THE SWAN INN SWINBROOK, COTSWOLDS
Owned by the last surviving Mitford sister, Deborah, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, the wisteria-clad Swan has six classic
contemporary bedrooms. Recently named County Dining Pub of the Year by the Good Food Guide, it's the ideal place to fuel up on a seasonal roast (Aberdeen Angus beef is a speciality) before striking out on a winter walk. theswanswinbrook.co.uk
THE PUNCH BOWL INN, LAKE DISTRICT
Recently revamped by Stephanie Barton of the Drunken Duck in Ambleside, this historic coaching inn in the rugged Lyth Valley combines a welcoming atmosphere with fine modern British food (try the roasted wood pigeon), local hand-pulled ales and nine stylish bedrooms with exposed beams. the-punchbowl.co.uk
THE FELIN FACH GRIFFIN INN, POWYS
In a valley about ten miles from Hay-on-Wye, this inn has seven bedrooms and all around are deep leather sofas and
newspaper-strewn coffee tables. It serves local, seasonal food such as wild venison with butternut squash, roasted carrots and elderberries, and has famously good Old and New World wine lists. eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk
THE PEAR TREE INN WHITLEY, WILTSHIRE
With its flagstone floors, this rustic-chic country pub and restaurant near Melksham still feels like the farmhouse it once was. It serves modern dishes such as braised neck of lamb with polenta, Parmesan and puy lentils. It also has eight French-farmhouse-feel bedrooms, including two family rooms. maypolehotels.com/peartreeinn
THE CROSS KEYS KIPPEN, STIRLINGSHIRE
At over 300 years old, The Cross Keys, in the heart of the Trossachs in Stirlingshire, has learnt a thing or two about welcoming weary travellers. The cosy, low-lit pub serves hearty food from local roast lamb to Kippen bangers and mash, a good range of beers and a large selection of whiskies. It also has three comfortable bedrooms - two twins and a double. kippencrosskeys.com
