Lainston House ★★★★★

For the explorers, the food lovers and the do it differently-ers. From the outside, Lainston House is a beautiful, Queen Anne red brick hotel with 63 acres of gorgeous grounds in Winchester, Hampshire. But this isn’t your average country house estate. Here you’ll find adventure round every corner, from our walled garden hosting cookery classes and extraordinary events, to walking trails and world-renowned fly fishing in the Test Valley. Redefining country house hotel stays, we invite you to bring your wildest dreams so we can help you tick them off your bucket list.

One thing about adventures is they tend to work up a hefty appetite, so it’s fortunate that Lainston House is full of opportunities for feasting. The Avenue restaurant, named after the stunning avenue of lime trees leading up to the house, serves up a tantalizing tasting menu with a BBC MasterChef: The Professionals champion at the helm. Meanwhile, The Wellhouse is one of the only UK restaurants where every dish is cooked by woodfire. Its historic, rustic-luxe atmosphere and deep, smoky flavors make for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Oh and if that wasn't enough to whet your appetite, you can get adventurous with your culinary skills too at Season cookery school.

Perfectly located in the heart of Hampshire just 10 minutes from the center of Winchester, Lainston House makes a great base for walking or cycling the South Downs Way, visiting Goodwood, Broadlands, Carfest and also staying the night before you head to Southampton to join your cruise.