Coast and country: 40 cool places to stay in the South

From treehouses and fisherman’s huts to boutique hotels with glam pools, we’ve found the best places to stay across Dorset, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and IOW.

SUSSEX

Luxury Boltholes, West Sussex

Self catering comes in serious style at Luxury Boltholes collection of properties, they boasts some of the finest boutique getaways in Sussex (as crowned by you in the 2024 Muddy Awards). For a royal get-together, The Grade II-listed Langham Manor, in the South Downs, sleeps up to 10 across six modern bedrooms (three with en-suites) with an open fire, landscaped gardens, cinema and game rooms, plus a bottle of Nyetimber on arrival. The Curlews is a four bed and four bath beachside residence  that has it all: sea views, direct access to the beach, private terraces for each room, a BBQ and gardens. While The Cabin offers a woodland hideaway for two to embrace the elements with all the luxury you desire. 

Cowdray Estate Cottages, Midhurst


This charming collection of cottages is set within 16,000 acres of gorgeous parkland each with all the mod cons, creature comforts and countless spots to curl up in and relax. The buildings are full of character with pops of personality and colour and everything is in pristine condition so you can have a rainfall shower in a 20th century cottage or dip in the hot tub at sunset. You can choose from Costers Lodge (sleeps 6), Challens Yarde (sleeps 8), Apsley Cottage (sleeps 4) and Benbow Pond Holiday Cottages (sleeps 2-4) and Ambersham House (sleeps 6). The Award-winning Cowdray Farm Shop can cater for your food needs while you’ve the estate to explore as well as the Goodwood Estate and Chichester to explore nearby. Read Muddy’s review.

South Lodge, Horsham

Tranquil location, all 93 acres of it, Michelin-starred dining and an award-winning spa. You’ll want to check in immediately to this incredible hotel on the borders of the South Downs. Once a 19th century country manor, with all the Neo-Jacobean accents you’d expect, the property has transcended into five-star luxury. This is largely thanks to its incredible spa (with not one, but two outdoor pools and a spa of the year accolade) and fine dining restaurant Ben Wilkinson at The Pass which has landed 4 AA Rosettes and a Michelin star. New for this summer will be The Reeds, a collection of eight lakeside lodges – trust us, you’ll want to move in here. Read Muddy’s review.

East Beach Guest House, Littlehampton

sea view from arm chair at East Beach guesthouse

A beautiful British coastal escape awaits at this nine-room Victorian boutique stay that has been lovingly transformed with a beachy modern style. Selected rooms have sea views and all guests can relax in the lounge that overlooks the beach – a dream at sunset, or sunrise if you’re up at the crack. Dogs are welcomed and they’ll no doubt enjoy the nearby walks around neighbouring Arundel and South Downs. Also within easy reach is Worthing, Chichester and the famous Goodwood Estate. But just a few minutes walk away is the Arun River Harbour which has a variety of eateries although Muddy recommends taking the ferry to West Beach – nationally protected with sand dunes and a nature path.

The Gallivant, Rye

Tables and chairs at The Gallivant restaurant

This one-of-a-kind beach house complete with a destination restaurant sits on Camber Sands beach. The hotel has a New York Hamptons feel but with beautifully British touches including their bias towards serving English wines. There are 20 rooms including luxury suites with direct access to the ‘coastal garden’ as well as snug cabins and the entire location is set on a single level so that views of the beach can be enjoyed in almost every spot. Guests can downward do on a daily basis during beach yoga, Peloton cycling, English wine tasting and treatments at the Beach Hut mini spa. And if you want to see a little more culture, the chocolate-box pretty medieval town of Rye is just a 10-min drive away. The best bit? All the vineyards in the vicinity.

