White Hart Hotel & Apartments, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

From the lovely Valley Gardens, take the two-mile walk through woods to Harlow Carr Garden, the Royal Horticultural Society's northern outpost with its gorgeous displays and woodland trails.

Centrally-located hotel beside Montpellier Quarter, a few minutes' walk from Valley Gardens and Bettys Tea Room.
By car: Harrogate is 45 mins from Leeds, 1 hour 45 mins from Manchester and 4 hours 30 mins from London. On-site parking costs £15 per day.
By train: London Kings Cross to Harrogate (via York) takes around 3 hours. The hotel is a five minute walk from the station. thetrainline.com

Great for both leisure and business travellers who want a large hotel but with a buzzier vibe than many of Harrogate's traditional or corporate options. The long bar with its stripped-wood floor, candelabras, mix of wing-back chairs and banquettes and whimsical touches - portraits of badgers - is a convivial spot.

Staff are unfailingly cheery and helpful, ready to crack a joke, and always pop up when needed. The outside terrace, which stretches around the front and side of the building, is possibly the largest in town, with heaters and umbrellas for chillier and wetter days, and great for people-watching.

No 116 is a lovely front-facing, standard room; or go for one of the large deluxe rooms in the adjacent building with luxurious touches of velvet and a more private feel. Bathroom products are made by H2K, a Harrogate business, and a nice touch of supporting a local business.

Cosy Double, Standard Double, Deluxe Double, Junior Suite, Four Poster Room, Two Bed Apartment, Three Bed Apartment, Four Bed Apartment
Facilities include: private bathroom, hairdryer, TV, tea and coffee facilities

At night, the restaurant with its dimmed chandeliers, candles and deep colours, takes on a sultry atmosphere; ask for a window table to gaze at Harrogate's pretty lights. Real ale drinkers will appreciate the range of locally brewed beers in the bar; we loved the gins, particularly in the Pink Badger cocktail.

The Fat Badger: British classics with a contemporary twist, such as warm duck and chicory salad and pan seared sea bass. Open daily from 12-9.30pm. Mains from £13.95.