Short breaks from London

Unwind in elegant interiors and set out on long walks in beautiful countryside; Chichester and Winchester are near

A humdinger of a pub, hidden in a sleepy village in the Surrey Hills, oozing character and charm and with delicious food and comfy bedrooms

A pleasing (not very little) place to stay in the heart of a wood within the unspoilt countryside of the South Downs National Park

Old beams and rich history: a dramatic setting for fireside chats, superb breakfasts (home-reared, baked, grown) - and Midsomer Murders

An enchanting hideaway with sensational views in a flowery English semi-wild country garden, near Sissinghurst and Great Dixter

Treat yourselves to a stay in the gloriously comfortable Astor Wing with private terrace and views to Hever Castle and the Tudor Garden

A secluded spot. Delicious home produce at breakfast and dinner, tea on the terrace in summer, log fires in winter and very kind hosts

Gorgeous rooms and splendid breakfasts – for sybarites, history-lovers, cyclists and canoeists - bang in the middle of ancient Long Melford

Come for sumptuous bedrooms, fine dining, colourful gardens and charming staff at this smart hotel and restaurant

Serious art, lovely lighting, great sound system and a fat wood-burner belting out the heat at this super place for families or friends

A lavish makeover for this roadside pub, now a boutique inn with clever design, delicious food and supremely comfortable bedrooms

A gem of an inn, nestled in the South Downs National Park with friendly staff, comfortable bedrooms and outstanding food with minimal miles

A romantic and very comfortable retreat in a smartly converted dairy with a pretty garden, close to the South Downs

Atmospheric manor with heaps of history, sumptuous bedrooms, a cornucopia of quirky finds, an open-hearted host – it’s a treat to stay here

A restored Grade II listed flint barn with roots in the 13th century, a serene lily pond and mesmerising views over the South Downs

Sumptuous bedrooms and delicious breakfasts at these two magnificent wings in glorious gardens and grounds next to the castle

Independence in your own barn in the garden. Easy-going hosts - tea & cake, glass of wine, advice on trips out. Walk to the pub for dinner

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?