The White Hart, Great Yeldham

With gardens, open fireplaces and traditional wooden beams, this beautiful 15th-century inn offers free internet and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant using local, seasonal ingredients.

The White Hart is on the Essex/Suffolk border and about 10 miles from Braintree. It has 4-star awards from Visit Britain (Gold Award) and the AA.

Rooms at The White Hart are in a quiet, separate block. Each room has a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee. The White Hart also has an executive guest lounge.

At the Essex Food & Drink Awards 2009, the restaurant won the 'Exciting Wine' award, and came second in the 'Best Hotel Restaurant' award.