The Running Horse Inn, Littleton, Hampshire

Situated in Littleton, a pretty little village with thatched cottages just four miles from central Winchester. The pub is surrounded by fields from where you can pick up a path to romp through the countryside. Marwell Zoo is just 20 minutes' drive away in one direction (if you have brought the family), while the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is 20 minutes in the other (if you haven't).

By car: The Running Horse is 1 hour 30 mins from London and Bristol, and 2 hours from Birmingham. There is free parking on-site.

By train: London Waterloo to Winchester takes just under an hour. A taxi to the pub takes 10 minutes. Book trains to Winchester.

There is a warm, welcoming feel to the interiors: a polished flagstone on the floor, a wood-burning stove, an old piano and a wooden bar with red leather bar stools. Tables and chairs are mismatched, while in the restaurant there are stripped wood floors and shelves of books and memorabilia.

Friendly staff from the local area are on hand to advise about where to go and what to do. Browse the books in the bar or play a game of chess in the garden. A wooden cabana provides outdoor shelter. Live entertainment includes pub quizzes and occasional bands.

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

These are much more quirky and characterful than you might expect for a reasonable price. Distressed wooden headboards with a brush of turquoise paint, bright pillows and throws and powerful showers. The six superior rooms surround their own private garden and come with robes and slippers, metro-tiled bathrooms and a magazine selection.

Room types: Comfy Double, Comfy Twin, Comfy Family, Elegant Double

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, magazines, TV, desk, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

The menu here is a bit more exciting than your usual pub fare. The soup of the day has truffle oil stirred in, the tomato and mozzarella salad has a Bloody Mary vinaigrette and burgers are served in brioche buns. Mains include pheasant breast with confit pheasant hash.

The Running Horse Inn: modern gastro-pub dishes, European and British inspired, local produce. Food served Mon-Fri, 12-2.30pm and 5-8.30pm, Sat 12-8.30pm, Sun 12-6pm. Mains from £14.