Northcote

It’s been onward and upward for both of them ever since. In fact the hotel is, if anything, the quiet half of the equation — both the original Victorian manor house and the new garden lodge cut a dignified though unpretentious silhouette. And inside, you might be surprised at the contemporary turn taken by the décor — the rooms are distinct in character, luxe in appointment, and go just far enough towards modern design to be invigorating but not alienating.

In short, all the coziness of a historical country house hotel, in vivid, contemporary color rather than faded sepia. And the restaurant is a modern classic in a similar vein: produce grown on-site, prepared by a distinguished team of chefs under Haworth’s direction, and paired with wines chosen by Bancroft. It’s the same way they’ve always done it, and it just so happens it’s also the current state of the hospitality art.

How to get there: Northcote is located approximately 47 miles by car from Manchester Airport via the M60, M61, and A59.