The Acorn Inn, Evershot, Dorset

The Acorn is in the centre of Evershot, a village with classic good looks, nestled in stunning countryside. It's properly rural, so you'll need a car. It's only 30 minutes drive to the coast, meaning you can enjoy the seaside but retreat from the crowds at the end of the day. The wonderful nature reserve at the Kingcombe Centre is worth exploring; they offer courses like beekeeping, foraging and wildlife tracking.

By car: around 3 hours from London, 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol and 3 hours from Birmingham. Free parking available.

By train: trains from London to Dorchester take 4 hours. The hotel is 25 minutes' drive. Book trains to Dorchester.

Within this classic 16th-century coaching inn, traditional furnishings and antiques sit comfortably amidst battered beams, flagstone floors and oak panelling. A proper country pub, the main bar even has a skittle alley - a rare thing these days - and it draws a good local crowd.

There are no extra facilities on site, but it's a bonus that guests can use those at sister hotel Summer Lodge, which is a short walk away. These include a fine-dining restaurant, a small spa and an indoor pool. The service at The Acorn is professional and personal.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Games room
• Family-friendly
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The ensuite rooms are traditionally styled, with bold wallpaper and antiques. If you can, go for one of the three rooms with the four-poster bed as they feel more upmarket than the rest. For families, there's a suite in the attic with two bedrooms and a sitting room.

Room types: Kingsbere, Evershead, Flintcombe, Emminster, Hope Cove, Kings Flintock, Tess, Hardy, Silvethorn, Evershot Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, bottled water, TV, free Wi-Fi

The menu offers pub classics served with modern gastropub flare (picture everything on wooden chopping boards and liberally sprinkled micro herbs) as well as some more upmarket, creative dishes. If you want to really treat yourself, head across the road to the fine-dining restaurant at Summer Lodge.

The Restaurant: traditional British pub. Locally sourced produce, hearty fare. Mains include ham, egg and chips, fish and chips, lamb chops. Open daily, hours may vary.