South Lodge, Horsham, West Sussex

Set in extensive grounds in the attractive Sussex countryside, you can see the inviting South Downs from some rooms. A ten-minute drive takes you to the market town of Horsham with its cosy pubs, although this hotel's three excellent restaurants offer plenty of delicious on-site dining options. Grab a complimentary map and head out on a walking trail or forest run.

You're out in the countryside but conveniently close to city life, located not far from Gatwick Airport. There's a pub within walking distance (just outside the hotel's grounds) but a car is advisable to aid you exploring further afield.

By car: a 40 minute drive from Brighton, 2 hours' drive from London and one hour from Guildford. Free parking.

By train: Horsham station is a 13-minute drive away with trains to London Victoria (51 minutes), Peterborough (2 hours 40 mins), Southampton Central (1 hour 35 mins) and Bognor Regis (45 mins). Book trains to Horsham.

This is a grand old country house dating back to the start of the nineteenth century, so cutting-edge design would seem out of place, yet some of the décor could do with updating. Grand fireplaces and traditional wood pannelling make you feel like you're in the home of a British aristocrat, as does the butler-like service of the attentive staff.

The indoor infinity pool is ozone-purified and the outdoor pool is well-heated. The icing on the cake of wellbeing is the wild swimming pond, beautifully designed and overlooking a breath-taking view.

• Gorgeous grounds
• Sunny terrace

• Three restaurants

• Billiard Bar and lounge
• Afternoon tea
• Spa
• Steam room
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Outdoor jaccuzzi
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Beauty bar
• Yoga studio
• Spin room
• Dog and family friendly

Rooms have thoughtful toughes including clawfoot bathtubs in many rooms, complimentary bottles of fizz and decadent handmade truffles from local chocolate brand, Montezuma. There's even an empty vase with a note encouraging guests to head outside to pick their own flowers to fill from the gardens.

Room types: Smart and Cosy Rooms, Dog-friendly rooms, Junior Suites, Master Suites, Family Suites, and the Bothay Cottage

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, seating area, handmade mattress, TV, pillow menu

For a treat, indulge in The Pass, a superb nine course tasting menu. There's also the more sedate style of The Camellia with a focus on British dining, and their wellness-inspired bistro aptly named The Botanica, serving seasonal and nourishing delights.

Tom Kemble at The Pass (temporarily closed): fresh on-site ingredients, seasonal. Dinner Wed-Sun. Six courses from £70.
Camellia: fine dining, two AA Rosettes. Dinner Monday-Saturday. Three courses from £45.
Botanica: spa restaurant, Mediterranean-inspired light bites, plant-based. Open Monday-Sunday. Large plates from £13.