R

ooms with views are pretty much a given these days but what about a pool with view? At the family-run Knoll House, you can relax into the hot tub or swim a few lengths, with the rolling hills of the Downs all around you.

Alternatively, though, if you prefer your water with sand and salt, you’ve got Studland Bay just five-minutes’ walk away.

This three-mile stretch of beach is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and once you’re here you can sail, wind-surf or just laze about on your beach towel for the day. Whatever you get up to, though, you might want to get back to Knoll in time for tea.

That’s afternoon tea, and it‘s taken as it should be – out on the terrace – along with giant-sized scones packed with stiff cream and thick strawberry jam. It’s worth tearing yourself away from eating (even just for five minutes) to take in the view of Old Harry Rocks and the ferries coming out of Poole harbour.

The only question now is how to burn off those calories? Back to the pool, we say...