I spent three nights at a lovely pub near Malmesbury, about an hour and a half drive from Heathrow. It is fancier than my usual hotel - terry bathrobes! - but lovely location, great service, good food and beer and a country location. They only have three rooms, all with full bath. Full English breakfast (you can have porridge or kippers, if you like). Nearby you can visit Malmesbury, an ancient town, Cirencester, the Cotswolds (we drove to Bibury and Burford), Avebury Circle, etc. Even Bath and Cheltenham are possible.

On Saturday night after a good dinner, we were serenaded by the local pantomine group - they were in full costume after a performance! You could feel part of the community here.

Horse &  Groom Inn, The Street, Charlton, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England http://www.theaa.com/hotels/82611.html

Frances Toronto, Canada