Masons Arms

This "idyllic countryside haven" is a wonderfully atmospheric 14th-century inn that sits in Branscombe, one of England’s prettiest villages, surrounded by rolling fields and close to the Jurassic Coast. With low ceilings, timber beams, parquet flooring and boutique rooms, it’s a proper rural escape with some seriously good walking within easy reach. There’s a garden for warmer days, while the open fire adds cosiness when the weather takes a turn. Owned by St Austell Brewery and renovated by them in 2022, the Masons Arms was listed as one of the 'Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK' in 2024 by The Times.

The 28 en-suite bedrooms are split between above the pub and nearby terraced cottages, offering anything from 'Cosy Double' and 'Accessible Double' to 'Standard Family', sleeping up to four. Choose a spacious, high-ceilinged 'Branscombe' and savour unique features such as a rolltop bath and private patio. Some rooms have views across the valley, and all have tea- and coffee-making facilities, luxury toiletries, WiFi, a hairdryer and an iron. There are also dog-friendly options – £20 per pooch, but for that, you get a hamper with treats.

The kitchen combines refined pub classics with seasonal plates and local ingredients. Dishes include the likes of pan-roasted chicken supreme with truffled potato salad, gammon steak with pineapple salsa and St Ewe fried eggs, and vegan fish and chips made with banana blossom. There’s an excellent selection of beers, ales, spritzes and wines, and their Sunday roast is a particular draw after a morning discovering the coast. Breakfast is included for overnight guests, giving you plenty of fuel for the day ahead.

Branscombe is widely believed to be Britain’s longest village, stretching about 3.5 miles to the sea. Wander a quarter of an hour down to the pebbly beach and pick up the South West Coast Path, where Beer is reachable in 60 minutes or so eastwards. Sidmouth, in the other direction, is more of an adventure, taking around 3.5 hours. Cycling enthusiasts should head to Seaton – a family-friendly, flat, smooth route that follows the Axe Valley. Back at the Masons Arms, the pace is slower: relax in the garden or find a corner beside the fire, depending on the season.