Giddy up! This is a pony you’re going to want to back. The Running Horse, located in the cute village of Littleton near Winchester, is a charming country pub with characterful rooms, part of the Upham Inns collection.

Stepping inside, visitors are treated to a cosy vibe, full of eclectic charm and, with a nod to its name, even the odd polo mallet knocking around. The food – and drink – is a big draw. The kitchen serves everything from breakfast to bar snacks, with local and seasonal ingredients and traditional British cuisine firmly at the centre of the offerings.

If you’re looking to stay the night, there are 15 rooms (catering for singletons right up to a family of four) each with its own individual charm for a relaxing night’s sleep. Being so close to Winchester (the Cathedral is a mere 2.7 miles away), it’s the perfect countryside stop off for sightseeing around the county capital. Time saddle up and go for a hack.