Spot in the Woods, Lyndhurst, New Forest

This is a quiet corner of the New Forest, surrounded by woodland with the major cities of Salisbury, Bournemouth, Southampton and Winchester all within a 40-minute radius of the B&B. This is a great spot to explore the New Forest and further afield, and Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, is just 15 minutes' drive away. The Gamekeeper pub is an eight-minute walk, great for hearty home-cooked meals, and Longdown Activity Farm is a six-minute drive if you feel like bottle-feeding a goat or lamb.

By car: The hotel is 1 hour 45 mins from London, 2 hours from Bristol and 2 hours 30 mins from Birmingham. There is free parking on-site.

By train: London Waterloo to Ashurst New Forest (via Southampton Central) takes 1 hour 30 mins. The hotel is a 5-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Ashurst New Forest.

A bright cheerful place with a colour scheme of greens, blues and yellows. Local items are on display in the entrance area (available to buy) and there are two bright lounges - which can be used by guests when they are not hired out - and an airy cafe, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a large veranda and garden beyond.

The staff are warm and helpful. The café closes at 4pm, but when we were hurrying to leave the staff kept telling us to relax and take our time, saying people are never rushed out the door. Walking maps and wellies can be provided.

• Café
• Private gardens
• Family rooms
• Pets allowed
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms each have their own character and style; some have private patios while others have in-room bathtubs. Bathrooms have luxurious rainfall showers, roll-top baths and local Long Barn organic lavender bath products. The look is country casual, with a paint palette that reflects the colour of autumn leaves, plaid cushions and throws and wooden furniture.

Room types: Classic, Chic, Luxury, Shepherd Hut

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, organic toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, TV, safe, desk, free Wi-Fi

Wake up to a Full English, or alternative vegetarian (halloumi) or vegan (avocado and scrambled tofu) versions. Or perhaps try a homemade hash of chorizo and garlic-fried eggs or a bloomer sandwich of bacon and Tunworth cheese. Daily specials include a jacket potato filling and perhaps a risotto or filled bagel.

Kitchen Café: breakfast, brunch, all-day dining, burgers, toasted sandwiches, pub classics, sharing platters. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £12.50.