Marwell Hotel Winchester, Hampshire - SAVE £20 per night

A unique safari lodge-style hotel on the edge of the South Downs National Park in Winchester, with three AA Rosette dining – includes a decadent seven-course tasting menu dinner and more gourmet fare

For wildlife lovers who fancy the idea of staking out tigers, cheetahs, snow leopards, giraffes and other endangered species without having to squint through a pair of binoculars, the setting of this safari-themed hotel couldn’t be more spot-on. The architect’s vision of bringing an African colonial-style lodge to the county of Hampshire has been a roaring success.

Overlooking the gorgeous woodlands, the leisure club is kitted out with a spa pool, and state-of-the-art running machines. Hotel guests are welcome to use all the facilities.

Under the helm of Executive Chef Phil Yeomans (previously at The Dorchester, Harvey Nichols, Soho House and Winchester’s Lainston House Hotel), the two AA Rosette-awarded Dining Room presents modern English fare prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Both an a la carte and tasting menu are available.

There’s also the all-day Lounge & Bar for light meals, snacks, drinks, and a tempting cocktail menu. Afternoon teas with finger sandwiches, cakes, hand-made scones with clotted cream and jam and sparkling wine or champagne are served daily, but bookings are highly recommended.