Address: Shurdington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 4UG.

Phone: 01242 862352.

Website: the-greenway.co.uk.

First impressions: Named after the pre-Roman road that stretches past this Elizabethan manor, The Greenway was built in 1584 and has been a country house hotel since the end of the second world war. Inside, the public rooms are adorned with antiques and original features. Hole up in the lounge beside the fire or, in finer weather, explore the gardens.

What are the rooms like? Bedrooms are either in the main house, or in the restored coach house next door. All have plenty of space and a lovely view of the garden and open countryside. If peace and quiet is what you're looking for, you'll be in heaven here.

The bathrooms: Green marble-effect tiles, bathrobes and Molton Brown toiletries make you wish you didn't have to get out of the bath.

The restaurant: Your order is taken while you relax in the cosy lounge or bar. The elegant restaurant has views of the sunken garden. Local produce features in the à la carte menu, and the dishes are artistically presented. Non-residents can also dine here (dinner is £38.50 for three courses). I didn't let the haughtiness of the waiters put me off my delicious duck confit.

What is there to see within walking distance? Hotel staff can suggest walking routes in the surrounding hills.

And further afield? Admire the Regency architecture in the spa town of Cheltenham (four miles north-east of Shurdington), or spend a day at Cheltenham races. Take a day trip to Bath, Gloucester or Oxford, or potter around nearby Cotswold villages.

How much? Dinner, bed and breakfast from £215 per room per night (minimum two nights).