Merrydale Hotel

The front door of the Merrydale opens onto that particular kind of quiet you only get when you're properly away from it all — no traffic hum, just birdsong and the shift of wind through the trees.

This is one for couples after a proper break or solo travellers who fancy a bit of comfort without losing that camping-trip feeling — there are pods if you want your own four walls and a bit of adventure, or guest house rooms if the forecast turns or you just prefer a proper bed. Dogs might be welcome, but best to ask when you book. It's open year-round, so it works for midwinter escapes as much as summer weekends.

Facilities aren't splashed all over the listing, so this is a place that keeps things simple and lets the setting do the talking. Campfires depend on conditions — check when you arrive. The vibe here is low-key and honestly quite lovely if you're after somewhere that doesn't shout about itself, just gets on with being a good base for doing very little, or quite a lot, depending on your mood.