Oakley Hall Hotel

Rectory Road, Oakley, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Just far enough from London to be justifiably called a weekend escape for city dwellers, Oakley Hall once plied its trade as a leading conference hotel. But it’s always promised so much more, with an 18th-century farmhouse setting and sprawling grounds providing the ideal backdrop for a country house hotel in the truest sense. A recent 18-month refurbishment has seen all bedrooms upgraded, adding another 29 in the process. While the entry-level rooms are still geared toward business guests, with pared-back design and basic bathrooms, the suites are worthy of the grand building, location and setting. Four-posters and 48-inch TVs come as standard, with Italian fixtures and fittings of the highest quality. The Glasshouse restaurant is certainly in keeping with the site. Most produce is sourced within 50 miles, while many of the vegetables are grown in the kitchen garden. The Laverstoke pork (from a farm seven miles away) with potato Duchesse is the stand-out dish, and toffee apple délice the top pudding. Plenty of country pursuits are available: clay pigeon shooting offers international-level tuition and difficulty can be scaled for the experience of the group. Croquet and archery can also be arranged, though the real treat is heading to the River Test for a morning’s fly fishing, followed by afternoon tea. MS. Doubles from £129