Oh, we love it when we find an under-the-radar hotel, and Downham Hall is a real goodie. A rural country house hotel with modern appeal (thanks to a recent and stylish renovation), it’s geared up for your every whim – from weddings and afternoon teas to cosy couple stays and candlelit dinners.

Dating back to the 1700s, and once home to the De Beauvoir family, this boutique stay has bags of character and charm and prides itself on its ‘home from home’ appeal. There are five contemporary rooms (all with stunning views of the surrounding countryside) to choose from but our favourite has to be The Garden Suite with its fab floral wallpaper, Super King bed and walk-in-shower.

Downstairs there’s a small but elegant dining room, bar area and light-filled orangery, which opens out onto a sweet little sun trap of a courtyard. That’s not all. There’s also a raised terrace, modern marquee and lush gardens (often visited by a gaggle of geese from the neighbouring farm). There’s even a swing hanging from an oak tree – it doesn’t get cuter than that, right?!

A standout wedding or occasion venue, it’s also upping its restaurant game with a new and inventive local head chef. Think beautifully-plated British dishes made using locally-sourced ingredients. Oh, and the afternoon tea is amazing, too. We’ve got our eye on the G&T pairing. Obviously.