The Museum Inn, Farnham, Dorset

The truly rural location within a pretty village of thatched cottages means you really do feel you've escaped to the country. It lies on the edge of the unspoilt Cranborne Chase, which means there's fantastic walking, cycling and stargazing - the Cranborne Chase is an International Dark Sky Reserve. Enjoy the countryside and the coast on the same day, with the beaches of the Jurassic Coast under an hour away.

By car: around 2 hours 30 minutes from London, 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol and 3 hours from Birmingham. Free parking available.

By train: trains from London to Bournemouth take under 2 hours. The hotel is a 45-minute drive. Book trains to Bournemouth.

Although the building has centuries of history, the interior has been thoroughly renovated leaving it lighter and more up-to-date than you might expect. Some of the décor choices are a bit puzzling but where they've kept it traditional it works well.

This is a restaurant with rooms, so there are no additional facilities. Owners of electric cars will be relieved to know there are charging points in the small car park. The service is generally professional and courteous, but The Museum does sometimes give off an unwelcome air of self-importance.

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

There are four traditionally furnished rooms in the pub itself and four in converted stables, which feel slightly more modern but less characterful. Quality mattresses and bedding, together with peace and quiet, ensure a comfortable night's sleep. Groups can hire the nearby pretty, thatched self-catering cottage which sleeps 16.

Room types: Classic Stable Room, The Feature Room, With a View Room, Mole's Cottage

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Noble Isle toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi

The Museum has long had a strong reputation for quality meals made with local ingredients, especially game because of its shooting connections. However, in recent years the food has been more hit and miss, but if you catch them on a good day you could be in for a treat.

The Museum Inn: country pub, traditional features. British cuisine with a twist, locally-sourced ingredients. Open daily for lunch, and Mon-Sat for dinner. Mains from £16.