Tylney Hall Hotel, Hook, Hampshire

Spanning 66 acres, Tylney Hall Hotel is next to the villages of Rotherwick and Newnham just outside Basingstoke. Hook station is just a ten-minute drive away, and it's a one-hour train journey to London Waterloo. The Bombay Sapphire distillery is within a 30-minute drive.

The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Basingstoke and a few minutes from Junction 5 of the M3.

By car: Tylney Hall is just over an hour from London, 2 hours 15 mins from Birmingham and 1 hour 40 mins from Bristol. There is free parking at the hotel.

By train: London Waterloo to Hook takes around 1 hour. The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Hook.

Hidden behind a Victorian facade are public rooms adorned with captivating historical details. From marble fireplaces to walnut panelling, the interior exudes charm. The Italian lounge features an elaborate ceiling painstakingly dismantled from a Venetian palace and reassembled, adding an extra touch of opulence to the interiors.

Enjoy exceptional service at this four-star hotel with staff ready to go the extra mile, whether it's keeping you dry as you come in from the rain or serving a delightful coffee and cookie by the fireside.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Gardens
• 2 swimming pools
• Spa
• Pets allowed
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Standard rooms enjoy large windows with period furniture and Molton Brown toiletries. Mansion suites capitalise on the historic proportions of the property, boasting lofty ceilings, fireplaces and generous space and dog-friendly rooms open out onto a lawned garden.

Room types: Deluxe, Mansion Deluxe, Executive, Mansion Executive, Junior Suites, Mansion Junior Suites, Suites, Mansion Suites, Master Suites, State Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Molten Brown toiletries, bathrobes, free Wi-Fi

In the Oak Room, Michael Lloyd creates exceptional cuisine. The venue also offers afternoon tea and casual lounge dining, with poolside service available. The lamb loin, with a confit of leg and potato terrine, Iberico harissa "cigar" and a sprout and bacon puree, was our favourite dish.

The Oak Room Restaurant: 2 AA Rosette dining, modern European cuisine, seasonal menus, Sunday roasts. Open for lunch Weds-Sun and daily for dinner, 6-9pm. Mains from £22.