Take a seat on the terrace at The Old Granary, a former grain house turned brilliant pub on the banks of the River Frome in the old Saxon town of Wareham, for beautiful views of the river and over towards the Purbeck Hills. What could be nicer on a summer’s day? And if it’s cold or wet, you can cosy up inside by the fireside. Bliss.

Part of the Hall & Woodhouse family, the riverside pub serves up a menu inspired by home cooking. You’ll find pub classics like Steak and Tanglefoot Ale pie, Badger Beer battered fish and chips, their famous double cheeseburgers with skin on fries, as well as small plates (chorizo, pickled pineapple & hot honey, falafel bites), loaded hash browns and house favourites like blackened harissa flat-iron chicken, nourish bowl and all kinds of puds. They’ve always got great offers.

Just want a drink? You’ve got to try a glass of Badger Beer – brewed by Hall & Woodhouse just down the road in Blandford Forum – though of course, if you prefer lager, cider, wine, a G&T, soft drink or a cocktail, who are we to argue?

There’s lots to do round about – cycling through Rempstone Forest, kayaking and paddle-boarding on the River Frome,  horse riding through the countryside – and there are loads of walking routes (by the way, the pub loves dogs).

Very conveniently, some of Dorset’s greatest attractions are close by, including Corfe Castle and Swanage, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, the Bovington Tank Museum, Monkey World, Brownsea Island and Poole Harbour – and you’re surrounded by beautiful Dorset countryside.

Opening hours: Mon to Fri 10am – 10pm; Sat 10am – 10.30pm; Sun 10am – 9pm. Food service: Mon to Sat 10am – 9pm; Sun 12pm – 8pm.