LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Stay Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Accrington

The main building at this Mercure Hotel is an impressive 700-year-old manor house with a grand facade, yet it offers reasonably inexpensive accommodation. The recently refurbished Cameo restaurant offers an informal dining experience, and there’s a decent, relatively small pool to help soothe away those post-round aches.

Where to go

The beauty of this part of the world is that you’re equally close to several major cities and the rugged moors. Venture south of Dunkenhalgh and the Trafford Centre, with its vast array of shops, restaurants and attractions, is little over 30 minutes away. Venture north and the unspoilt charms of the Forest of Bowland are even closer, an area that’s hugely popular with walkers.