‘An agreeable, solidly comfortable base for exploring the area’, Sam and Janet Bakose’s updated 18th-century inn sits off the A272 in the South Downs national park.

On the edge of Pagham Harbour nature reserve, this whitewashed restaurant-with-rooms is ‘a wonderfully tranquil, timeless, tucked-away sort of place’.

‘What makes this 16th-century freehouse so special is the atmosphere: informal and friendly, yet 100% professional.’

A jolly place, Karen Northcote’s ‘charming’ pub-with-rooms pleases with its ‘really delicious food’ and ‘welcoming staff’..

A 19th-century resting place for the Household Cavalry as its soldiers made their way to Portsmouth, this 350-year-old inn remains a relaxing refuge for today’s travellers.

‘Simply lovely.’ In the foothills of the South Downs, this white-painted, rustic-chic inn is firmly rooted in the countryside.

Near the Chichester canal towpath, Mariella and William Fleming’s village pub-with-rooms has been rejuvenated with a fresh Scandinavian vibe.