We arrived on the busy Friday afternoon, greeted by a crackling fireplace all three of us were warmly welcomed and shown to our room on the ground floor, with extensive views across the parkland to the River Wharfe.

Ours was a pet-friendly classic room with country house style decor but all the modern conveniences you require. There was even a specific welcome pack and treat selection for Daisy, as well as a truly Yorkshire treat box for the grown-ups. A lovely added touch is the fresh delivery of Yorkshire Parkin in the afternoons, ready for you after a long walk.

After we had settled we realised we were a little peckish and headed past the afternoon tea aficionados to the cocktail lounge for a bite to eat. The staff were delightful and made sure we and Daisy, most importantly, had a great seat with views out of the window. Choosing from the light snack menu, we indulged in a Yorkshire Ploughman's and cheeky scone providing us with the required energy to set about for a walk to Bolton Abbey and the famous stepping stones.

Unfortunately the fading light predicted that it would be a short walk but with easy access straight from the hotel it was more a pleasant amble to get our bearings and paddle in the river with fellow fully-togged up walkers and wanderers. Needless to say after a couple of hours we headed home, happy and ruddy cheeked, ready for our dinner.

With Daisy nestled in her bed, we had dinner booked in the four rosette, Burlington fine-dining restaurant and a tasting menu chosen for us by head chef, Paul Leonard. These seasonal tasting menus offer the best way to experience the best local ingredients as well as introduce you to things that you wouldn't normally choose.