The Three Horseshoes Country Inn and Spa

Exercise is so good for the soul. But because there’s no gym at the Three Horseshoes (and the food and drink here are so delicious), you’ll need to bring your willpower if you were hoping to burn off some calories.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get active without a treadmill or dumbbell in sight. Lace up your walking boots and head to The Roaches, a dramatic craggy rock formation just north of the hotel. Not only can you hike, it’s a great place for climbing fanatics to test their mettle.

Or try nearby Tittesworth Water. With over 8km of trails through wildflower meadows, it’s a lovely way to get your steps up. You can even learn to paddleboard here - the watersports centre offers courses for all abilities.

This isn’t just a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Three Horseshoes is also a foodie destination that will really warm your cockles.. Nestle into a comfy chair by the crackling fireplace and admire the traditional oak beams overhead. Then tuck into a menu filled with hearty dishes like pies, steaks, gourmet burgers and roasts.

Championing the bounty of the Staffordshire region, ingredients come from nearby farms and producers. The Longhorn beef comes from Dunwood Farm in Longsdon, just five miles away, while the delicious lamb comes from Foxt, just under 10 miles away.

But it’s not just British classics on offer here. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s Filipino street food to try, either as a starter or for a tapas-style main.

Beyond the à la carte menu, Three Horseshoes offers a delightful afternoon tea. Imagine an elegant spread of delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of delectable cakes and pastries – perfect for a leisurely afternoon with friends or a special occasion.

While there’s not a swimming pool, you’ll still need to bring your swimwear! The award-winning Mill Wheel Spa has plenty of intriguing ways to get you wet. 

Work your way round the thermal experiences, then cool off in the cedar plunge pool. Or stand under the Mill Wheel shower. Here, the water pours out from the shovels in intervals, but will it be warm or cold? The jeopardy just adds to the fun. 

But the piece de resistance can be found in the stunning spa courtyard. Here the three-metre square hydrotherapy pool is set at a toasty 36 degrees. No matter what the weather, it’s like being wrapped in a warm, cosy blanket.

Cancel that trip to the seaside, because it really does! Nestled in a beach hut in the courtyard spa garden, you’ll lie on a bed of warm sand while the 25-minute experience takes you from sunrise to sunset, complete with relaxing music and essential oils. The perfect way to top up your vitamin D minus the harmful rays, you’ll feel like you’ve been on holiday!

They provide towels and one robe per person. Bring your own flip flops, or you can purchase slippers from the spa at a cost of £2 per pair.

There are 26 rooms at Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa, 20 of which are in the newer extension. Called Garden Rooms, five of these have their own private gardens and cedar hot tubs, so you can feel like you’re in a spa even when your spa experience has ended for the day.

Rooms range from contemporary Classics to Superior luxury bedrooms with massage showers or whirlpool baths. Some Superior rooms even feature four poster beds, along with sumptuous modern boutique decor with that no-expense-spared feel. 

The other six rooms that aren’t in the new extension are called Pub rooms, and these are directly above the function room.

For overnight stays, check-in is from 3pm to 9pm on your arrival day and you can check out at any time up to 11am on the day of your departure. For spa days, arrival times vary depending on the package you’ve booked. Please check your booking confirmation for more details.

The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa is nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Staffordshire Peak District, just outside Leek. Its location means the views here are to die for - you can see the Staffordshire Moorlands, Tittesworth Reservoir and the rock formations of the Roaches (a prominent rocky ridge). With easy access to the quaint market towns of both Leek and Buxton, you’re also only 20 minutes from Alton Towers.

No, there’s no dress code at the Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa. But you might want to pack something casual to wear for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. That’s because all of the dining areas are located within the public areas of The Three Horseshoes and you might not feel that comfortable wearing your robe!

While treatments and thermal experiences in the spa are only available for those aged 16 or over, the country inn itself is family friendly. Children’s menus are packed with crowd-pleasers, from sausage and mash to fish fingers, and two of the Superior rooms can accommodate two extra beds suitable for kids aged up to 12.

There’s plenty for them to do nearby, too. Tittesworth Water has walking trails, a watersports centre and a large children’s playground. Or just head to Alton Towers theme park for a high-octane day to remember - it’s just a 20-minute drive away.

Yes it is. There are 11 rooms on the ground floor, of which two are specifically adapted for guests with disabilities. Two parking bays reserved for guests with access needs are positioned close to the pub entrance.

At the Mill Wheel Spa, the private changing room has a wet room. Level throughout, it features a walk-in shower, handrails, sink and a help pull cord. You won’t miss out on treatments, either, because all three treatment rooms have electronically controlled beds to allow therapists to adjust the height.

The pub area of the Three Horseshoes is fabulously dog-friendly, but they’re not allowed in guest bedrooms (with the exception of assistance dogs).

It doesn’t, but there are several nearby. Pack your clubs in the boot, because if you drive back through Leek you’ll get to Leek Golf Club, a parkland course in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Or there’s nearby Westwood Golf Club, an 18-hole, 6,105 yard, par 70 course. Both welcome visitors.