The Falcon Hotel

Despite being located on the large Northamptonshire country estate of Castle Asheby, this is in fact an old coaching inn – originally dating back to the 16th century but renovated a few years ago as comfortable country hotel. Surrounded by the gardens and grounds of the 10,000-acre estate, it feels a million miles away from anywhere, and thus makes for a perfect weekend escape from London or the towns of the West Midlands. 

The hotel has just 20-odd guest rooms, divided between the main building and a series of outhouses, all decorated in a thoroughly up-to-date fashion, and provided with  flatscreen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, good wifi and lavish en-suite bathrooms with toiletries. The beamed public areas are light and bright and furnished with stylish mid-century furniture, and there's a relaxed vibe throughout.  The hotel also offers spa treatments and massages, as well as various activities in the grounds, from nature walks to wild swimming in the estate's freshwater lake.

Finally the Falcon's restaurant, Eyas, is a destination dining venue that alone makes it worth coming to the hotel, serving both a la carte and tasting menus that make the most of local meat, game and other produce.