Pembroke Arms, Wilton, Wiltshire

Rather usefully, there is a bus stop directly outside the inn, meaning that guests can easily catch the bus up the road into Salisbury. Wilton has some attractive historic buildings of its own and is well worth exploring too.

The hotel is in the middle of the market town of Wilton. The remains of the Old Sarum Iron Age fort (and accompanying museum) are around a 10-minute drive away.
By car: around 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol, 2 hours 30 minutes from London and 4 hours 10 minutes from Manchester. There is free parking available on-site.
By train: direct trains run to Salisbury Station from London Waterloo (1 hour 30 minutes), Cardiff Central (2 hours 5 minutes) and Portsmouth Harbour (1 hour). The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from Salisbury Station. thetrainline.com

The hotel suits couples, friends and families with well-behaved children who fancy exploring Salisbury but enjoying the quiet life just outside the city. We love the interesting old knick-knacks that are dotted about, especially the full suits of armour and the grandfather clocks.

There is ample parking directly outside, just behind the inn, which is convenient.

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

We like that each room comes with a vintage-style tea tray, in keeping with the character of the hotel. Our favourite room is the triple room dressed in patterned scarlet wallpaper, one of two triple rooms containing a double and a single bed.

Small Double, Standard Double, Triple, Twin, Family rooms
Facilities include: full down duvets and pillows, ensuite bathroom, free toiletries, fluffy towels, TV, Sony music station, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities

There's a good range of vegetarian and vegan options, often with a Middle Eastern influence. Our favourite dish is the grass-fed ribeye steak which comes with a tasty smoked-garlic butter.

Restaurant: relaxed, modern British and Middle Eastern cuisine, local produce. Open daily 12-2pm and 6.30-8.30pm (9pm on weekends). Mains from £13.