The Gallivant, Camber Sands, East Sussex

Camber Sands beach - and a huge sand dune to tackle - is just over the road.

If you can prise yourself from the beach on your doorstep, Rye is 10 minutes by car and Hastings is 30 minutes.
By car: 2 hours from London, 1 hour 30 minutes from Brighton and 3 hours from Oxford. Free parking on-site.
By train: London St. Pancras to Rye (via Ashford) takes around an hour. It's a 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel. thetrainline.com

It's popular with couples and groups of friends, and Londoners on weekend breaks. Little touches and attention to detail, include vintage telephones, framed vintage swimsuits and Scandinavian-style chairs draped with sheepskins.

There's an outstanding focus on English wine.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Beachfront
• Spa
• Wellness suite
• Board games
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Four pet-friendly bedrooms (£25 per night for small/medium dogs). Large dogs are not permitted.

The four Luxury Garden rooms have freestanding roll-top baths, large handmade beds, French doors leading to the coastal garden and private decks. We loved the bold and colourful décor, from the gloriously patterned headboards to deep and earthy paint colours.

Snug Cabin, Baby Hampton, Garden, Large Hampton, Luxury Garden
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobes, larder and drinks chiller, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Gallivant's huge English wine collection - the largest choice in the UK - explained so expertly by The Gallivant's wine specialist, Paul Cabin, was impressive. The granola at breakfast looked like a beautiful work of art and tasted like one too.

The Restaurant: modern British cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus. Dishes include sirloin steak, fruits de mer platter and wood-roasted hake. All-day dining, open daily. Beach take-out also available.