Hambleton Hall

With a superb location right by Rutland Water, Hambleton Hall is the sort of place you come to completely unwind. Under the same independent ownership for 40 years, it has just 17 very comfortable guest rooms (15 in the main building and a couple of luxury suites in the grounds), a lounge and terrace with to-die-for views over the lake and a restaurant that has had a Michelin star for longer than anywhere else in the country. The hotel’s aim is to make their guests feel as if they’re staying in a country house rather than a hotel, and in this they succeed. All of their rooms welcome dogs (who receive towels, biscuits and a bowl) and the hall presents a perfect spot for walks in their grounds and around Rutland Water. Dogs aren’t allowed in the lounge or restaurant, but they are made very welcome everywhere else and you’ll be doing yourself (and your dog) a favour if you don’t try to do too much while you’re here. The location, and the comforts of the hotel, are more than enough, and it’s nice to feel like one of the landed gentry for a while.