Best hotels in the UK, from heritage homes to boutique boltholes

Best for: foodies partial to a spa weekend

Middleton Lodge is one of those places that somehow manages to strike the balance between style and comfort effortlessly. From the moment I hop out of the car, I’m struck by the peace and quiet – just the occasional bleat from sheep in the surrounding fields, and the satisfying crunch of gravel beneath my feet as I walk toward the main building to check in for a weekend of R&R.

We’re slap bang the middle of the North Yorkshire countryside, so slow walks, fireside drinks, and generous farm-to-fork meals are very much on the agenda. The estate’s 59 bedrooms occupy former nooks and haylofts, all muted and elegant, with paintings found by the owners at auctions and antique fairs covering the walls. In our Parlour room, a bedroom filled with soothing creams and botanical greens sits above a cosy lounge area, with squashy white linen sofas facing the fireplace.

The jewel in the estate’s crown – and the reason for my visit – is the Forest Spa, an expansive sanctuary housed in its own beautiful outbuilding. It’s a Scandi dream – all muted wood, natural stone, and oat-coloured sofas draped in throws. Outside, two whirlpools and striped loungers overlook a heated 15-metre pool – a soothing sight even with the autumn rain bouncing off the water. The treatments draw on nature, featuring Aromatherapy Associates and Voya rituals. Facials, massages, and body wraps are all deeply relaxing, but my highlight is the immersive bathing experience in a secluded woodland cabin. I’ll admit, the idea of lowering myself into a steel tub filled with seaweed felt odd at first, but the candlelight, guided meditation, and gentle scent of seaweed oils left me feeling floaty long after the treatment had ended.

Whatever your plans during the day, save room for a 10-course dinner at Forge – the estate’s Michelin-starred restaurant – that evening. We tuck into plump scallops in a celeriac broth, pink duck with plum sauce and – perhaps the best of all – chunks of homemade beer bread dipped in a cheesy custard. My tip: arrive early, grab a seat at the bar, and enjoy your first course with a cocktail in hand. Sarah Allard

Address: Kneeton Ln, Middleton Tyas, Richmond DL10 6NJ
Price: from £225 per night