A Hampshire property set in a 17th-century manor house has become the latest member of the 50-strong Pride of Britain hotel collection.

Lainston House, near Winchester, was originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren as a rural bolthole for King Charles II, who used the mansion to spend time with his mistress Louise de Kérouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth.

It joins a group of some of the finest hotels across the UK, each of which is dedicated to providing the finest hospitality to its guests. The self-imposed limit of 50 members ensures that each hotel keeps its quality standards high and maintains a sense of exclusivity.

Gardens and dining

The latest addition sits in 63 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland and features reception rooms with open log fires and wood panelling, combined with 50 rooms and suites, many featuring antique furniture, roll-top baths and garden views.

Food options include fine-dining restaurant The Avenue, named after the mile-long corridor of lime trees which it overlooks. It features a six-course tasting menu and vegetarian tasting menu, alongside à la carte options such as Venison loin with parsnip, quince, cappuccino and garlic, and Crown prince ravioli with chestnut, pear, rosemary goat’s curd and nori.

The Cedar Bar meanwhile has wooden panelling carved from cedar wood by English sculptor Grinling Gibbons around 1700. The bar also serves a classic afternoon tea.

Country pursuits

If they want to get out and about, guests can take part in a falconry experience featuring the hotel’s resident birds of prey, in addition to a variety of country pursuits, including clay pigeon shooting and fishing. The hotel has also partnered with Cycle Tours UK to provide guests with bicycles to explore the local area.

An overnight stay at Lainston House costs from £168 per room total/£84 pp (two sharing), including full English breakfast. To book, call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).