4 Best Hotels in The South, England

The 63 acres surrounding this elegant 17th-century country-house hotel retain many original features, including the walls of the kitchen garden (still in use), the apple trees in the former orchard, and a mile-long avenue of linden trees, the longest in the United Kingdom. The house itself is similarly rich in period details such as a baronial staircase, wood paneling with carvings by Grinling Gibbons in the bar, and two fireplaces surrounded by hand-painted Delft tiles (all the rage when the house was built during the reign of William and Mary). Rooms may have original wood shutters and ceiling molding, but the bathrooms have up-to-date electronics and underfloor heating. Smaller, less pricey rooms in one of five extensions are more modern and less distinguished. Don't miss the falconry displays featuring the resident owls and falcons. The hotel is 2½ miles northwest of Winchester.

A thatched roof and flagstone bar are some of the 16th-century features of this small inn, where the individually furnished bedrooms make the most of the original beams, exposed brickwork, and stone fireplaces. There's an extensive garden to sit in, and the sea is a 10-minute walk away. Locally sourced gastropub dishes (such as beer-battered fish-and-chips or a fillet of stone bass with butter beans) are available daily. Local craft beers are a specialty. The place is extremely dog-friendly, so anyone with an aversion to Fido should stay away.

Although deep in the British countryside on a 500-acre estate, this country-house hotel, part of the luxury chain, is only a half hour from Heathrow; the manor house's original wing (the others are more contemporary) dates back to 1728, although luxuries like marble bathrooms and Frette linens are thoroughly modern. Relax in the heated indoor pool and spacious spa offering Dr. Barbara Sturm treatments and hypnotherapy, or enjoy country pursuits like horseback riding (there's an equestrian center), fishing in the stocked pond, falconry, and clay-pigeon shooting. For the more adventurous, there's zip-lining. There are also family-friendly elements, such as a special kids' pool with a waterslide and a supervised kids' club on weekends. Dining options range from a Vietnamese-influenced spa café and a pizzeria to a restaurant serving seasonal Modern British food.

It's worth seeking out this characterful 17th-century "country pub with cottages and rooms," located 10 miles north of Wimborne Minster in a lovely area designated a National Landscape. Despite a stylish makeover, the building retains many of its original period features, such as the bar, flagstone floors, and inglenook fireplace. Bedrooms, some with four-posters, have a country-house feel. Tasty local and seasonal food, like fish tacos with chipotle sour cream or a chicken supreme with gnocchi and oyster mushrooms, is available daily in the bar or in the more formal Shed restaurant on weekends. Dogs are welcome guests.