2 Best Hotels in Cheltenham, Bath and the Cotswolds

This stunning Georgian mansion set among 55 acres of lush gardens and parkland has been completely refurbished under the direction of interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who took her inspiration from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as well as the building's own history. Choose between rooms in the house itself (some with lovely balconies) or, for more privacy, the converted stable block. The spa, set into the ground, looks like a work of art. Chef Jackson Boxer takes pride in using Gloucestershire's best local ingredients in the restaurant, where diners can sit in the wood-paneled dining room or outside on the terrace. The hotel is 5 miles south of Cheltenham.

Situated next to Cheltenham Race Course, Ellenborough Park is a 15th-century English country estate, now a hotel with a luxury spa and 90 acres of grounds. The 61 rooms are individually designed and many have four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs; the Elemis Spa has a wonderful heated outdoor pool; and the grand dining room is a superb location for a blow-out meal. In the summertime, you can also dine alfresco on the Summer Lawn. In spite of the grand surroundings, the hotel is unstuffy and welcomes children and dogs. There are plenty of ways to wear out both of them on the estate, including rental bikes and walks.