Hotel Du Vin, Exeter, Devon

A leisurely ten-minute stroll leads you to the historic quayside, where an array of boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants await. You can also find convenient rentals for bikes, SUP boards and kayaks, enabling you to embark on exciting adventures along the coast.

Located in the heart of Exeter, Hotel Du Vin is just a 10-minute walk from the central train station with mainline links from London, and just six-miles from the M5.

By train: Exeter St David's is a 25-minute walk or short taxi ride from the hotel, reached in around 3 hours from London Waterloo, 1 hour from Bristol, and 3 hours 30 mins from Penzance. Book trains to Exeter St David's.

By car: Exeter is around 4 hours' drive from London, under 2 hours from Brighton and 1 hour from Plymouth. On-site parking costs £15 per day.

Set within an eye-catching red-brick Victorian structure, the hotel offers modern and minimalist interiors throughout. The clean and contemporary design extends to every corner, and whilst it may not emphasise personal touches, the hotel ensures a comfortable stay and serves as an ideal base for your adventures. A charming walled garden adds a touch of beauty to the overall ambience.

Treat yourself to a cocktail whilst you sit in a deck chair well into the afternoon, following the sun's warm rays across the meticulously maintained lawn. For those travelling with furry companions, the hotel offers dog-friendly bedrooms complete with a bowl and blanket and dogs are happily welcomed in the bar area.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Library
• Garden
• Pet-friendly
• Parking at £15 per day
• Free Wi-Fi

Lounge in plush beds and enjoy the Egyptian cotton sheets and soft, white fluffy towels. Each room offers a clean and contemporary aesthetic, complemented by vibrant colour accents and original artwork. Bathrooms offer spacious rain showers and pampering amenities provided by L'Occitane.

Room types: Single, Cosy, Classic, Deluxe rooms, Junior Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, luxury toiletries, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

With an emphasis on seasonality, expect Modern British cuisine with a French home-style cooking influence. Bistro-style classics are served up alongside a superb selection of wines with a knowledgeable sommelier to make recommendations. We loved the herb-crusted cod with Brussels sprout, confit potato écrasée and sun-blush tomato chutney was hearty and wholesome, followed by fresh, floral raspberry and elderflower trifle.

Bistro: classic French bistro menu. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Mains from £7.95.

Bar: cocktails, bar food and (of course) wine. Open daily 12-11pm. Plates from £7.95.