The White Buck, Burley, New Forest

A lovely spot surrounded by woodland and heath, with free-roaming cattle nuzzling at the trees that line the property. The quaint village of Burley is 15 minutes on foot, while Brockenhurst station is a 15-minute taxi ride. With a car or bike you could explore further afield, like Bournemouth, which is 18 miles away. Forest trails can be picked up directly from the pub and you might spot the eponymous white deer. Guests can get a discount at Burley Golf Club, which is a five-minute walk away.

By car: The pub is 2 hours from London and Bristol, and 2 hours 35 mins from Birmingham. There is free parking on-site.

By train: London Waterloo to New Milton takes 1 hour 45 mins. The pub is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to New Milton.

There is plenty of rustic charm and period opulence. The grand entrance is full height with a brick fireplace and wooden staircase to the upper floors. Leather wing-back armchairs jostle with Chesterfield sofas in the wood-panelled gun room, while a large bay window seat is a popular spot for groups of friends in the main pub.

Want to head out on a walk and forgot your wellies? Don't worry, you can borrow a pair of Hunters. Staff will be happy to direct you to the best picnic spot (and pack a picnic for you). Too wet to walk? Grab a chess board and a spot by the fire.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Family rooms
• Pet-friendly
• Playground
• Beer garden
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The well-appointed rooms are a delightful surprise, being so much more than you'd expect from a pub. Metro-tiled bathrooms with rainfall showers and sometimes also roll-top baths, Bramley toiletries, Teapigs tea, vintage telephones and upcycled antique furniture. Some also have sash windows looking over the garden and woodland beyond.

Room types: Snug, Cosy, Comfy, Indulgence, Junior Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, Bramley toiletries, towels, slippers, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, TV, free Wi-Fi

The pub is owned by Fullers and you'll find their cask ales on tap, along with a good gin list. Comforting dishes of pie and mash, fish and chips, burgers and steaks are interspersed with more refined dishes such as scallops with chorizo and saffron jam and fennel puree, and the roasts are legendary.

The White Buck: traditional pub, modern British and European dishes, local produce. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £15.