Time stands still at this handsome Victorian Gothic-style mansion surrounded by extensive, well-kept grounds and woodland. It is filled with rich wood panelling, beautiful paintings, antiques and ornate stained glass windows, and run by ‘such polite, consistently friendly, obliging’ staff’. On comfy sofas by roaring log fires, dreams of a bygone age are conjured by the galleried baronial hall. Dinner is an elegant affair in the candle-lit restaurant. Mount the grand staircase to spacious, traditionally furnished bedrooms, equipped with a refreshment tray, dressing gowns and luxury toiletries. Wake to a sumptuous cooked-to-order breakfast.

The Yorke Arms is now an exclusive use venue. In the rolling Yorkshire Dales, the creeper-covered 18th-century shooting lodge, with extensive gardens, has an ‘unsurpassed’ location and dominates tiny Ramsgill. Inside, antiques and squashy sofas, plus hand-painted hessian wallpaper, are set against flagged floors and beamed ceilings. Bedrooms feature earthy colours and quirky themes: ‘Brew’ has teapot-patterned curtains. There are classy bathrooms and monogrammed linen. ‘The vegetable, fruit and flower gardens are wonderful, a real joy to walk around.’ Good walks from the door, too.

In 300 acres of parkland originally laid out by landscape designer Humphry Repton, this welcoming and romantic Grade I listed Regency mansion comes with impressive modern facilities. There are two golf courses, a private cinema and an award-winning rooftop spa with saunas, steam rooms, an infinity pool and herb-infused treatments. Sleek accommodation ranges from suites (some with a private terrace) in contemporary wings, to cottages and lodges. Inspired by the seasons – creative dishes are ‘exceptionally good’ in the glass-sided spa restaurant, Horto. Vegetables, fruit and flowers come from the delightful kitchen garden; the hotel’s natural springs supply the water. In the glamorous Clocktower Restaurant and Bar, a 400-year-old Catalonian olive tree takes centre stage in the light-filled conservatory.  

Amid sheep-grazed pastures, this 16th-century farmhouse with outbuildings lies at the foot of the Rhinog mountains and has glorious views over Cardigan Bay to the Llyn peninsula. Guests make themselves at home in a converted granary, where three lofty rooms have their own access, beverages and self-catering facilities – a table, fridge, toaster and microwave. Exposed timbers and quirky old features join modern comforts in unpretentious bedrooms. Breakfast is delivered to the room; local restaurants and pubs are recommended. A wonderful location for exploring the area around Barmouth, there are walks and bicycle rides up the Mawddach estuary as well as castles and ruins to explore.