The Crown Manor House Hotel, Lyndhurst, New Forest

This hotel has been commanding a prime spot on the high street in the centre of Lyndhurst since at least the 17th century. All the pretty shops of the town are outside the door, as well as longer country walks. A tourist bus departs from Lyndhurst in the season to explore other parts of the forest. The New Forest Heritage Centre is a short stroll away with a museum, gallery and gift shop. There is also a reptile centre nearby which conserves local species.

By car: 2 hours' drive from London and Bristol, 50 minutes from Portsmouth and 4 hours from Manchester. There is plenty of free parking for guests.

By train: London Waterloo to Ashurst New Forest (via Southampton Central) takes 1 hour 30 mins. The station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Ashurst New Forest.

You can't fail to be impressed by the handsome Tudor building with its half-timber frame, gabled roof and red tiled walls; and inside doesn't disappoint. A sweeping staircase leads up from the parquet-floored entrance hall with its quirky kissing seat. The lounge is warm and dark, while the restaurant is bright and airy with Chartreuse-coloured seating and dramatic windows.

The courteous and attentive staff are what makes this place so special and turns every visit into a celebration. Unusually for a town-centre hotel, there is ample parking at the rear of the hotel. Ask for a walking map at reception or dig out the board games in the library.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Family rooms

• Free parking

• Free Wi-Fi

The hotel is deceptively large with 50 rooms that vary in shape and size. Choice pieces of antique furniture are married with contemporary fabrics and wallpapers. The quietest rooms are at the back with views of the gardens, while the front rooms look out on the church. In the eaves, you get characterful sloped ceilings, while on the first floor the rooms are larger.

Room types: Snug, Classic, Superior, Four Poster, Suite, Families

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

The food here is excellent from breakfast through to dinner. All produce is locally sourced where possible, with fish coming from Lymington and herbs from the forest. Try modern British dishes such as confit chicken and black pudding terrine with sweet piccalilli and hazelnut mousse or bream with a clam and kale risotto.

The Bar&Grill: relaxed atmosphere, modern British dishes, fine dining, fresh fish. Open daily for dinner. Mains from £16.

The Lounge: Afternoon and Cream Tea, cocktails, fine wines, gin menu.