The Master Builder's House Hotel, Beaulieu, New Forest

This is a stunning spot. Bucklers Hard is a historic 18th-century shipbuilding village that has been exquisitely preserved. The hotel occupies a corner spot right at the river's edge, which is hard to beat. It's on Lord Montagu's Beaulieu estate and the Palace and the National Motor Museum are nearby. The train station at Brockenhurst is a 20-minute drive away, and Southampton is half an hour's drive. Take a kayak or canoe out on the river with New Forest Activities.

By car: From London, the drive takes just over 2 hours via the M3. From Southampton, the journey takes around 30 minutes.

By train: The closest train station to the hotel is Brockenhurst. The train runs regularly from London Waterloo and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. A taxi from the station takes 20 minutes. Book trains to Brockenhurst.

This historic house (built in 1729) contains many original features, including large open fireplaces and oak beams. The reception area is filled with memorabilia dating back to the time of Nelson, including etchings and flags of the ships that were built by Henry Adams, the famous 18th-century owner of the house.

You will be greeted by cheery, friendly staff who obviously delight in their surroundings. New Forest Activities has a base outside the hotel from where you can hire paddle boards, bikes and kayaks. Book a half-hour river cruise to the mouth of the river or take advantage of £1 off admission to the Buckler's Hard museum.

• AA Rosette restaurant
• Bar
• Riverside location
• Pet-friendly
• Family rooms
• Al fresco dining

• Free parking

• Free Wi-Fi

Opt for the rooms in the main house (unless you are coming with your four-legged friend, in which case you will have a room in the more modern annexe). They all have period grandeur with a Rajasthani feel: opulent fabrics, antique furniture, coffee machines and Teapigs tea. Bathrooms have powerful showers or tubs.

Room types: Luxury, Chic, Posh, Posh Classic

Key amenities: ensuite bathrooms, antique furniture, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

In the Riverview restaurant, you'll be served exquisitely presented modern British cuisine, such as slow-cooked pork cheek with squash purée, black cabbage, white pudding and glazed baby pears, while in the Yachtsman's bar you can order sharing platters of smoked fish, cheese or charcuterie and crowd-pleasing burgers, pies and fish and chips.

Riverview Restaurant: AA Rossette, comfortable surroundings, garden terrace, fine dining. Breakfast 7-10.30am, lunch 12-2pm, afternoon tea 3-5.30pm, dinner 5.30-8.30pm. Lunch plates from £10, dinner £29.50 for 2 courses, £34.50 for 3 courses.