A self-contained estate nestled in the royal Sherwood Forest, Welbeck is steeped in a history of hosting dignitaries and it’s easy to see why. Still in tip top shape, as it was in the 19^th century, you can choose between six holiday cottages, with some sleeping as many as 31 people (and four-legged pals if the whole gang is tagging along.)

Each cottage feels completely separated from the rest (a brilliant perk of the estate taking up a massive 15,000 acres). Take Stable Cottage, for example, with its enclosed private patio, garden, meadow, and stream. Or the brand-new Grade II listed Cuckney House, which is tucked in a secluded woodland with freshly manicured grounds, tennis courts, and hot tubs.

Inside, some rooms channel classic and elegant aesthetics while others have a chic contemporary vibe, all expertly styled by award-winning interior designers. It’s more than just a feast for your eyes, creature comforts are top of the agenda here. The cottages have everything from fully fitted kitchens with dishwashers and ovens, to ensuite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and entertainment systems (not that you’ll want much screen time in this neck of the woods.) Plus, a games room with a pool table, jukebox, and video games in the luxe Cuckney House.

Although booking in for a weekend is tempting, Welbeck is best enjoyed at minimum as a seven-day escape. This way you can really dive into the selection of activities; for a culture fix, you can head to the estate’s art gallery and museum. For lunch, try out the on-site café which serves hearty locally-sourced dishes, if you’re more of a chef, there’s a Farm Shop fully stocked with fresh ingredients to whip up your favourite meals.

You can also spruce up your culinary skills at The School of Artisan Food, which offers an on-site collection of courses ranging from half-day taster sessions to six-month baking diplomas. To wash it all down, tipples come in abundance from the local Welbeck Abbey Brewery – I know I said you’d best book a week, let’s make that ten days instead .. just to really soak it in.

Hidden in the tranquil country with all the convenience of a city hideaway, I think we’ve just struck staycation gold.