Alexander House Hotel, East Grinstead

Garden spa at Alexander House Hotel Utopia spa

Looking at the impressive Jacobean facade of Alexander House, you’d never guess it’s a shade under 20 mins away from Gatwick Airport – the 120 acres of immaculate grounds give the feel of being squirrelled away in the idyllic Sussex countryside. You’re treated to excellent views no matter which of the bedrooms you book. If there’s anything that’ll tempt you from your room though, it’s the incredible Grecian-inspired Utopia Spa. Home to 25 an outdoor Zen garden featuring a bespoke barrel sauna and hot tub, and relaxation lounges to zone out in between Oskia and TempleSpa treatments. All that unwinding can be thirsty work, so pop along to the 1608 Champagne Bar to rehydrate (just give yourself ample time to choose from the 145 wines and 30 handpicked Champagnes on the menu). Then it’s on to one of the award-winning restaurants for dinner or an afternoon tea. Alexander House oozes grown-up vibes, and the Spa is strictly adults-only, so you officially have permission to ditch the kids for a weekend (is that distant cheering we here?). Read Muddy’s review.

The Star, Alfriston

Exterior of The Star hotel Alfriston

A pretty punch of heritage and modern class, The Star is the latest point in in Olga Polizzi and Alex ‘The Hotel Inspector’ Polizzi’s triangle of gorgeous hotels. A 15th century inn with 30 rooms in the quaint village of Alfriston, just a few miles from the coast (Eastbourne 10km to the east, Brighton 20km to the west), and the South Downs Way skirts the village. If you follow the nearby meandering rivers you’ll come to pretty, pebbly local beaches. The hotel itself? A heavily beamed upper storey bows onto the high street and urges passers-by to stop in for a drink, meal, or overnighter. The interior feels like flipping through a country interiors magazine: Tudor nods are blended with bright, current fashion. There are plenty of charming quirks, from a ‘secret’ door leading out of the library to the restaurant’s slightly inexplicable life-size, cut-out sheep. Read Muddy’s review.

The Relais Cooden Beach, Bexhill-On-Sea

Beach restaurant at The Relais Cooden Beach

Brightening up the coast at Bexhill-on-Sea, The Relais, opened last year to aplomb adding the right dose of luxury to this section of the south coast nestled between Brighton and St Leonards. The hotel has a private beach complete with an elegant eatery that oozes sophisticated beach club vibes, and lots of tables outside for dining under the stars on the beach. You can imagine you’re in Palm Springs, well, almost. There are views stretching out from Pevensey Bay towards Beachy Head but the top rooms understandable have the widest panorama. It’s got all the touches of coastal charm, from the interiors to the circular fireplace. The restaurant feels like a Miami Beach club with floor to ceiling windows for that indoor outdoor feel best for wet weather days. 

Treehouses, Cowdray Collection, Midhurst 

Table chairs on wrap around balcony at the treehouse Cowdray Collection

Fancy a magical stay in the treetops? Like we even need to ask! Leave the kids at home for this one, the four treehouses hidden within the Cowdray Estate sleep two and come complete with a wrap around balcony with an outdoor bath (oooh la la) and seating outside to enjoy some English Sparkling at sunset. They’re self catered and have an open-plan living room and delivery of a breakfast hamper stocked with items from Muddy Awards winner, the Cowdray Farm Shop. If you choose to, you can take advantage of all Cowdray has to offer from the polo to countryside walks but we have a feeling you won’t want to leave your treehouse. 

Ryde House, Petworth

interior at Ryde House Petworth

We’ve found the perfect holiday home. It’s an entirely gorgeous Grade II listed Regency villa, done up with plenty of natural light and calm, clean colours, and it’s right in the heart of the South Downs. Stunning natural location? Check. Yet it’s also sat in the well-heeled and wildly pretty market town of Petworth, which means: buzzy eateries and charming shops, also check. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and large living spaces, it comfortably sleeps six and could be ideal for parties or family gatherings. There’s more walks and cycle routes than you could possibly tackle through the South Downs; a knockout stately home to visit; and world-class art exhibitions on display at Newlands House Gallery; to name but a few. Read Muddy’s review.

