WINTER boltholes

Hearty food for a crowd to tuck into.Use our recipe for salt beef brisket(right) or swap for other cooked meat.

- CHRIS MORLEY

BEST FOR Coast and country charm

Masons Arms, Devon

The newly refurbished Masons Arms in Branscombe village offers 28 boutique-style rooms with modern comforts, like Hypnos mattresses, in a thatched, low-beamed pub that's been here since the 14th century, when it used to serve cider to local quarrymen.

While away an afternoon next to the open fire, reading or playing board games. Or go for a breezy beach walk, 10 minutes away, where you can pick up the South West Coast Path. When you've worked up an appetite, peruse the menu for comfort food (leave room for the saffron bun and butter pud) or warm up with coffee and cake (served daily).

BEST FOR Historic surroundings

Middlethorpe Hall and Spa, Yorkshire