The Bell Inn Hotel, Lyndhurst, New Forest

You will feel in the heart of the forest here, with free-roaming ponies trotting past the window. But you are actually just a mile from the M27 with easy access to Winchester, Southampton and Bournemouth. The road can be a little busy, but try telling that to the donkeys. Nearby attractions include Paultons Park, Longdown Activity farm and Beaulieu Palace and the National Motor Museum.

By car: From London, the drive takes 2 hours 30 minutes. From Brighton, it's 2 hours fifteen minutes, and from Salisbury it takes 30 minutes.

By train: From London Waterloo, guests can take the train to Ashurst and then take a taxi to the hotel. This takes just under two hours. Book trains to Ashurst.

From the minute you walk in you spot the attention to detail, with a chalk-painted cabinet and floral display brightening the entrance. Flagstone floors in reception give way to stripped floorboards in the restaurant; exposed brickwork and oak beams or offset by sage-coloured wood panelling on the walls.

Expect excellent service from a small team who try to second-guess your needs. The Inn owns two 18-hole golf courses - one on a manicured green and the other on open forest health kept trim by grazing cattle. In the summer you can also play giant Connect 4 or boules in the garden.

• Bar

• Restaurant

• Garden
• Pets allowed
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The bedrooms vary in style and character; perhaps you'll find a feature floral wallpaper or a midnight blue velvet headboard. Rooms might look out over the forest or the garden. Manor rooms are situated across the car park and have modern rainfall showers and local Bramley bath products.

Room types: Cosy, Classic, Deluxe, Superior, The Warren Suite

Key amenities: ensite bathroom with Bramley toiletries, TV, complimentary tea and coffee, cotton bed linen

Whether you want a snack after a walk or a three-course meal, the menu is full of interesting options, such as confit chicken and Parma ham croquettes to start and roasted halibut with a saffron fricassée and crispy leeks. Sandwiches include beer-battered fish fingers and sirloin steak.

The Bell Inn Restaurant: modern British cooking, local produce, much of it from the New Forest, seasonal menus. Food is served daily from 12 noon - 2.30pm and 6pm - 9pm. Main courses range from £13.50 to £28.50.