EAST DORSET

The Nici, Bournemouth

The Nici

Miami vibes come to Bournemouth at the swanky cliff top hotel with 80 bedrooms and suites – lots with sea views – luxe bathrooms, all-day wining and dining in the South Beach Restaurant and Bar, and a luxury spa. It’s just a just a few minutes’ walk down a zig-zag path from the hotel to seven miles of award-winning golden sand beaches below. Can’t be bothered to go that far? There’s always the hotel’s heated outdoor pool and sun loungers to hang out on.

The Priory, near Wareham

Enjoy the archetypal Dorset country house experience at this former historic monastery and grand private house turned independent hotel. Set in 4 acres of pretty cottage gardens on the banks of the river Frome, the hotel’s luxury bespoke interiors are filled with antiques, the bedrooms are super comfy, the restaurant is excellent and the service throughout is second to none.

Avon Riverside Lodge, Christchurch

Christchurch holiday let

Take in views over the river Avon from this large, luxury – upside down – house a few minutes’ walk from Christchurch’s independent shops, restaurants and harbour and a short drive from super sandy beaches and the New Forest. On the first floor, open plan living area with views all around; on the ground floor, three bedrooms sleeping six; outside, pretty gardens, terraces – and those views. Dorset Coastal Cottages have lots more gorgeous properties to rent all over the county if this one doesn’t take your fancy.

The King’s Arms, Dorchester

Former guests at this Georgian coaching inn turned Dorset foodie pub with rooms, include Queen Victoria, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Now it’s your turn. As well as an excellent restaurant (always fresh and seasonal; local and organic where poss), there are 30 charming – luxurious – bedrooms. Kitted out with Nespresso machines, Smart TVs, rain showers, lovely Ubiety bath and skin products, and a parlour cupboard filled with tea, coffee and treats, you’ll be royally pampered.  Dogs are welcome in the bar, garden, terrace and the first floor rooms.

Deer Lodge at Chapel Lodge, near Wimborne

Toasting marshmallows over a firepit. Dorset Dream Cottages

This adult-only countryside bolthole for two is the place to come if your idea of bliss is watching wildlife, spinning vinyl, playing a lazy game of croquet, toasting marshmallows over a firepit, enjoying a glass of wine in the hot tub and slipping into a comfy king-sized bed (not necessarily in that order). There’s a pub a few minutes’ walk away; Sandbanks and Poole Harbour are about a 15 min drive. Just one of the many Dorset holiday lets available through Dorset Dream Cottages.

The Summer House, Poole

Contemporary holiday cottage with views in Poole

Fancy a stay in one of Dorset’s most beautiful gardens? This unique cottage is hidden away in the 10-acre Compton Acres and its five themed gardens from around the world – to which you have unlimited daytime access. Sleeping six, the open plan cottage has a large wraparound glass balcony with views over to Poole Harbour *sigh*. If you can’t be bothered to cook, nip over to their restaurant for breakfast and lunch, and wood-fired pizzas for dinner.

The Pig – on the Beach, Studland

Pig on the Beach bedroomThe Bothy (one of the dovecotes). Photo Jake Eastman.

This is The Pig Hotel’s trademark laid-back country chic, Dorset style. The gorgeously golden 16th century manor house with 23 rooms has views of the countryside, views of the coast and a path down to the beach and four miles of shore, complete with sand dunes. Dine in the conservatory restaurant (with their 25 Mile Menu, it’s all super local). Sip a cocktail in the bar. Treat yourselves to a Potting Shed pamper treatment. Sleep in a quirky yet luxury room, a shepherd’s hut or a dovecote – coo!

