Grab a romantic weekend close to Chester and Shrewsbury at Pen-y-Dyffryn, a wonderful old Georgian rectory with 12 rooms in Rhydycroesau, near Oswestry, in the heart of the Shropshire countryside. All the rooms have amazing views, especially if there's snow on the ground, and the Champagne Room has a double Jacuzzi.

In the main building, there are roaring log fires and a cosy restaurant serving mainly organic and locally-supplied food. The hotel makes a big noise about being pet-friendly, so you can take your dog for long countryside walks, but it's definitely a place for a couple-y weekend rather than a family break with children! From £87 per person per night, dinner, bed and breakfast, increasing to £114 for the best room. www.peny.co.uk