For a weekend leisure break away from London, Ascot's four-star Macdonald Berystede hotel and spa is worth investigating.

The Berkshire property boasts 126 well-appointed rooms with beautiful furnishings and free broadband internet.

Just 30 minutes from Heathrow airport and 45 minutes from central London, the hotel enjoys an enviable situation.

Although built in the style of a French chateau, everything else about the Berystede oozes olde worlde British charm, from the plush leather armchairs of the Diadem Bar, to the putting green outside.

An on-site health and beauty suite also gives guests free range of an 18-metre swimming pool and gym before relaxing in a choice of six treatment rooms, thermal and relaxation suites or the garden spa.

For more activities in the Ascot area, head to the world famous equine event in June for a heady mix of tradition, fashion, royalty and racing.