Passford House Hotel, Lymington, Hampshire

Just a ten-minute drive from Lymington, this wonderful old country house is in a remote rural setting so is the perfect place to combine long walks in the New Forest with a visit to the vibrant Georgian market town. Brockenhurst is ten minutes in the opposite direction where you can pick up a fast train to London. The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a 20-minute drive away. Henry VIII's Hurst Castle is 15 minutes away at Milford on Sea.

By car: The hotel is 2 hours 15 mins from London and Bristol, and 35 mins from Southampton. There is free private parking on-site.

By train: London Waterloo to Brockenhurst takes around 1 hour 30 mins. The station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Brockenhurst.

This hotel is like stepping back in time. Not just because it's a historic property (there's been a house on the site since 1550), but because you'll also find gilt showerheads, sunken baths, white tablecloths and old-fashioned, attentive service. Choose between three comfortable lounges each with roaring log fires.

The staff are cheery and bright and make you feel immediately welcome. Whether you want the sauna turned on or the fire lit, they are more than happy to help. The outdoor pool is popular in summer, while winter can be spent enjoying the indoor pool and sauna. Two croquet lawns encourage competitions.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Gardens
• Swimming pool
• Croquet lawn
• Spa treatments

• Pet-friendly

• Family rooms
• Free parking
• Free W-Fi

Rooms are spread between the old house and two modern wings. They vary in shape and character, from impressive four-poster beds with bay windows, to dog-friendly garden rooms with French doors. They have all been upgraded at different times so you may find some wonderful examples of late-20th century bathroom tiles.

Room types: Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Four Poster Rooms

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

Everything is cooked to order, which means they are flexible on what's included in your dish. Step back in time with an order of paté and melba toast or Chicken Chasseur, or go for a flavoursome butternut squash risotto with crispy sage. Breakfast includes full-size buttery pastries and haddock with a poached egg.

Passford House Hotel Resaturant: modern European cuisine, fine dining, light lunches, Afternoon Tea. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £16.