Forest Yurts, Sopley, nr Christchurch

Interior of Mongolian yurt at Sopley FarmThe Maharajah

Book me in now to one of these luxury Mongolian yurts, situated alongside the beautiful Sopley Lake, surrounded by PYO fields (your fruit and veg isn’t going to get fresher than that), with freshly baked bread from the farmshop at the entrance to the lake, country pubs within walking distance and only a few miles from the New Forest and Bournemouth’s famous beaches.

Jurassic Properties, Lyme Regis

As you’d expect from the winners of the Best Boutique Stay in Dorset, Somerset & Bristol in the 2024 Muddy Awards, all of their fab pads – sleeping from 2 to 4 in the heart of lovely Lyme Regis – are gorgeous. All beautifully decorated and well-equipped, some have hot tubs and sea views *sigh*.

KENT

The Milk House, Sissinghurst

The Milk House Sissinghurst Kent room accommodation

We’re big fans of this stylish eatery which offers mouth-watering roasts, fab boutique bedrooms and even a summer festival, all with Sissinghurst Castle on its doorstep. Situated in a striking former 16th century coaching inn, with timber beams and a Tudor fireplace, there’s a relaxed bar or large, airy dining room where you can expect excellent quality produce, prepared and cooked onsite and served directly to your table. Visit in the summer to make the most of the terrace and garden where you can enjoy wood fired pizzas dining al fresco. There are often live music events and every year they celebrate Milk Fest, a musical weekend of family fun, hosted every August bank holiday. Stay in one of the four bedrooms upstairs, styled for relaxed, home-from-home luxury, with comfy beds, en-suite bathrooms and scenic views of the village and surrounding orchards.

The Rose, Deal

Stayed in Kent’s coolest new boutique hotel yet? Grab the other half and make a beeline for this seaside bolthole – with stunning interiors, tasty dishes and oodles of artistic charm – all in the heart of Deal. You’ll want to Pinterest every corner of this hotel, from the gorgeous terrace at the rear to their deliciously decorated bedrooms. Vibrant colour meets antique chic and home comforts. You’ll be challenged to find a more snug seaside stay.

The PIG at Bridge, Canterbury

There’s a unique mix of rooms here – with far reaching views out across the Kent countryside, and all finished in THE PIG signature style. There are seven characterful bedrooms in the main house, 12 light and spacious rooms in the Coach House, two family-friendly lodges, plus The Barn – a rustic romantic two-storey hideaway in the old stables. Not forgetting, seven Kentish Hop Pickers’ Huts on stilts sit alongside the river in the grounds. A seriously stylish stay, just three miles south of the city of Canterbury, with fine dining and treatment rooms all rolled into one? This place really is Piggy perfection. Oink, oink!

Arms Cottage, Canterbury

Arms Cottage is the perfect venue for a foodie mini break. Situated within a short stroll from The Bridge Arms or a quick drive to The Fordwich Arms – this cosy accommodation is just the ticket. Arms Cottage has been lovingly restored to offer a fabulous location for a mini-break. With period features, beams, parquet flooring and an open fireplace, the cottage offers two double bedrooms and one kingsize bedroom. The perfect size for a group of friends or family to escape for the weekend.

The Leicester Arms, Penshurst

Leicester Arms, Penshurst, Kent, free standing bath in room accommodation

This is a brilliantly located pub in the heart of Penshurst village, with a view of the entrance to Penshurst Place from the front and pretty fields from the beer garden at the back. The building is full of traditional English country style with exposed wooden, beams, fireplaces and cosy, inviting interiors, or in the summer months, out on the terrace and covered pergola. Upstairs is where you’ll find 11 botanically inspired bedrooms, all telling their own tale ranging in size and character. Each are individually designed with super king luxury beds, minibar, pure cotton bedlinen, very fluffy towels and the little touches to make you feel right at home. Have a relaxing soak in one of the roll top baths or gaze out of the windows overlooking the Kent countryside.

