The lush grounds surrounding this luxury hotel and spa incorporate secluded arbours, outdoor sculptures, woodland trails and wild flower meadows, ideal for a picnic on a summer’s day. Inside the Grade II listed 18th-century house, original artworks hang in the individually decorated bedrooms; many rooms overlook the gardens. New chef Niall Keating serves modern menus (regular, pescatarian or vegetarian) in the Dining Room; in the informal, refurbished Grey’s brasserie, and on the garden terrace, a menu of comfort food might include prawn cocktail; Wiltshire spring lamb, crushed olive new potatoes, green beans, salsa verde. Newly launched, The Green Room is a food hub for social events, where up to twelve guests can sit round the bar to watch the chefs at work. Breakfast has a ‘very good’ buffet. Borrow a bicycle for a spin around the grounds, or take it easy in the amenity-packed spa. Whatley Manor is also a member of Pride of Britain hotels.