The Ram Inn, Firle, East Sussex

Firle is delightful, the quintessential English village. It seems to be from a bygone age, with no street lamps, through traffic or yellow lines, and roads and tracks that lead to open fields.

Explore the South Downs or embark on a circular walk from the pub. Brighton and Eastbourne are both 30 minutes by car.
By car: 2 hours from London, 2 hours 15 minutes from Oxford and 3 hours from Birmingham. Free parking on-site.
By train: London Victoria to Lewes takes around an hour. It's a 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel. thetrainline.com

More adult-orientated than for families, it's ideal for singletons, couples and groups of family or friends of all ages who appreciate a restful rural getaway. We loved the boisterous atmosphere in the bar in the evening, with a crackling fire, good beers and food. What more could you want?

The Ram Inn has managed to create a great old country pub atmosphere.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Well behaved dogs are allowed in the pub and for a small daily fee dogs are welcome to stay.

The Bloomsbury room is large, with light grey walls and overall a black and white look. There are two armchairs, a desk, big comfy bed, and a bright, white-tiled bathroom. It has a view of the Downs. Rooms are characterful, with wooden beams, freestanding baths, and antique lamps.

Blackcap, Bo Peep, Beanstalk, Bloomsbury, Beacon View, Birdcage
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes, hairdryer, duck down duvets and pillows, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

Dishes are of a high standard, served in lovely, cosy surroundings. We loved the unusual compotes for breakfast including raspberry and fig cooler, caramelised pineapple and pink peppercorn. The kippers with lemon butter were also good.

The Ram Inn: village pub, cosy atmosphere. Locally sourced produce, seasonal daily menus. Open daily, food served 9am-9pm. Mains from £12.