Mind your head! Make sure you duck under the remarkably low Tudor-style beams of this 14th-century inn, which are fortunately padded. It's just the place to spend lazy evenings around an open fire in the lively bar before enjoying a comfy night's sleep in one of the luxurious bedrooms. Every inch of the walls is filled with British literary and military pictures, prints and memorabilia and there's a stack of books in the bedrooms for you to read. A wicker hamper of teas and homemade biscuits is a nice welcome touch. An eclectic menu of well-cooked dishes in the charming restaurant includes locally sourced ingredients such as game shot by locals, venison from Hampshire's Froyle Estate and homemade bread and ice-cream.
Visit the Elizabethan Chawton House, with its pretty gardens and amazing extensive collection of early women's writing.
Pack your walking boots; there are plenty of country walks to be had. Alternatively, historic Winchester is a 30-minute drive away.
By car: around 2 hours from Bristol, 1 hour 30 minutes from London and 4 hours from Manchester. Free parking available.
By train: direct trains to Bentley station from London Waterloo take around 1 hour. The hotel is a 5-minute drive away. thetrainline.com
Anyone wanting a luxurious stay in characterful surroundings with good food, comfy bedrooms and a relaxed ambience will love this hotel. The historic military and literary paraphernalia adorning the walls makes fascinating reading over a pint or G&T.
We loved sitting by the open fire in the snug bar with an after-dinner digestif and chatting to the locals. Your four-legged friend will be welcome in the Robert Graves and Wilfred Owen rooms - dog bed and bowls on request (£15 per dog).
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Terrace
- Garden
- Pet-friendly
- Family-friendly
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Sweeping views of the Hampshire countryside make waking up in the Rupert Brooke (Indulgent) Suite a delight; there's also a private terrace. The rooms have energising power rain showers which awaken the body for a day's walking in the glorious surrounding countryside.
Classic Room, Indulgent Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with Bramley toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, TV, radio, free Wi-Fi
There's a variety of dishes on the menu - everything from an artisan cheese soufflé to ham hock scrumpets. We loved the chicken pie with melt-in-the-mouth pastry and flavoursome filling.
The Anchor Inn: traditional country pub, locally sourced produce. Mains include fish and chips, bavette steak and brisket burger. Open daily for food and beverages.
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