HARTWELL HOUSE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Once home to Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France, and a training ground for British and American forces during the Second World War, Hartwell House Spa (hartwell-house.com) in Buckinghamshire is steeped in history.

Downton Abbey’s creator, Julian Fellowes, recently stayed at the Grade I listed 17thcentury stately home which is set in 90 acres of gardens and lush parkland adorned with historic statues. Situated at the top of the main Jacobean staircase, the King’s Bedroom was occupied by Louis XVIII from 1809-1814.

Guests can sleep in a lavish antique four-poster bed and wake up to admire the same uninterrupted views that the exiled monarch enjoyed 200 years ago. But if that’s booked, all the others are equally rammed with antiques, grand fi replaces and rich fabrics.

? Doubles from £230, BB, with use of spa.