1. Crab & Lobster, Sidlesham, West Sussex

Favoured for fabulous seafood and luxurious rooms, enjoy serene views across marsh and sea at this seashore hideaway.

Crab and Lobster is a stone's throw from picturesque Pagham Harbour, this seashore inn has resided here for an amazing 350 years - and it certainly looks the part of a historic seaside hideaway. With an exterior boasting a whitewashed facade and classic Sussex tiles, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

Inside, delight in its gorgeous period charm with low ceilings, flagged floors, wooden beams and open fires. Despite its strong historic legacy, the Crab & Lobster embraces the 21st century - its stylish rooms and innovative menu exude a contemporary feel whilst still maintaining a sense of authenticity.

2. The Mayflower, Lymington, Hampshire

Harbourside inn offering superb dining and six stylish nautical-themed guest rooms with coastal views.

The Mayflower is the perfect Hampshire base for those craving a relaxing retreat by the sea, with views over the historic Lymington harbour, and the New Forest on the doorstep. The inn, named after the original radio beacon ship responsible for beaming the very first radio signal to the Isle of Wight, boasts superb dining and stylish rooms with coastal views

1. Crab & Lobster, West Sussex

Theatre buffs shouldn't miss nearby Chichester Festival Theatre, one of Britain's most prestigious provincial theatres and an instantly recognisable landmark. Recently restored and attracting fabulous acting talent, it's the perfect place to see top quality productions before they head to the West End. Set in large grounds, theatre lovers can bring picnics in summer or visit the nearby bars and restaurants.

For those who fancy testing their sea legs, Chichester Harbour Water Tours offers daily boat trips - a brilliant way to discover one of Britain's wonderful natural harbours, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy some time on the waves!

Back on land, West Sussex boasts marvellous beaches, with West Wittering beach (pictured above) being a real local highlight. South-west of Chichester, this stretch of coast is particularly popular with wind and kite surfers.

2. The Mayflower, Hampshire

Based in Lymington, a Georgian port town in Hampshire, The Mayflower is perfectly placed for the best of both the sea and land - right on the coast and next to the southern edge of the New Forest, so there's plenty of natural attractions to explore and activities to try out.

Situated a short walk from Lymington Nature Reserve, which comprises lagoons, reeds beds, salt marsh and mud flats, and provides rich feeding grounds for a wide variety of birds, including a nationally important breeding population of little terns. While there's no direct access to this fragile landscape, you can walk along the sea wall and admire the stunning views across the Solent to Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight (pictured above). The Mayflower is on the Solent Way, a 60-mile long footpath that follows the coastline from Milford-on-Sea to Emsworth Harbour.

For something more cultural, head to Beaulieu to explore its world-renowned motoring museum, country house and medieval abbey, or explore Calshot Castle and the historic town of Christchurch across the border in Dorset.