The extensive gardens and parkland at Fawsley were designed by Capability Brown in the 1760s and the house has played host to such luminaries as Queen Elizabeth I and yours truly. Yes, I spent my wedding night here waaay back (though not quite as far back as Queen Bess’s visit).

There’s a wide range of individually styled rooms to choose from across the main house, stables and Knightley Court, including sumptuous Tudor suites with four-poster beds, stone mullioned windows with views across the parkland, roll top baths and splendiferous fireplaces, with dining in the vaulted Tudor Great Hall or 2AA Rosette Cedar Restaurant. The luxurious afternoon tea at Fawsley is an absolute must and there’s even a children’s menu.

The spa here really is the ultimate spot for some me-time, with indoor and outdoor pools, a Himalayan salt sauna, six treatment rooms and manicure and pedicure lounge, you can pop in for a quick treatment or spend the day getting pampered. Plus there’s a  gym kitted out with cutting-edge equipment and open plan training areas. Fancy some outdoor rejuvenation? Badby Woods is just a short walk across the parkland.

If you’ve got a wedding or celebration to plan for, Fawsley is one of Northamptonshire’s most sought-after venues, with a choice of spaces in which to gather and party the night away and a picturesque parish church in the most idyllic setting.