The Old Mill, Lymington, Hampshire

The hotel is in the small hamlet of Gordleton. The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a 20-minute drive away as is Bucklers Hard (where they built ships for Nelson's Navy). You could even pop over to the Isle of Wight for the day.

On the southern edge of the New Forest, this is a great base for exploring the nearby Georgian sailing town of Lymington.

By car: around 2 hours and 30 minutes from London, an hour from Salisbury and 40 minutes from Southampton. Free on-site parking available.

By train: Southampton to Sway takes 25 minutes; London to Sway takes 2 hours - after which, it's a 5-minute to the hotel. Book trains to Sway.

There's a cosy feel, with the roaring fire in reception greeting guests when it's colder. There's a great mix of old and new - with an antique coal scuttle here, an oversized flock velvet armchair there. The restaurant has large windows, allowing light to flood in but also offering great views of the river.

Being a pub with rooms, facilities are limited, but board games and garden games will keep you busy. Service is friendly and informal from a team of largely local staff, who are happy to advise on local walks and buses.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Board games
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

There are eight chacterful rooms in the main building and four contemporary rooms in the annexe, which more boutique-style with freestanding baths. All rooms are comfortable with luxuries such as bathrobes, Anne Seminon bath products and bottled water.

Room types: Cosy Double, Comfy Double, Comfy King, Elegant, Elegant Family, Elegant Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Anne Seminon toiletries, TV, local shortbread biscuits, water and a selection of teas, free Wi-Fi

The menu has something to please everyone - from a classic ham, egg and chips to a more adventurous steamed venison suet pudding with New Forest greens and roasted roots. The crispy-skinned duck breast with roast shallots, red cabbage, garlic mash and parsnip puree is a satisfying dish. The breakfast menu features homemade bread and dishes such as kippers, and we loved the fresh berries and local honey.

The Mill Restaurant: gastro-pub, modern European and British cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Main courses from £13.50.