The Crab & Lobster, Sidlesham, West Sussex

This is a popular birdwatching spot - there's an RSPB centre around the corner which has walking maps and runs events. Further down the coast are Selsey and West Wittering beaches. Chichester's cathedral, shops and theatre are nearby, as is the racing at Goodwood.

By car: Oxford and London are both around two hours' drive away from The Crab & Lobster. Brighton is 1 hour 10 minutes from the hotel. There is free parking available.

By train: London Victoria to Chichester takes around 90 minutes. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from Chichester station. Book trains to Chichester.

This is a cosy pub with low ceilings, an open fire and attractive snug - dating back 350 years. Colourful furnishings bring a touch of modernity, and spaces are comfortable with plenty of cushions and banquette seating. Some bedrooms are in the eaves with attractive exposed beams.

As you might expect the facilities here aren't extensive - but there's a small garden and terrace and a car park. Those staying in the cottage have use of a dishwasher and coffee maker. Service is friendly.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Family-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

All rooms have double beds, and separate Crab Cottage has two double bedrooms as well as a lounge and kitchen. Furnishings are comfortable and interiors are done in restful colours.

Room types: Standard, Deluxe, Crab Cottage

Key amenities: Queen size bed, ensuite with combined bath and shower, Noble Isle toiletries, fresh-cut flowers, flatscreen TV, iPod dock sound system, free Wi-Fi

Selsey, just along the coast, is known for its crabs, which are on the excellent menu here in various forms: in salads, baked in their shells or made into crab cakes. There's a range of other seafood (including fish at breakfast) and meat dishes also have a local provenance.

The restaurant: Selsey crab, locally caught fish, set lunch menu. Open Monday to Friday 12-2.30pm and 6-9.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 12-9.30pm.

The bar: 17 wines by the glass, premium spirits, beer garden. Open daily 11am-11pm.