The Black Lion, Long Melford, Suffolk

Long Melford's long high street is peppered with antique and curio shops but without the tweeness of The Cotswolds.

The hotel is in the traditional Suffolk village of Long Melford, between the Village Green and medieval church.
By car: Ipswich, Colchester, Cambridge and Chelmsford are all around an hour away, Bury St Edmunds is 30 mins away. London is 2 hours 15 mins' drive and Birmingham is around 2 hours 30 mins. The hotel offers limited free parking.
By train: London Liverpool Street to Sudbury train station (via Marks Tey) takes around 1 hour 20 mins. The station is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. thetrainline.com

The Black Lion is great for a couple escaping for the weekend and craving fresh air, good food and undemanding country walks. Revamped in recent years, the comfy lounge is perfect for browsing newspapers and magazines.

The circular walk to historic Lavenham nearby is lovely. Arrive, drop your bags, stroll on the green and wander back for a drink or two before dinner. They are very welcoming to dogs and their owners, with all rooms bar the family suite open to pets, who are provided with a blanket and treats.

• Terrace
• Beer garden
• Pub
• Restaurant
• Afternoon tea
• Pet-friendly
• Family rooms
• Bridal suite

The dual-aspect Luxury rooms, on the corner overlooking the village green, are the best, and of these the Grand Luxury Suite - room 2 - is the very best. But even the so-called 'snug' rooms are a decent size and the location is very peaceful.

Snug, Luxury, Grand Luxury Suite, Family Suite
Facilities include: large double bed, Egyptian cotton sheets and wool throws, traditional bath with overhead shower, flat screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi, Bramley bath and body products

Despite a simple menu, the presentation of the food is superb, and they do excellent fish and chips.

The Black Lion: seasonal ingredients, regional produce, refined European-inspired dishes. Open Weds-Sun for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £15, two-course set lunch £16.