Cowley Manor is renowned for its enchanting, Grade II-listed garden (complete with lakes & a Victorian cascade), although this imposing Italianate mansion also comes with a stunning 55-acre backdrop of parkland, woods & meadows. It certainly has all the trappings of a blue-chip country house hotel, but step inside & you’ll discover a funky mix of vibrant colours & patterns, multiple dangling lights, dark leather walls, cowhide chairs & spectacular oak panelling. The dining room hits just the right note of formality & the easy-to-read menu offers some interesting choices. You might open with potted rabbit & tarragon with char-grilled aubergine salad, then move on to poached halibut fillet with squash purée, crab & crayfish tortellini before finishing with a warm walnut sponge with coffee ice cream & espresso syrup.