Coworth Park

For a family escape to the country, you should consider the Dower House, a charming, private three-bedroom house built in 1775 with its own dining room, sitting room, kitchen, snug and a secluded garden with its own stream running through it that’s home to the park’s resident family of swans.

The Barn restaurant, located within the stable complex, has a light and airy upstairs bar and a cosy downstairs informal restaurant serving an interesting mix of dishes.  The rather more grand and formal restaurant in the Manor House, with expansive views of the park, features a Best of British menu promoting top quality small artisan producers from around the country.  For lighter, healthy meals and snacks, head to the Spa’s Spatisserie .

The spa, a couple of minutes walk away, part submerged in its own sculptured landscape (pictured above) looks like something out of a Bond movie.  Inside, it’s all clean whites and crisp creams, and exudes an air of calm efficiency.  The clever design allows natural light to flood in and you can easily spend the day in this warm sanctuary indulging yourself in a range of 100% organic treatments by Dr. Alkaitis.   The 18m swimming pool opens out on to a gorgeous sun deck – the perfect place to recline when the British weather allows it.  If not, you can always hit the spa’s well-equipped gym for a workout.

The gym, housed in the spa building, has plenty of natural light and tree top views. The TechnoGym cardiovascular equipment has integrated televisions and includes three treadmills, one upright and one recumbent cycle, one cross trainer and free weights up to 24kg.

For horse lovers, the hotel’s outstanding equestrian facilities offer something for everyone, including beginners, and offers the chance to explore the 240 acre estate on horseback.  If you would rather sit back and enjoy the spectacle of riders in action, then the regular polo matches on one of the estate’s two polo pitches, is a delightful way of spending a lazy afternoon.