Ferry House, Isle of Sheppey

The Ferry House Isle of Sheppey Kent view

This rustic and romantic marshland venue is a stunning luxury accommodation and dining destination, sitting in a wild and wonderful setting, full of swaying grasslands and meandering waterways. Whether you are staying or simply visiting to enjoy a meal, you’ll love the AA Rosette restaurant, a two-time Taste of Kent award winner. Four of the eleven four-star B&B rooms are dog-friendly – all gorgeously decorated, with en suite bathrooms. Walkers can enjoy the Isle of Harty Trail on the doorstep – a wonderful circular walking route of about 9km that takes you through the wild wetland coastline. 

Keepers Cottages, all over Kent

Staycations here we come! Keepers Cottages is the leading letting agency for holiday homes in the beautiful seaside town of Deal and the surrounding area in Kent. All the holiday homes are in great locations and offer wide range of luxury self-catering accommodation. Find your perfect holiday retreat in the beautiful coastal towns of Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown as well as further inland in Sandwich, Canterbury and beyond. Once you’ve unpacked there are plenty of local adventures to be had. The cottages themselves offer stunning interiors, many have log burners or open fires and sea-views a plenty! With such a variety of properties, there are options for every type of getaway. 

Bloom Stays, all over Kent

Waters Edge Bloom Stays luxury accommodation in Kent

Bloom Stays is a friendly holiday letting agency specialising in memorable holiday homes in Kent. They can help you find your city break in Canterbury or a foodie weekend by the sea in Folkestone with their hand-picked selection of local and luxurious self-catering accommodation. 

Fallow Fields Camping, Sandwich & Dymchurch

Fallow Fields Camping and glamping kids playing

With activities for the kids and yoga for the adults – these two camping sites are perfect for a memorable family break. Whether you choose a fully-furnished bell tent or to pitch your own – gather the gang, escape the daily grind and enjoy the best of the Kent coastline here. Both Lathe Barne and Selson Farm campsites give you the opportunity to roam wide open spaces and wake up surrounded by natural beauty each morning. The facilities and well-stocked onsite shop have you covered from morning to night. Plus, with a car-free policy and ‘quiet sites’ from 10.30pm, you can enjoy a peaceful, stress-free time together.

The Bull at Brenchley, Brenchley

This wonderfully, quirky Victorian English pub has been converted into fabulous, 5-star luxury self-catering accommodation for up to 16 people in the pretty village of Brenchley (10 mins from Tunbridge Wells). Inside you’ll find 8 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms (6 en suite), lounge with plenty of seating, dining area with a dining table that will seat all 16 guests and a kitchen that’s so well equipped you’ll find more of what you need than at home. But equally if you’d like the owners to organise a catering service for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger, just say the word. And down in the basement is what they call a media room, complete with 65″ curved TV but what we call a cocktail/party den. Bring on the karaoke!

Roseyard, Sandwich

There’s a reason this holiday pad, which oozes understated luxury, has previously made Finalist for Best Boutique Stay in the Muddy Awards. For a start, there’s three buildings – The Brick Barn, The Cartlodge and The Stable, all within metres but giving big groups much-needed private space. Across the three, there’s 11 bedrooms (9 ensuite, 1 family bathroom), 2 kitchens, multiple living areas, beautiful gardens, outside dining, a playroom and two dining areas, one of which can seat all 22 guests. Oh, and have we mentioned the swish pool house, plus gym? Surrounded by glorious countryside, yet close to the Kent coast for beach days and world famous golf courses, beautiful walks and historic towns – there’s activities galore on the doorstep.

Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey

Elmley Nature Reserve has been deemed a National Nature Reserve and is an internationally recognized site for the conservation of rare birds, plants, animals and insects. With 3,300 acres, Elmley provides the perfect place for your little ones to explore and get closer to nature. There’s plenty of accommodation to choose from – whether it’s Kingshill 18th Century Farmhouse (pictured) that provides a homely but luxurious stay or Elmley Cottage, a new open plan space with incredible views on three sides of this charming cottage. It is also worth considering the Ferryman’s Hut overlooking the Elmley Ferry crossing with wonderful water views or the bell canvas tents during the summer months, plus some very cute (and nicely done) Shepherd’s huts. 

