The Lord Poulett Arms, Somerset

Overview

Follow narrow winding lanes down to this little thatched gem, hidden away in the idyllic rural village of Hinton St George on the borders of Somerset, Devon and Dorset.

The handsome 17th-century inn oozes historic character and is set in scenic surroundings - just the kind of idyllic, relaxed country inn that woos urbanites down from the city for long, lazy weekends. It's part of the brilliant Beckford Group, owned by Charlie Luxton and Dan Brod.

Unstuffy and relaxed, the imaginatively restored interior features beams and flagstones, polished antique tables, glowing fires and evening candles to create a classy, comfortable look. The inner sanctum bar is the place to be in the early evening - sink into a sofa with a pint of Otter Ale, peruse the daily papers and soak up the timeless atmosphere of this rural spot.

The two gardens are delightful - find a table in the French-inspired knot garden, replete with a wisteria-covered pergola and boules piste, or venture into the English wild garden, full of mistletoe covered apple trees, hammocks, love seats, and even an unusual Basque Pelota wall. With fabulous food, excellent walking right outside the front door, and the Jurassic Coast just a short drive away, there's plenty to keep you at this civilised village inn.

Rooms from

6 doubles: £95

Good to know

Amex not accepted, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro all accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco & private dining
Parking available
Dogs allowed overnight in some rooms (charge)

Scenic and serene
This secret spot is the perfect setting to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Outdoor adventures
The stunning Jurassic coast is right on your doorstep, perfect for leisurely strolls or hardcore hiking.

Quiet romance
Glowing fires and evening candles create a romantic, relaxing atmosphere indoors, whilst hammocks and loveseats keep the romance going in the alfresco garden.

Family favourite
Families can enjoy Room 6 in the loft - with interconnecting rooms and a private entrance.

Rooms

The six upstairs bedrooms are full of traditional country-house charm and good taste, juxtaposing exposed stone with contemporary floral wallpapers.

Handsome brass or wooden beds boast Siberian goose down duvets and vintage Welsh blankets. A Victorian roll top and an old slipper bath are placed eccentrically in two of the rooms - dressing gowns are provided and you'll find plenty of handmade Bramley natural bath and body products.

Room 6 in the Loft is perfect for families with little ones, with its own private entrance and two interconnecting rooms. Extra touches include jugs of fresh flowers, good novels to read, a Roberts radio and smart TVs. Out on the landing you'll find homemade treats (perhaps a Victoria sponge), cafetière coffee and a range of delectable teas with fresh milk. Wake up to a memorable breakfast and plan the day ahead over warm pastries, homemade bread with locally made jams and pastries, or a hearty full English.

Restaurant & bar

You wouldn't expect a menu with such a modern twist in so classic an interior, but the kitchen delivers a range of eclectic offerings, sourcing the best in organic produce, growing herbs in the inn's garden, while other ingredients are as local as can be.

Free-range meat comes from trusted suppliers on the Somerset/Dorset border and everything is handled with aplomb by chef Phil and his team - they even bake their own bread and make the ice creams and sorbets in-house. Typical daily dishes may include confit duck leg with plum and hoisin chutney, followed by Lyme Bay fish curry or venison and wild boar meatloaf with creamed potatoes and pickled onion rings.

For pudding, perhaps try the iced raspberry parfait, peanut sable and caramel, and there's a fine selection of West Country cheeses served with spiced fruit jelly and biscuits, and a decent wine list too. Make sure you're around for the excellent Sunday lunches and summer barbecues.

Things to do

For a fun day out, nothing beats fossil hunting! Charmouth Heritage Centre's wardens not only teach visitors about fossils but how to look for and find them. Out on the beach, you might just be lucky and if so, you can take your fossil home!

A superb Elizabethan home built of golden Ham Hill Stone, head to beautiful Montacute House in Somerset for a culture fix. Its architecture is an exquisite pastiche of Gothic tradition and new Renaissance ideas. The house is filled with historic treasures and a fantastic collection of 17th-century textile samples and artworks, so there's plenty to keep you busy.

Or, explore National Trust property Barrington Court near Ilminster, rescued by Colonel Lyle of the famous Tate & Lyle family and transformed into an idyllic country estate in the 1920s. You'll probably recognise it as one of many National Trust locations featured in the BBC series, Wolf Hall.