The Pig near Bath

The Pig (or more accurately, The Pig Near Bath, as there’s a whole sty of Pig Hotels scattered across the South West), is a mellow country stay perfect for foodies.

The hotel describes itself as a ‘restaurant with rooms’. Don’t let that fool you. This charmingly laid-back manor is no simple country inn, but there is a big focus on food here, with a vibrant kitchen garden complete with a smoke house and a beehive providing much of the menu of The Greenhouse restaurant. The grounds  are open to guests, who are encouraged to explore the Smoke House, kitchen garden and wild flower orchard.

Upstairs and in the adjoining barn, 29 rooms offer rustic chic. Each is unique and ranges in size from Snug to Comfy – the ‘Big Comfy Luxe’ rooms boast four-poster beds and freestanding baths.

This is definitely not a stuffy stay – the vibe is relaxed, and the Pig encourages guests to ‘wear your best dress or your comfiest trainers’.

It’s tempting to stay put and ramble around the gardens (there are wellies available to borrow), but the bright lights of Bath are just a short drive away. The city centre is a 20-minute drive.