Old Thorns, Liphook, Hampshire

The hotel sits on 400 acres just outside Liphook, which has a train service to London. It is also conveniently just off the A3, with Winchester, Farnham and Guildford all about a 30-minute drive away. Birdworld, Go Ape and the Hollycombe collection of working steam fairground equipment and trains are all within 20 minutes of the hotel.

By car: Old Thorns is 1 hour 20 mins from London, 2 hours 10 mins from Bristol and 2 hours 30 mins from Birmingham. The hotel has free private parking.

By train: London Waterloo to Liphook takes 1 hour 15 mins. The hotel is a 5-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Liphook.

There is plenty of bling here, with gilt thrones, glitter balls, fleur-de-lis wallpaper and flock armchairs. Black and white prints of celebrities line the wall in reception and fairy lights line the wooden beams of the covered walkway, which connects the ballroom and leisure facilities to the main hotel.

The hotel can get busy on weekends, but the staff always have time to answer a query or just for a friendly hello. Facilities are second to none, with an exceptional gym containing all the latest tech, studio classes, pool, thermal suites, spa and, of course, the 18-hole golf course.

• Restaurant
• Two bars
• Spa

• ​Indoor pool

• Fitness centre
• 18-hole golf course
• Gardens
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Standard rooms are not much to write home about but are comfortable with good-quality wooden furniture, king-sized beds, striped carpets and baths with showers over the bath. The penthouse apartments are exceptional, with double-height living rooms and views across the golf course. Eco pods are quirky and provide a glamping option.

Room types: Superior, Deluxe, Family Rooms, Interconnecting Rooms, Junior Suite, Eco Pods, Apartments

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, luxury toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

The main Kings restaurant is a light, airy place with views of the golf course. Breakfast is a buffet affair of fruits, pastries and English-cooked items. Dinner is either a carvery with three choices of meat or a brasserie à la carte menu. The lantern room serves a simple five-course set Chinese menu.

Kings Restaurant: Brasserie menu, European and British inspired dishes, Sunday roasts. Mains £20. Open daily for breakfast and dinner (and Sunday lunch).