Chewton Glen – New Forest, Hampshire

Chewton Glen is a true English original; a privately owned five-star hotel and spa, situated on the edge of the ancient New Forest and a short walk from the beach in Hampshire. Choose from a variety of quintessentially English guestrooms and luxurious suites or spend the night among the trees, immersed in nature, in your very own secluded Treehouse Suite on stilts (they even come with al fresco hot tubs). Savour delectable cuisine (twice-baked cheese soufflé say, or Wiltshire venison loin) and afternoon tea in The Dining Room, or enjoy a relaxed meal at The Kitchen, an exciting restaurant overseen by chef James Martin. Want to improve your culinary skills? There’s also a cookery school offering lessons from the chef himself. Within the 130 acres of grounds, you can enjoy all kinds of family-friendly activities: there’s a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and a croquet lawn. Or simply unwind in the fabulous indoor and outdoor pools and the indulgent, award-winning spa – there’s something to satisfy everyone. Service is effortless too. Without doubt, this is one of the country’s finest hotels.

Doubles from £485

+44 (0)1425 282212; chewtonglen.com