The Cookie Jar, Alnwick, Northumberland

The hotel is away from the town's busy centre yet only a five-minute walk; it's situated on a quiet street on the northern edge of Alnwick. The entrance to popular Alnwick Castle is also only a five-minute stroll, and it has all the trappings you'd expect of England's second-largest lived-in castle - it's the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. It's also a Harry Potter film location and neighbouring Alnwick Garden is a striking contemporary affair.

The A1, half a mile away, handily bypasses the town, while the nearest station, Alnmouth, is a 10 minute taxi ride.

By car: the hotel is just under 4 hours from Manchester and 6 hours 30 mins from London.

By train: Alnmouth station is a 10-minute taxi ride away. Trains from London Kings Cross and Manchester, via Newcastle, take around 3 hours 30 minutes. Book trains to Alnmouth.

With burnished floorboards, leather armchairs, geometric-patterned fabrics, tongue-and-groove panelling and an overarching colour scheme of deep blues and creams, the conversion of this sandstone former convent is a lesson in how to do a contemporary but still countrified, country-house look. A mix of traditional and quirky decorative objects - Delft china plates and contemporary glassware - keeps it light, whilst bold designer lighting adds interest.

For those that love the great outdoors, shooting parties are well catered for with gun cabinets, drying rooms and dog kennels (less sporty dogs are allowed in bedrooms) and fishing can be arranged. Staff are local, knowledgeable and quietly professional. An inviting sitting room is lined with a wall of classic Penguin books should you run out of reading material, and there are armchairs and a sofa to sink into. Alternatively, there's a large paved and heated south-facing terrace quietly situated at the rear.

• Bistro
• Terrace
• Gun room
• Free Wi-Fi

Resuming the same boutique country-house look with their blue and white theme, rooms offer large headboards and statement wallpapers with thick throws and the odd vintage piece. Cosy rooms are just that but with the same conveniences as luxury rooms. Bathrooms are modern and sparkling white.

Room types: Cosy Room, Luxury Room, Mother Superior Room, The Chapel

Key amenities: ensuite shower or bath, luxury toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, TV

Taking your cooked-to-order breakfast in the dazzling dining room with its blue and white décor, framed cutlery collections and bold designer lampshades is a great way to start the day. At dinner, Modern British dishes such as poached halibut with pearl barley risotto and lamb with sweetbread croquette are offered as a set two- or three-course dinner and considered pricey by Northumberland standards.

The Bistro: British fine dining. Open Thurs-Sat for lunch and Thurs-Sun for dinner. Set menu from £37.50.

Afternoon tea: served Thurs-Sat, 12-3.30pm. From £22.50.