FIVE HOTELS WITH A SENSE OF PLACE

Next to the River Wharfe and a short stroll from the ancient Augustinian priory ruins on the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey Estate, this 17^th-century hotel feels rooted in the landscape. The 5^th Duke of Devonshire shaped the estate, creating miles of footpaths to showcase its beauty. Today, these include a route through Strid Wood and to Simon’s Seat for panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Rooms are split between the old and new wings: one has traditional period features and four-poster beds; the other is more contemporary and faces the estate – meaning there is something to suit all design tastes. Pre-order a picnic hamper for lunch and the team will set it up in a particularly pretty spot; sit on the festoon-strung wooden terrace for sundowners with a rural backdrop for a well-earned rest after a day exploring; or have dinner in The Garden Room restaurant, overlooking the Italian gardens. It’s worth asking staff about what’s on nearby, for a truly local experience too: recent highlights have included Skipton Sheep Day and The Great Yorkshire Show.

Originally a guest house linked to Blanchland Abbey, then a favoured spot for lead miners to enjoy a pint after a shift, today this traditional stone inn is perfectly positioned for exploring the Pennine Moors. Rooms feel homespun and cosy: some come with checked blankets on the bed; others, a working fireplace or rolltop bath, ideal for a long soak after a day outdoors. Perhaps visit the village of Corbridge, which is lined with quaint tea rooms, honey-hued cottages and independent shops, or the nearby market town of Hexham to immerse yourself in Viking history. Or discover the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall. Back at the hotel, choose between eating in The Bishop's Dining Room, where the seasons are reflected in what’s on the plate or in the intimate setting of The Hilyard. End the evening in The Crypt, an atmospheric candle-lit pub in a medieval vaulted chamber, with real ales on tap including the Lord Crewe Brew.

At the foot of the Durham Dales, this country house hotel has been owned by the same family for over 40 years (they originally bought the then dilapidated property to expand their farm on the neighbouring land). Today, it has a golf course and spa, and sits within a beautiful walled garden. Rooms are spread across the main hall, a converted coach house, mews-style stables and purpose-built spa: interiors throughout take their cues from the heritage of the buildings, with muted paint colours and a mix of contemporary furnishings and antiques. The main restaurant is the light-filled orangery where modern British dishes feature local ingredients as well as produce from the kitchen garden. Other social spaces include the lounge and dog-friendly library bar for pre-or-post dinner drinks. Close to home, discover Teesdale with its waterfalls and characterful villages such as Romaldkirk (where you’ll find sister pub The Rose & Crown) or venture further afield to Hamsterley Forest or the city of Durham, best known for its castle and cathedral.

Once a convent for the Sisters of the Epiphany, this historic grade II-listed building in Truro is now a rather unique hotel, complete with its own bell tower, arched mullioned windows, ivy clad walls and curved archways – ideal for a truly local experience. Rooms are divided between the main house and the more contemporary courtyard (one of the best is the Bishop Suite, which has a four-poster bed, marble fireplace and two roll-top baths in the bathroom). Sip botanical-infused gin on the terrace overlooking the garden – the place to be on warm summer evenings – treat yourself to a Cornish cream tea or tuck into classic cuisine, such as fish and chips or corn fed chicken supreme, in the relaxed restaurant. The city of Truro is known for its Gothic and Georgian architecture but it’s also brilliantly placed, in the middle of Cornwall’s two coasts: head north for the sandy beaches and surf of Porthtowan and Perranporth, or south to Falmouth and the village of St Mawes. 

Think of classic activities for visitors to the capital and having afternoon tea in an upscale hotel is often high on the list – especially if it’s somewhere as iconic as Claridge’s. This is a hotel with a real sense of place, a history of glamorous guests (everyone from Hollywood A-listers to royalty has checked-in), elegant Art deco design and a pianist who plays in The Foyer & Reading Room while you’re tucking into scones and sandwiches. Other drinking and dining spaces include Claridge’s Restaurant, the blush-pink Painter’s Room bar and The Fumoir, a moodily-lit hideaway for a nightcap. The spa is inspired by Japanese temples and gardens in Kyoto; fabulous rooms and suites are plush yet homely. Located in Mayfair, it’s ideal for shopping, West End shows and ticking off many of London’s other blockbuster attractions.