Swinton Park Hotel in Masham, England

Swinton Park is a 42-bedroom luxury castle hotel set within 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens. The ancestral home of the Cunliffe-Lister family, the castle sits on a private estate that includes rivers, moorland and borders the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Rooms are appointed with historic features and offer views of the deer park or surrounding countryside.

The Spa and Country Club includes an 18-metre indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and a sauna. The spa garden has an al fresco sauna, shower and a 10-metre outdoor pool with bio-filtered water. Eight treatment suites and relaxation rooms offer manicures, pedicures and other body treatments.

Guests have exclusive access to a Bird of Prey Centre on the estate, with handling and flying experiences. The grounds offer fishing in the lakes, hiking on marked trails, and golf at nearby courses. Other on-site activities include bicycle rental, cooking classes, darts, and tours about local culture.

Swinton Park is located in Masham, North Yorkshire, adjacent to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and a short drive from the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park. The hotel is dog-friendly with pet baskets, bowls and designated rooms. It also has five function rooms for weddings and corporate events, plus a civil wedding licence.

Awards: 4 Red Stars AA, 3 AA Rosettes

Dining: Estate-to-plate menu from largest hotel kitchen garden

Spa: 18-metre indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, 8 treatment suites

Activities: Bird of Prey Centre, fishing, hiking, cookery school

Grounds: 200-acre estate with lakes, gardens and deer park

Pet-friendly: Dog-friendly rooms with pet amenities