Homewood Park is a proper country house hotel near Bath, in the heart of England's West Country. Set in acres of award-winning gardens, it is the perfect place for a romantic weekend break, owing to its small, intimate size. The original building dates back to the 13th-century, with Victorian and Georgian additions; the nearby Carthusian Priory is a must-see.

The facilities

The star of the show in undoubtedly the restaurant, which serves Modern British cuisine with a strong focus on locally-sourced, seasonal produce. There's also a drawing room, study and bar; spa treatments with a local specialist can also be arranged. A proper spa area, complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, is planned for summer 2010.

The rooms

Each of Homewood Park's 19 guestrooms is classically English in style, in keeping with its communal areas. All boast fine antiques, rich fabrics and sweeping views over the gardens as well as complimentary wifi, flat screen televisions and luxurious Culpeper toiletries.