The Langford Inn

A historic village inn on the edge of the Mendip Hills, the Langford Inn has been providing hospitality since the 17th century. But if we're absolutely honest, it's never been quite as good a place to visit as it is now. Part of the local Butcombe group (whose brewery is just five minutes down the road) and one of their Butcombe Boutique Inns, it has a set of guest rooms and suites that would tempt any weary traveller – whether it's for a night, a lazy weekend or even longer – and its two AA-Rosette food makes it a destination dining spot whether you're staying overnight or not. With the Mendips close by, it's a thoroughly appealing rural bolthole.

First the rooms, of which there are 10, occupying a former stable block and ranging from the bright and spacious Blagdon Suite (which has a mezzanine living area) to 'Signature' and 'Luxury' doubles and twins, all furnished in a crisp and contemporary country style, with king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms with Bramley toiletries and rainfall showers. All rooms are a decent size and come with good WiFi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, digital radios and Smart TVs, and they're all dog-friendly, with a small extra charge for pooches.

The inn serves good quality pub food, and naturally beer often features prominently, with wonderful beer-battered fish and chips and 'beer bread', along with great steaks, fish and always a couple of veggie dishes, on what is a seasonal and usually locally sourced menu. They're strong on kids and gluten-free, and the bar and restaurant make for a warm and cosy place to eat in winter, plus there's a garden and enclosed courtyard for warmer summer days.

As for the location, you're very well situated for walks into the Mendip Hills (the pub offers a handy walking guide), but also well placed for Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole Caves and the lakes at Chew Valley and Blagdon. Just five miles from Bristol Airport, the pub is also a good stopover if you want something different from the usual chains.