The Wheatsheaf Combe Hay, Bath

We love sitting on the lawned terrace watching woodsmoke drift lazily from the chimneys of the village houses.

Combe Hay is a small, traditional village in the Cotswolds AONB around four miles outside Bath.
By car: The Wheatsheaf is 2 hours 10 mins from Birmingham, 2 hours 35 mins from London and 3 hours 40 mins from Manchester. There is free parking at the pub.
By train: London Paddington to Bath Spa takes 1 hour 20 mins. The pub is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. thetrainline.com

The inn suits foodies or walkers who want a relaxing base from which to visit Bath. The garden has a fire pit and a covered terrace but comes into its own in summer, with a pizza oven and a pop-up comedy festival.

The Wheatsheaf has won awards for being dog friendly so there is no better place for your pooch. All rooms accept dogs and there are lots of great walks nearby. We like that glamping is on offer in the summer, with three bell tents available, each with a log-burner and private shower room.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Beer garden
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The less expensive Shed rooms are close to the village and look stylishly up-to-date, with king-size beds. The in-room amenities - which include an iron, hairdryer and tuck boxes full of fresh coffee, tea and snacks - are very thoughtful.

The Shed rooms, The Wendy House, Luxury Tents
Facilities include: ensuite shower room, The White Company toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

We love that the inn procures many of its ingredients itself, with an on-site allotment and most of the game birds shot by the kitchen team. Our favourite dish is a prettily presented, well executed loin of pan-roasted venison with sweet potato gratin, haggis croquettes and blackberry jus.

The Wheatsheaf: modern British cuisine, kitchen garden, steaks, pub classics. Open Tues-Sat for lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunchtime. Mains from £12.