The Dial House

Highly idiosyncratic and seriously fun, this hotel features bedrooms themed on the Georgian Grand Tour and Victorian global gallivanting. The interiors are ‘a joy – quirky, and constantly brought a smile to my face’. A reader sampled China room, in blue and white, with bamboo wallpaper, as well as Africa, with animal prints, tribal artefacts, and a roll-top bath at the foot of the bed. ‘Both were beautifully decorated and furnished, and very comfortable, with splendid marble bathrooms.’ The hotel, previously owned by Hannah Springham and Andrew Jones, is now under new owners who plan to keep things largely as they were. There is currently no restaurant, although there are plans for tapas-style meals. However, an artisanal bakery serves delicious freshly baked goods and the best coffee, seven days a week.  (Julie Smith, MH, and others)