Cowley Manor

Enter ‘a world of green woodland’ once frequented by Lewis Carroll as you drive through the ‘majestic grounds’ of this Italianate mansion, which surprises with striking interiors designed with ’60s pizzazz. The ‘minimalist combination with classic surroundings’ created for Peter and Jessica Frankopan’s Curious group (see Portobello Hotel, London), together with the hotel’s ‘very relaxed atmosphere’, pleased our inspectors. A ‘lovely second-floor bedroom’ was ‘a quirky combination of oak panels and ’60s design’, with ‘a huge bath and walk-in drench shower in a delightful bathroom’. Several rooms have a terrace or balcony. Those in the stables are more modern, some with an adjoining kids’ room. In the ‘atmospheric candlelit restaurant’ or on the terrace, David Kelman’s short, appealing menus include dishes such as ‘delicious tuna steak and piping-hot fat chips’, with good veggie options. A continental breakfast is included – ‘the vegetarian full English was worth the extra expense’. Order a picnic and explore the parkland, with its lakes, sculptures, a cascade and exotic trees. ‘The C-Side Spa is a highlight.’