The Fleece, Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Boasting a fantastic location on bustling Market Place in the heart of pretty Cirencester, the hotel is five-minute walk from Cirencester Park, a delightful 3000-acre park that's great for a stroll. Every Monday and Friday, traders' stalls line the square, and there's a Farmers' Market every other Saturday. The nearby Corinium Museum is worth a visit, shedding light on the city's Celtic, Roman and Saxon heritage.

By car: The hotel is a 2 hours 30 minute drive from London and around 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol.

By train: London Paddington to Swindon takes around an hour. The station is a 30-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Swindon.

The Fleece feels more like a laidback pub with rooms than a hotel - it's part of The House of Daniel Thwaites, which owns a collection of countryside inns and hotels. Set in a Grade II listed coaching inn dating back to 1651, with interiors blending 17th-century architecture (bare stone walls; oakwood ceiling beams) and contemporary comforts. Interestingly, King Charles II is thought to have used the building as a hiding place when he fled from Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army.

Service is friendly and laidback, with a young team of staff eager to help. The reception area is a discreet affair, with a desk tucked away at the back of the building (you'll have to walk through the bar to reach the reception and rooms). Being a historic building, facilities are limited to a restaurant and bar with tables lining a narrow courtyard in summer.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Pet-friendly
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Spread over three townhouses, rooms are equipped with Chesterfield sofas and velvet headboards in bold hues. Wallpaper designs feature a contemporary take on classic designs (think deep palettes of navy and bottle green with pops of contrasting colour), while oakwood ceiling beams add a touch of rustic.

Room types: Standard Room, Twin Room, Signature Room, Charater Room, Feature Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with White Company toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

The restaurant serves substantial portions of traditional pub food, with the staple fish and chips, burgers and steaks providing a wholesome if not discerning culinary experience. In the mornings, expect English breakfast favourites, including The Grill (The Fleece's Full English), along with healthier options such as Greek-style yoghurt and fresh fruit salad. There are Sunday roasts, too.

Restaurant: Pub classics including steaks, burgers and pie of the day. Open Monday-Sunday 12 noon-9pm for food, 11am-10pm for drinks. Mains from £14.90.