The White Buck, Burley, New Forest

You might spot the eponymous white deer in these bucolic surroundings of heath and woodland, with free-roaming cattle nuzzling at the trees. You can walk to the quaint village of Burley in 15 minutes or head further afield to Bournemouth, which is 18 miles away and reachable by car or bike. For walkers, forest trails can be picked up directly from the pub and guests can get a discount at Burley Golf Club, which is a five-minute walk away.

Brockenhurst station is a 15-minute taxi ride.

By car: The pub is 2 hours from London and Bristol, and 2 hours 35 mins from Birmingham. There is free parking on-site.

By train: London Waterloo to New Milton takes 1 hour 45 mins. The pub is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to New Milton.

With a full-height grand entrance, a brick fireplace and a wooden staircase to the upper floors, there is plenty of rustic charm and period opulence from the moment you step inside the hotel. In the wood-panelled gun room, Chesterfield sofas jostle with leather wingback armchairs, while a large bay window seat is a popular spot for groups of friends in the main pub.

Staff will be happy to point you in the direction of the best picnic spot (and pack a picnic for you). Fancy staying cosy indoors? Grab a chessboard and a spot by the fire. If you fancy a walk but didn't come prepared, you can borrow a pair of Hunters.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Family rooms
• Pet-friendly
• Playground
• Beer garden
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking

Being much more than you'd expect from a pub, guests will be delightfully surprised by the well-appointed rooms. Some rooms offer sash windows looking over the garden and woodland beyond, and some metro-tiled bathrooms offer a roll-top bath.

Room types: Snug, Cosy, Comfy, Indulgence, Junior Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, Bramley toiletries, towels, slippers, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, TV, free Wi-Fi

The breakfast menu is extensive and includes unusual offerings such as poached eggs and smashed avocado on an English muffin with hollandaise sauce. Roasts are legendary and comforting dishes of pie and mash, fish and chips and burgers are interspersed with more refined dishes such as scallops with chorizo and saffron jam and fennel purée. The pub is owned by Fullers and you'll find their cask ales on tap, along with a good gin list.

The White Buck: traditional pub, modern British and European dishes, local produce. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £15.