The Litton, Litton, Somerset

On the edge of the Mendip hills, not too far from the cathedral city of Wells, The Litton sits on the outskirts of the tiny village of Litton. Bath is a 30-minute drive; Wells is 20 minutes. Wookey Hole and Cheddar with their gorge and caves are also within reach. Nearby, the villages of East and West Harptree are pretty, or you can walk around Blagdon Lake or dine at The Pig near Bath.

By car: around 1 hour 30 minutes from Cardiff, 2 hours 30 minutes from Birmingham and 3 hours 30 minutes from London. There is free parking on site.

By train: trains run to Bristol Temple Meads from Exeter St Davids (1 hour), London Paddington (1 hour 40 minutes) and York (3 hours 50 minutes). The hotel is a 35-minute taxi-ride from the station. Book trains to Bristol Temple Meads.

The Litton is bursting with contemporary design flourishes. A polished wooden bar, lined with exposed filament bulbs, leads to an open-plan area with an appealing mix of seating and funky lighting. Wooden ceiling beams and exposed brickwork feature predominantly, while outside there are fire pits on a riverside terrace.

Rooms are stocked with snacks, as well as tea and coffee making facilities, and newspapers can be brought to the door. Staff are very friendly, though there can be a wait for food in busy periods. Colourful blankets are left folded for guests to cosy up in outdoors, beside the river. There is ample parking.

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

The rooms are all modern and beautifully styled, each a high-ceilinged oasis of calm and cool. Nearly all have king-size beds and combine subtle wallpaper prints with dramatic lighting and textured soft furnishings. Bathrooms are relaxed spaces featuring quality modern fittings and large deluge showers.

Room types: Barrow Gurney, Butter Wells, Chew, Chewton Head, Greendown, Holly Marsh, Litune, Lords Mead, North Field, Oatfields, Sherborne, Watery Coombe

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

Diners should expect an interesting range of dishes made from quality ingredients and designed to suit a pub setting. Portions are generous. The cocktail list is exciting, and there are some good new world wines to choose from too. Roast dinners are popular on Sundays and there is a vegan menu.

Restaurant: buzzing, relaxed, modern British cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £15.50.

Whiskey Bar: cosy, oak panelled, 50 whiskies from around the globe.