A few sheep are giving me the once-over from the opposite field as I check into the Halfway Bridge Inn, a charming country pub that has been here for over 250 years.
Set within the heart of the South Downs National Park, this rural retreat even features the occasional duck or hen clucking around.
Eight guest bedrooms have recently been added, converted from barns in the former stable yard, and have been done up in a comfortable, cosy style.
I’m calling it country casual: cushions are embroidered with pheasants, there are exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, beds have rattan headboards and woollen throws, while the vintage furniture provides a lived-in feel.
Dinner at the lively, friendly pub is hearty and crowd pleasing, yet accomplished; I have potted shrimps (£12.50) followed by apple and honey-glazed pork belly (£18.50).
USP
For peace, quiet and fresh air, the South Downs offers a range of walking trails tailored to every level.
The inn is equidistant from two picturesque Sussex market towns, Petworth and Midhurst, both filled with eminently Instagrammable tea rooms, antique shops and wisteria-covered buildings.
There is even a jug of real, fresh milk in the mini-fridge. Honestly, I cannot describe how fabulous this is.
Who goes there?
Locals popping in for a pint or ploughman’s at the inn. Guests tend to be couples on a romantic break.
Venture out
BBC1’s The Repair Shop is filmed nearby at the Weald & Downland Living Museum (tickets from £15.50).
Restored buildings, from farmhouses to workers’ cottages, bakeries and smithies are brought to life by costumed volunteers who talk you through each historical period. You might even spot the likes of Jay Blades while filming is going on.
Don’t miss a visit to a nearby National Trust property, the 17th-century Grade I listed Petworth House.
Set in a 700-acre deer park, this Bridgerton-style mansion formerly belonged to the Earls of Northumberland, before passing to the Earls of Egremont. JMW Turner and John Constable were frequent guests and both captured the magnificent house and its parkland (tickets from £16).
Double room and breakfast from £150 per night, halfwaybridge.co.uk
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