Losehill House Hotel & Spa, Hope, Peak District

The hotel sits on the edge of Hope, a small village with a station on the railway line between Sheffield and Manchester. It's set in peaceful grounds with views across the valley to Win Hill, on the far side of which are the reservoirs famously used as training grounds for the RAF's Dambusters squadron during the Second World War. Less than three miles away is one of the Peak District's hotspots, Castleton, famed for its underground caverns and hilltop castle ruins.

By car: the hotel is 40 mins from Sheffield, 2 hours from Birmingham and 3 hours 40 mins from London. There is free parking on-site.

By train: London St Pancras to Edale (via Sheffield) takes 2 hours 45 mins. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Edale.

The design in the public areas is fairly classic and restrained, with nothing too bold or jarring and just the odd contemporary touch, like copper wire lampshades on the wall lights. The lounge has armchairs covered in mismatched fabrics, a couple of potted palms and oriental rugs on wooden floors, which carry through into the conservatory-style restaurant.

There's a small indoor pool, steam room and sauna, leading through to an outdoor hot tub on the terrace. You can buy walking guides and maps at reception, where staff also keep a few emergency toiletries for sale and some spare swimming costumes to borrow if you forget your own.

• Indoor pool
• Restaurant
• Gardens
• Terrace
• Spa
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

On the whole, the design in both bedrooms and bathrooms is quite traditional: they're decorated in light cream, beige and coffee shades. Pops of colour come from cushions and modern sofas and all the four-star facilities are present and correct, such as power sockets by the beds.

Room types: Double, King, Deluxe King, Family Suite, The Edale Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with luxury toiletries, robes and slippers, spa access, tea and coffee facilities, local biscuits, TV, newspaper

The restaurant has two AA rosettes and is very popular - you'll need to book to be sure of a table for dinner. Go à la carte, or splash out on the seven-course tasting menu. Dishes change with the seasons but might include wood pigeon with cherries, barley and port or halibut with sea herbs and baby leeks.

Grafene Restaurant: fine dining, local produce, modern British cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Four-course dinner £50, 7-course tasting menu £65.