yorkshire

Around a mile south of the pretty, and well-heeled, village of Yarm, the hotel sits peacefully in 22 acres of private woodland and gardens yet is only a mile from the A19. As there's nothing immediately on the doorstep, a car is needed for exploring the coast or North York Moors. Pretty Yarm has good independent shops and restaurants; otherwise, it's a 20 to 40-minute drive to explore the North York Moors - such as Mount Grace Priory at Osmotherley - or seaside Whitby with its impressive abbey.

By car: Judges is 4 hours 30 mins from London and 2 hours from Manchester. Free parking is available on-site.

By train: London Kings Cross to Yarm (via Northallerton) takes around 3 hours. The hotel is a 5-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Yarm.

The late Victorian country house with its creeper-covered façade and tall windows is big enough to feel special but small enough to feel welcoming. Interiors are decidedly traditional with deep-coloured carpets, heavy damask curtains, richly patterned sofas and wood-panelling in the bar. The overall feel is comfortable and inviting.

Both the lounge and bar offer ample space for relaxing and reading - afternoon tea, too - while the 22 acres of grounds offer gentle walks along marked trails. Staff are mainly local and long-serving with a warm and friendly style and can help arrange activities such as clay-pigeon shooting or access to a local spa and sports club.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Wellness centre
• Activities
• Bike hire
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Generous in size and expensively and comfortably furnished in traditional style with padded headboards, Zoffany wallpapers, thick silk curtains and quality reproduction furniture, bedrooms are spread over three floors, including the ground. Bathrooms are surprisingly modern with sparkly tiling and some with air-baths and TVs.

Room types: Standard, Deluxe, Feature Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, hairdryer, fresh fruit, flowers, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

This is classic fine dining with drinks and canapés in the drawing room before moving through to a dining room shining with white napery and candles. Expect dishes such as braised lamb with pomme anna potatoes, and pan-seared halibut with saffron cream sauce as well as classic steaks. There's an impressive wine list, too.

The restaurant: 2 AA Rosettes, British fine dining, extensive wine list. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Mains from £18.95.