Crow Wood Burnley, Lancashire

WHERE AND WHY

The warmest of Lancashire welcomes awaits at this fabulous five-star spa hotel that lies in 40 acres of parkland.

The setting is easily accessible, just off the M65 near Burnley, yet gloriously tranquil. The feel is of a country retreat.

The interiors are understated, elegant and modern, with the hotel having opened only two years ago. If it is good enough for Pep Guardiola it’s good enough for me – Man City booked the entire place for a two-day retreat ahead of their trip to Turf Moor.

Our room, the Pendle Suite, had a real ‘wow’ factor with a stunning view of Pendle Hill across the hotel’s ornamental lake and gardens through the wall-length window. The witches – the subject of the area’s notorious 17th century trial – kept themselves to themselves.

The space was more akin to a small apartment, with a kingsize bed, sofa, giant TV and double bath in the spacious bathroom. There was also a K-fee coffee machine.

Best of all was the service, which made high-end homely. Nothing was too much trouble and every detail was covered but without any hint of stuffiness. Proper northern hospitality.

ON THE MENU

The hotel has three restaurants – Wilfred’s, Bertram’s and The Lounge. We joined robed diners at glass-fronted Bertram’s, taking time out from the spa to enjoy a lunch highlighted by a to-die-for cherry bakewell alaska (£8.50).

Dinner at Wilfred’s, with its copper lamps and mirrored ceiling, was equally delicious – swordfish with peanut and lime dressing (£22.95) for me; dukkah-spiced grilled aubergine (£16.95) for my wife.

The New York-style Lobby Bar is the perfect spot for a nightcap.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

The magnificent Woodland Spa features a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor infinity pool, hot tubs, steam room, sauna, Roman foot baths and serenity room with log fire lighting. Treatments include a rasul mud chamber.

Crow Wood also has an attached 120-station gym with a pool.

Head into the hills to hear the Singing Ringing Tree – an art installation that ‘sings’ in the wind – or visit Towneley Hall in its 400 acres and Queen Street Mill Textile Museum.

WAKE-UP CALL

Doubles from £120pp, including breakfast and entry to the spa. crowwoodhotel.com