We’re already pretty much in love with Sonning for its riverside location, tranquility and frisson of excitement that we might bump into gorgeous George Clooney – he’s a local. But The Great House and its Coppa Club restaurant are also a big draw in this chichi Berkshire village. This stylish hotel offers 49 rooms, glam meeting spaces, plus contemporary, bright restaurant, huuuuuuge bar top and lots of nooks and crannies with urbane, retro-ish styling.

The Great House has rooms in varying sizes from Cosy (small) to a two-bed apartment, and you can stay on a room only basis or with supper or breakfast included. Kids and dogs are welcome too. Rooms are located in the Main House, Palace Yard, Coach House & Clock Tower; quirky buildings, each with their own history and character. Outside there’s a lovely lawn that stretches down to the river, terraced dining, igloos, and in the summer, you can snag an outdoor sofa or deckchair. Head out of the gate and you’re straight onto the Thames towpath.

With a setting this pretty, it’s no surprise the hotel is a popular wedding venue for brides and grooms looking to say their ‘I dos’ in a place that’s fancy but fun. The fact you can stagger to bed after a day of eating, drinking and dancing, is the icing on the cake. There’s a separate lawned garden for The Great House’s event guests, so you can spill out from your meeting/party/wedding reception. We likey a lot.