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Hythe

Home to the county’s only safari experience, as well as over 900 animals across 75 species – this wildlife park and breeding sanctuary offers something special. Situated between Ashford and Folkestone this attraction offers a huge raft of brilliant accommodation experiences. From Luxury glamping to treetop hideaways, camping pods to four-poster beds, there’s something for everyone. We rather like the sound of Tiger Lodge, the luxury apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows through which guests can see (you guessed it) a tiger or how about the bijoux shepherd huts at Hog Deer Creek? Or there’s the four-stay luxury of the historic on-site Mansion Hotel, winner of Best Hotel in Kent in the Muddy Awards 2024.

The Three Chimneys, Biddenden

Nestled in the most scenic surrounds, near Biddenden, The Three Chimneys is an exceptional pub. The food is fabulous, there’s loads of pockets of outside space – from sunspot terraces in which to sink an afternoon rosé to the spacious back garden where kids can roam freely. There are also several rooms in a separate building across the pub gardens – giving added peace and privacy – with views directly onto open countryside and sliding doors. With loads of character and charm each room is furnished to a high standard and radiates a traditional and unique character with a modern twist.

Albion House, Ramsgate

Looking for a weekend getaway with delicious food, sandy beaches, stunning architecture and inspiring interiors? May we introduce Albion House in the cool coastal town of Ramsgate. A stunning Regency building dating back to 1791 with a fascinating history (the house has entertained royalty, actors and politicians). With 14 unique room, delicious dining and cosy corners for cocktails. We love the grandeur of ‘Little Victoria Room’ where Princess Victoria stayed, with fabulous high ceilings and beautiful Georgian doors leading out onto a Regency balcony.

Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham

A stunning Victorian family home with incredible gardens and gorgeous accommodation, this is the perfect venue for a weekend escape, day trip or family celebration, nestled in between Faversham, Canterbury and Whitstable (and only one hour from London). There is a five-bedroom B&B, which can be booked with breakfast or on a room only basis. The Garden Wing is a self catering holiday let, sleeping 12 with 2 shared bathrooms and beautiful living space (plus wonderful views of the gardens and access outside normal garden opening hours).

Rankins Farm Glamping, Linton

In the midst of peaceful landscape views and surrounded completely by natural wildlife, you’ll find six self-contained glamping pods that are fully equipped with an en-suite bathroom, fitted kitchen and underfloor heating to ensure maximum comfort during your stay. So whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a fortnight’s holiday with the family, you’ll find a wonderful experience waiting for you here.

Cave, Canterbury

Tucked away on the outskirts of Canterbury in Kent, sits this rather swish hotel. On the top destination list – but not designed solely for – golfers, the Cave is also popular for weddings, girlie weekends and date nights. If just a little bit of bling is your thing, then you’ll love the Cave Hotel, with its high-spec, luxe interiors, cocktails and fine dining over two on-site restaurants. The vibe is deliberately dramatic and modern – where gloss, high spec is the method for immersing guests in total luxury during their stay. 

HAMPSHIRE

Lime Wood, New Forest

The beautiful celeb-favourite country house hotel and spa near Lyndhurst with a relaxed understated-luxury vibe. A destination hotel in the Forest, the Herb House spa here is a wellbeing haven, with large feature windows looking out over the beautiful garden and surrounds. Lime Wood’s in-house Italian restaurant, Hartnett Holder & Co, is led by signature chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder who know a fair bit about cooking! Suffice to say, you’re in good hands here.

