Esseborne Manor sits gracefully atop a hill in the North Wessex Downs, above the lovely Bourne Valley and has served as a private country retreat for 80 years. The dining area adorned with log fires and fabric lined walls overlooking the garden provides a warm setting for guests to savour some appetising classic dishes.

At dinner time 'menu du vin' could feature a homemade carrot soup, melon and Parma ham, grilled rump steak and chocolate, mango and raspberry mousse with passion fruit ice cream. From the à la carte you might consider dishes such as wood pigeon accompanied by beetroot panna cotta and a walnut tuile before weighing up the respective merits of sliced fillet of Angus beef against the pan fried fillet of monkfish with Parmentier and truffle sauce. For many the baked apple with apple bavarois and baby pineapple tart tatin would be inevitable.

Beautiful countryside walks and a fitness centre nearby should help you keep your calories under check.