Lucknam Park, Colerne, Wiltshire

You will know you've arrived when you see the mile-long avenue of trees that leads towards this imposing country house. Set in parkland near the village of Colerne, the hotel lies in the southern Cotswolds, convenient for Chippenham and the train from London; Bath is 25 minutes away. In Colerne, The Six Bells is a friendly pub while the pretty Cotswolds village of Castle Combe is nearby.

By car: around 25 minutes from Bath, 40 minutes from Bristol, 2 hours 30 minutes from London and 3 hours 30 minutes from Sheffield. There is free parking on site.

By train: trains to Bath Spa run from London Paddington (1 hour 20 minutes) and Bristol Temple Meads (11 minutes). From the station the hotel is a 25-minute taxi ride away. Book trains to Bath Spa.

Cosseted by five acres of gardens and 500 acres of listed parkland, the main house at Lucknam Park is fronted by a portico and columns. Inside is a string of elegant public rooms, dressed with chandeliers and draped silk curtains. A courtyard behind the house leads to a modern spa building.

There is plenty to see and do. The gardens include a walled garden and an arboretum, while activities include everything from croquet to falconry. The riding school offers equine therapy, and the spa has indoor and outdoor pools. Service varies; overall it is at the level of a five-star hotel, but standards can slip.

• Bar
• Michelin-starred restaurant
• Spa
• Swimming pools
• Tennis courts
• Library
• Pet friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The bedrooms are located either in the main house or around a courtyard and are furnished in a classical, manor-house style, which sometimes lacks spirit. On one end, the Classic rooms are quite small, on the other, there are three categories of suite. There are also three contemporary cottages, sleeping up to eight.

Room types: Classic, Country, Manor rooms, Junior, Grand, Grand Master suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, Egyptian cotton bedding, TV, DAB bluetooth radio, 24-hour room service, tea and coffee-making facilities

Restaurant Hywel Jones occupies the house's former ballroom and has held a Michelin star since 2006. Diners sit beneath chandeliers and can choose from an à la carte or three tasting menus, which includes one for vegetarians. Dishes feature finely-tuned flavours and superb cooking. The modern, spa-side Brasserie offers wood-fired pizzas and healthy dishes.

Restaurant Hywel Jones: one Michelin star. Sophisticated fine dining. Open Thursday-Saturday 6-10pm. Tasting menu £110pp.

The Brasserie: Relaxed, modern British cuisine. Open daily 12-10pm. Mains from £14.