The Wood Norton

Bringing a little French style to the English countryside between Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds and Worcester, The Wood Norton hotel occupies a Grade II-listed 19th-century building in extensive landscaped gardens with lovely rural views. Built by exiled French Royalty in 1897, its lobby, guest lounges, restaurant and some of the bedrooms have plenty of original features, the most striking of which is extensive oak panelling. But despite the palpable sense of history, this place has moved with the times and modern guests can expect contemporary comfort too.

All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms with Molton Brown toiletries, comfortable beds, good WiFi, TVs and all the stuff you would expect in a hotel at this level. There’s a room to suit everyone apart from dog owners as pets are not allowed – perhaps partly because of a beloved resident cat. The majority of the guest rooms are in Pear Tree Mews, behind the main building – all clean, modern and elegant, set around a cobbled courtyard. This description is apt for Hall Rooms too, which offer a similar style but are located in the main building. If you’ve been seduced by the talk of the French decorative interiors, you can enjoy them most by booking a Hall Feature Room or Suite, which are the most lavish of the lot.

Whichever room you plump for, you’ll still experience the hotel’s history in its reception rooms and sociable spaces. While The Fleur de Lys Brasserie has the most traditional look, its menu is surprisingly modern. The neighbouring Hall Bar, meanwhile, has managed to keep some original features alongside modern interior design. This is a country house hotel with a little something to keep everyone happy. Its location does that too – roughly equidistant between Cheltenham, Stratford and Worcester. The Malvern Hills and The Cotswolds are also both temptingly close.