Easy to spot thanks to its handsome porte-cochère frontage, The Grosvenor hotel in Stockbridge has serious history. It was built by Robert Grosvenor, 1st Marquess of Westminster, in 1825 and has stood on the High Street for nearly 200 years.

Then, as it is now, the tiny, picturesque town was a haven for country pursuits like flyfishing in the crystal-clear waters of the River Test – all of which remains a big draw for many guests of the Grosvenor.

Beautifully restored in 2020-21, with stylish, contemporary decor, the 34-bedroom hotel serves as a base for weekend visitors escaping the city and also features impressive event spaces, popular for weddings, private dining, parties and more.

Climb the stairs to one of The Grosvenor’s 18 characterful bedrooms in the Main House, or check in to one of the 13 dog-friendly garden rooms in the Mews. For larger groups, there’s the rather lovely three-bedroom Tap Cottage, between 15th Century St Peter’s Church and the hotel.

So named because it was once the town’s actual market (we told you this place had history), The Grosvenor’s elegant on-site Market Room restaurant makes the most of lovely local ingredients like Chalkstream trout and Hampshire beef.