The Barbourne

The scent of a proper cooked breakfast drifts upstairs on a winter morning, and you're warm under the duvet knowing you don't have to strike a tent in the rain.

The Barbourne runs as a guest house with camping pods in the grounds — a smart middle ground if you want the outdoors without committing to canvas. Pods suit couples after a comfortable base for walking or cycling, families testing the camping waters, or anyone who fancies a night under the stars but values a solid roof and a proper bed. It's open all year, so you can scratch that midweek escape itch in February as easily as August. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, worth asking when you book.

Facilities aren't detailed, so expect a straightforward setup — guest house amenities for those inside, pods for those wanting their own space outside. Campfires are a check-on-arrival situation, likely weather and season dependent. The vibe feels relaxed and low-key, more country inn than formal hotel, the sort of place where you can get on with your own plans without fuss.