Hotel of the week Oulton Hall, West Yorkshire

WHERE AND WHY You are a mere 15-minute drive south of Leeds, not that you feel it. Oulton Hall is set among 300 acres of glorious Yorkshire parkland, and you head here to unwind, whether that’s face down on a massage table, stuffing yourself silly on scones, or playing a round on its 27-hole golf complex.

It started life as a farmhouse in the 1700s, but expanded under the Calverley family in the 19th century. It served as a pioneering 70-bed hospital for shellshocked officers after the First World War, but has been a hotel for the past 30 years. It’s luxury with a traditional touch. Dogs are welcome in selected rooms.

The spa is back in business, but make sure you book early as Brits are desperate to treat themselves and get back into a robe and slippers – and there’s also a bottleneck of hens. The day before I arrived, I managed to secure the final, precious, heavenly slot for a mini facial (£45 for 30 minutes).

COVID CHECK-IN You can breathe easy behind your mask. It’s all Covid compliant, down to the wiped and wrapped up TV remote in your room, with “clean and safe” messages urging you to get in touch with reception if you have any worries.

I arrived in the grand reception shortly before the 3pm check-in time but my twin room was good to go and after a squirt of sanitiser, I had my key card in hand. Although not as stately as the old manor house, my room in the modern section was large, comfy and clean and a thrilling change from my own four walls.

ON THE MENU Cream teas are a big draw, and the opulent Drawing Room was full of happy faces attacking mountains of finger sandwiches, fat scones and Taylor’s tea-soaked fruitcake. There are gluten-free and vegan options too (£24).

Enjoy dinner in the Art Deco style Calverley Grill, where I found room for ham hock, pickled carrot and mustard terrine, (£7.50), moules mariniere and fries (£15.50) and a tremendous Yorkshire cheese platter (£10).

The breakfast buffet, also served there, patiently coped perfectly with gluten-free/ dairy-free requests.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a 20-minute drive away down the M1, and is unmissable. A giant 18th-century country park with sculptures waiting around every corner, it’s like walking through a strange and beautiful dream.

Leeds offers excellent shopping and tons of independent bars and restaurants.

WAKE-UP CALL From £135 B&B a night, oultonhallhotel.co.uk