Dunkery Beacon Country House

‘It gets better and better,’ say returning guests in 2016, of Jane and John Bradley’s ‘lovely, peaceful’ small hotel on Exmoor. ‘Instantly relaxing’, the Edwardian hunting lodge has ‘beautiful views’ towards the summit of Dunkery Beacon. Guests praise the ‘friendly’ hosts, whose ‘unobtrusive attention to detail is evident at all times’. ‘Clean, comfortable’ bedrooms, some in the eaves, are individually and tastefully styled; all are well supplied with fresh milk, locally ground coffee, chilled spring water. Most evenings, ‘pre-dinner drinks bring guests together before they dine at their own table – it’s all very harmonious’. John Bradley is a keen forager whose ‘accomplished’ menus use ‘good, largely local ingredients’ – try carpaccio of Holnicote venison, Parmesan tuile, micro herbs; wild mushroom risotto, wilted pousse. ‘John’s delicious cooking and Jane’s knowledge of wine combine excellently.’ Afterwards, spend a clear night stargazing – Exmoor is a designated dark-sky area free of artificial light; the hotel has a telescope ready for stellar action. (Andrew and Hannah Butterworth, John Livingstone-Learmonth, and others)