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ention to friends that you’re ‘going to the pub’ for the weekend, and they may get the wrong idea. But at the Rockford Inn, on the Devon and Somerset border, drinking real ale is only part of the experience (albeit a pleasurable one).

Across the road from this 17th-century watering hole, the East Lyn River tumbles its way down the valley, washing over rocks bordered by tree-covered banks.

From mid-March onwards you can bring your fishing rod, (fishing is the nation's favourite pastime) – the rock-pools are teeming with salmon, and if you don’t catch them, the cheeky herons will.

If fishing’s not your bag, then how about a walk? The Samaritans Way footpath –connecting Bristol and Lynmouth – runs alongside the river, all the way through the Brendon Valley, and if you keep an eye out you might even spot the odd wild boar snuffling about in the leaves.

After a day out in the fresh air and delicious fish and chips (the portions are enormous), you probably won’t want to move from the pub. And why should you? There are five cosy rooms upstairs, so feel free to hit the hay whenever you’re ready.