Just for the weekend: Dine out in the Dales

Why go: The Burlington Restaurant is not just any fine dining destination. It has nabbed multi-award-winning chef Adam Smith, and the wine list is both impressive and vast – perfect for a Masterchef fan like me, and my wine connoisseur friends. Guessing the ingredients in the surprise Tasting Menu and trying the recommended matching wines was great fun, and being able to just go upstairs to flop into bed afterwards was a real bonus.

First impressions: Situated on the Duke of Devonshire’s huge estate with its pretty valleys, grazing sheep and charming local stone houses, the hotel was developed around the original 17th-century longhouse-hospitality inn. It’s dog-friendly, with wellies at the door for guests, and, in winter, lots of log fires. It’s a great place to slow down, both physically and psychologically.

Don’t miss: Sister hotel the Devon­shire Fell is minutes away by car and has another talented chef. I was beyond excited in the boho-chic dining room eating Oliver Adams’ Mediterr­anean-influenced British menu. And for local brews like Cruck Barn Bitter and hearty home-cooked food, you can’t beat the 16th-century Craven Arms at nearby Appletreewick. It was so good, this city girl forgot about the muddy walk there.

Ideal for: Those who fancy a foodie break and some country walking with the dog. There’s no snootiness in the Burlington, it's not the kind of place where you're made to feel that choosing wine is an exam.

Rates start at £211 for a room for two with breakfast at The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa. Email res@devonshirehotels.co.uk, call  01756 710441 or visit thedevonshirearms.co.uk. The Burlington Restaurant’s Tasting Menu costs £75pp. Recommended matching wines for each course are £50pp.