The Swan at Streatley, Coppa Club

Sitting pretty along the River Thames, sandwiched between the historic villages of Goring and Streatley, this perfectly positioned hotel is an idyllic escape for a weekend away. Part of the expanding 'Coppa Club' group, which has a range of properties throughout the Southeast, it's a deliberately chic property with neutral tones and clean décor that retains its cosiness through plush carpets and comfy sofas. On-site, there’s a riverside café-bar that opens out to a manicured with deck chairs and picnic benches, and waterside dining at the adjoining Coppa Club restaurant, and if the surrounding countryside isn’t enough for you, the impressive gym runs daily classes and there’s a yoga studio overlooking the water, too.

The hotel is dog friendly, and in fact has everything a dog-owner could want for a staycation with their mutt. Ground floor, river-facing rooms have direct access to a lawn, the dog will get a blanket, bowl and biscuits, and those walks along the river are a beautiful way to start the day. Other rooms are equally comfortable – even the so-called 'cosy' doubles squeeze in a desk, and all have good wifi, TVs with Freeview, coffee- and tea-making facilities and a fridge stocked with fresh milk and complimentary water. The best rooms have views of the river Thames, and there are also a couple of a spacious family suites with space for two adults and two children.

The Swan at Streatley's sociable downstairs spaces are great places to relax and enjoy the Coppa Club's  “unfussy” menu, which features small plates, pasta, pizza and salads , along with options for vegans and for those who are gluten-free. The surroundings are elegant, understated and contemporary, and make the most of the views over the river, while you're also close to lots of interesting places to visit.  The National Trust’s Lardon Chase, Holies and Lough Down properties are nearby, and ample woodland and rolling hills make for brilliant walks with glorious views over the Goring Gap. Nearby Beale Park is great for kids, and a 10-minute drive (or a couple hours' walk along the river) takes you to the market town of Wallingford, where the ruins of a Norman castle sit just beyond the river. Whether you’re here to work or play, this place works as both a getaway from the city and a terrific place to stay, too.