Leicestershire

Stapleford Park

Stapleford Park Country House Hotel & Sporting Estate has a history almost as long as its name and can trace ownership of the estate right back to the Doomsday Book. It nevertheless manages to balance playing on this heritage while offering everything you might expect from a modern country house hotel.

Eat: Gatherings of the great and the good (usually for the social betterment of the estate's owner) have been an essential part of Stapleford's history. If the gatherings are less aristocratic these days, the ambition of the kitchen is still to serve up impressive food in the best British tradition. The baroque wood carvings of the main dining room (appropriately named after wood panel artist Grinling Gibbons) set the tone for a formal experience (dogs aren't allowed), but there are also plenty of less formal places to eat (where your dog can join you). If you want to enjoy the formal dining, leave the dog in your room, or take reception up on the offer of dog-sitting.

Sleep: There are dog-friendly rooms available in all categories. It's worth booking by phone to explain your requirements with reception (and to make sure you get a room where dogs are allowed). The room interiors vary from the very traditional to the more modern, with some apparently sponsored rooms. There are two four-bedroomed cottages on the estate, also available to book. Regardless of where you stay, there's a £15 charge a night for dogs, which includes a bed, bowl and a treat. The ol stable block has been converted into an impressive spa, so take advantage of that dog-sitting service and treat yourself.

Walk: With 500 acres of Capability Brown landscaped estate to explore, there's no lack of places to stretch your (or your dog's) legs. Ask at reception for details of the best walks. Beyond the estate there are miles of beautiful rolling English countryside and plenty of outstanding walks.