Summer Lodge Hotel - Evershot

Only two and a half hours away from London nestles Summer Lodge, a beautiful Georgian manor house built in 1789. This beautifully restored manor house lies in the heart of Thomas Hardy's Dorset, within 4 acres of private grounds. A host of gardens and historic houses await exploration and glorious coastal walks are only a few miles away. New, unique rooms and suites offer the utmost in luxury and unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside. The acclaimed cuisine, vintage cellar selection and outdoor swimming pool enhance the wonderful hospitality from friendly, thoughtful staff. Afternoon tea is a tradition as is croquet on the lawn... the perfect escape in any season.

From London, m3, exit 8, a 303 then a 37 towards Dorchester. Then Evershot, Summer Lane.

Dine in splendour in the classically restored, award-winning restaurant. The new executive chef Steven Titman, lately of the White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport in the usa (regularly voted one of the top ten hotel restaurants) and ably assisted by the skilled David Williams, is already hard at work building a reputation for superb cuisine and fine and rare wines, that will spread for many a country mile.