In an old market town, this dog-friendly historic inn by the river and church has quirky rooms, open fires and cheery staff. ‘Warm welcome, amazing food. Can’t recommend it enough!’ The whitewashed building, with 17th-century origins, is ‘deceptively big’ and has been carefully updated to keep its ‘traditional pub feel but with a modern touch’. The large bar with beams and stripped-wood floor has a wood-burning stove, Windsor chairs and light country colours, while the dining area has exposed-stone and claret-red walls. Food is modern British, ‘imaginative and good’ – expect beef tartare with pickled plum, salt-aged duck with smoked beetroot, or ‘beautifully pink’ lamb. Most bedrooms are ‘on the compact side’, but have original features such as window seats. Handmade furniture and jolly checks and tartans keep a country feel, while bathrooms are ‘bright and reasonably spacious’, with sweet-smelling soaps from local producer Bath House. Breakfast includes a ‘generous’ buffet, cooked dishes using local produce, and berry smoothies. ‘We would happily stay there again.’ (SP, HP, and others)