The Cholderton Estate, Cholderton

Cholderton estate glamping shepherds hut Hampshire Stonehenge accomodation wood-fired hot tub

Love board games and get-away-from-it-all family time? This secluded self-catering cottage and glamping site on the Hants/Wilts border is close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge and part of a fully-organic 2,500-acre working countryside estate. Little luxuries include a log-fired hot tub, kitchen and welcome hamper of tasty essentials. If you don’t fancy cooking, there’s a cosy little boozer just five minutes’ drive away.

Chewton Glen, New Forest

Chewton Glen treehouses Hampshire

Surrounded by leaves and birdsong and shafts of sunlight, the ultra-luxury Chewton Glen Hotel’s luxe treehouses look out over The New Forest’s ancient woodland. If you can bear to descend, there’s 130 acres of woodland, gardens and parkland to explore, a gorgeous spa, smart dining and a legendary afternoon tea in the restaurant. Also at the hotel, find relaxed dining and a cookery school at The Kitchen, headed by James Martin.

The Montagu Arms, Beaulieu

Bathroom at The Montagu Arms Beaulieu New Forest Hampshire

Countryside chic with added glamour, the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu combines characterful rooms with a foodie fine-dining restaurant as well as its own dog and family-friendly pub, Monty’s Arms, all in a picture-postcard New Forest village location. As well as having a fantastic walk to Buckler’s Hard right on the doorstep, the hotel is also just down the road from a grand day out at Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum,

Heathfield Estate, New Forest

A tranquil escape close to the coast and the New Forest National Park, the 200-year-old Heathfield Estate near the idyllic village of Bramsgore is surrounded by 14 glorious acres of tranquil seclusion. Family get together or romantic getaway, the four and two-bedroom renovated character cottages combine original features with well equipped kitchens and plenty of outdoor space to relax in. If you manage to tear yourself away, the New Forest has plenty of top restaurants and country pubs, activities such as golf, horse riding, cycling and walking trails as well as nearby beaches at Avon and Milford on Sea.

The Grosvenor, Stockbridge

Standing proudly on the High Street of this picturesque yet tiny Test Valley town, the historic Grosvenor hotel in Stockbridge is easy to spot with its handsome porte-cochère frontage. Drawing in city guests for a real weekend escape and country pursuits like flyfishing in the crystal-clear waters of the River Test, the 34-bedroom hotel has 18 characterful bedrooms in the Main House and 13 dog-friendly garden rooms in the Mews. For larger groups, there’s the rather lovely three-bedroom Tap Cottage, between 15th Century St Peter’s Church and the hotel. So named because it was once the town’s actual market, The Grosvenor’s elegant on-site Market Room restaurant makes the most of lovely local ingredients like Chalkstream trout and Hampshire beef.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Pinkmead Estate, nr Newport

Pinkmead Estate and Vineyard Hampshire

Down the Medina from Cowes, the riverfront Pinkmead Estate and Vineyard is set in a vast 24 acres of stunning Isle of Wight countryside. Cool, contemporary and exclusive to hirers, there’s a separate Kitchen Garden and yoga studio with space for another two to sleep in each, a cinema room and an ensuite bathroom with incredible views. Take a tour of Pinkmead’s vineyard, and explore the estate on Eddie, the electric golf buggy. If you fancy striking out, Pinkmead has Pendleton bikes to freewheel it into nearby Cowes, Newport or further afield.

The Hambrough, Ventnor

A gorgeous boutique B&B housed in a smart converted Victorian villa, The Hambrough sits on a clifftop just a few minutes’ walk from the sandy beach at Ventnor. Light, spacious bedrooms with all mod cons have an airy feel and make the most of spectacular sea views. Known as the Foodie Capital of the Island, Ventnor has a strong hospitality scene and a meal in the fine-dining restaurant here is an absolute must. At the helm, Head Chef, Curtis Elphick’s menus are a modern twist on classic combinations and are all thoughtfully created celebrating the seasons showcasing the philosophy of using the very best produce available and using locally sourced and reared produce wherever possible. 

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