Berkshire

Smart, welcoming 18th-century coaching inn right in the centre of lively Goring – just a stone's throw from the Thames

There's even a Thelwell pony in the paddock at this pretty farmhouse in a secluded, idyllic valley near Lambourn

Expect fun nights in with the horse-racing set at this 17th century inn. Light-filled rooms, good food and gin cocktails await

You’ll feel like you’re staying at a sophisticated hotel near the Taj Mahal but this is a smart town in Berkshire. The gin menu is superb

Clopping hooves outside, candles on the table and partridge on your plate, before you retire to a Hunter liveried bedroom above…

Traditional charm and comfort for two, close to Windsor’s treasures and to Eton, London and Heathrow airport

Bed down in rooms with views over village square or wicker-seated garden after dining on inventive use of ingredients - and real ale

This famous old country house might not come cheap, but where else can you splash out in such decadent style for life’s big celebrations?