The Woolpack, Totford, Hampshire

Although just ten minutes from the M3, you are in some stunning English countryside here, with grouse and pheasant trotting around and black Brixham cows in surrounding fields. Alresford with its boutique shops is just ten minutes away, while Winchester is a 15-minute drive. You can pick up an old steam train known as the Watercress Line in Alresford for a historic day out.

By car: The hotel is 2 hours from London, 1 hour 40 mins from Bristol and 50 mins from Portsmouth. There is free parking on-site.

By train: London Waterloo to Basingstoke takes 45 mins. The station is a 20-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Basingstoke.

Everything you want from a historic pub: flagstone floors, roaring fire, piano, pool table, darts board and plenty of quirky memorabilia, much of it associated with shooting, which is a popular pastime in these parts. Sink into comfy leather armchairs and appraise daily specials written on the chalkboards.

The staff here are gracious and kind and incredibly cheerful. Facilities include gun lockers in the rooms, if you come to shoot, and the pub will also prepare elevenses for your shoot party and deliver it to you, or perhaps set it up in the courtyard. Fly fishing can also be arranged.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking

• Free Wi-Fi

The seven rooms are stylish and comfortable. You can see the original flint and brick construction of this 19th-century building on the exposed walls, offset with contemporary colours of dark blue or grey. Shaggy throws, local Moonroast cafetière coffee, tan leather furniture and Bramley toiletries make for a comfortable stay.

Room types: The Classic, The Feature, The Family

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, Bramley toiletries, TV, tea and coffee facilities, double bed, free Wi-Fi

There's some great modern British cooking going on here. The kitchen has its own sausage machine so you may find squid chorizo, venison salami or duck and venison sausages. There's plenty of seasonal game, which is from the estate, and twists on classics, such as baked potato with haricot bean salsa and crispy onions.

The Woolpack Inn: seasonal dishes, modern British cuisine, pub classics, Sunday roasts. Mains from £12.50. Food served 12-3pm and 6-9pm Mon-Sat, 12-6pm Sundays.