Newbridge on Usk Boutique Hotel, Usk, Monmouthshire

This relaxed hideaway for adults sits in the countryside miles from anywhere by an ancient bridge over the River Usk in a hamlet six miles from the upmarket town of Usk. It's a good base for a weekend walking in the Brecon Beacons or shopping and exploring in the Welsh capital, Cardiff. It's 13 miles to Raglan Castle, and 18 to both Monmouth and Abergavenny's independent shops. Local activities include fishing and walking.

By car: Newbridge on Usk is 2 hours from Birmingham, 3 hours from London and 3 hours 15 mins from Manchester. There is free parking.

By train: London Paddington to Newport takes 1 hour 40 mins. A taxi to the hotel takes another 20 mins. Book trains to Newport.

The 200-year-old inn and rooms are packed with character but also modern comforts such as squidgy sofas and leather armchairs and a real fire. The two-storey bar and restaurant feature tiled floors, red walls, brick walls, red and beige curtains, mirrors, country art, big vases full of flowers and foliage, and candlelight at night.

The service is efficient but not distracting. Food is the main lure, and the inn stages wine and whisky dinners and Sunday lunch is accompanied by a jazz band. Fishing with a ghillie on the River Usk is available, too, and guests can use the Celtic Manor Resort's facilities which include golf courses and spas.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Terrace
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The six large rooms are in a quiet outbuilding adjacent to the restaurant. Upmarket country in design, they feature oak and teak furniture, quality linens, DVD players, DAB digital radios, tea and coffee facilities, iron and board, free Wi-Fi and room service, plus bathrooms with limestone and marble tiles, roll-top baths and storm showers.

Room types: Superior Double, Deluxe King Double, Four Poster

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, DVD player, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Head chef Adam Whittle's seasonal, hearty à la carte lunch and dinner menus feature British dishes made using the best produce and fresh ingredients from the inn's kitchen garden. It is open to non-residents. There's a good wine list, too, and local brews such as Butty Bach beer and refreshing Gwynt y Ddraig Welsh cider.

The restaurant: 2 AA Rosettes, modern British cuisine, seasonal dishes, kitchen garden, light lunches, Sunday roasts. Open Thurs-Sun for lunch and dinner. Continental breakfast hamper served for guests 8-10am. Mains from £15.95.