The Montagu Arms

The hotel dates to 1742, but was re-modelled in 1925, giving interiors an Arts & Crafts country-house feel. You’ll find roaring fires and deep sofas, then a library bar and a courtyard garden where you can eat in summer. Smart bedrooms (some suites with sliding glass doors to the garden and newly-renovated rooms around the courtyard) come with period furniture, pretty fabrics, fresh flowers and robes in spotless bathrooms – good coffee machines and a decanter of sloe gin await.

Downstairs, ambrosial food in The Terrace Restaurant is locally-sourced (some homegrown in the gardens) and there are good veggie options. Try Monty’s Inn if you want something simpler but equally good – you’ll find an attractive bar and hand-pulled ales. Continental breakfast is included in the room price, The Full Monty is extra. Stroll 2 miles along the swan-filled river to Bucklers Hard, return to proper afternoon tea by the glowing fire.