Crab & Lobster, Chichester, West Sussex

Nearby West Wittering is one of the best beaches in Sussex, with plenty of sand - just be aware, the parking charges are steep.

The hotel is in the middle of the Chichester countryside, with a wildlife reserve and plenty of beaches on your doorstep.
By car: around 2 hours' from Oxford and London, and over an hour from Brighton. Free parking available.
By train: London Victoria to Chichester takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. thetrainline.com

Foodies will like it here - particularly if seafood is your bag - and nature-lovers will enjoy all the different birds they can see. The fish-shaped specials blackboard is a nice touch, and spotting a heron just outside was wonderful.

We love the quality finish in the bedrooms and the thoughtful touch of local guidebooks in the cottage. Fold-out beds can be added to the cottage - the best bet for families - as well as some of the pub bedrooms. Children's portions are available in the restaurant.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Family-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The Deluxe Room with a feature shower nestled in the eaves was our favourite. We also loved the cottage kitchen, and its helpful gadgets and shelves with local books. There are binoculars by the window in the some of the rooms to help you look for birds on the marsh.

Standard Room, Deluxe Room, Crab Cottage
Facilities include: ensuite with Noble Isle toiletries, fresh-cut flowers, flatscreen TV, iPod dock sound system, free Wi-Fi

The presentation of the dishes is modern, colourful and creative, and the baked crab was a wonderful comfort dish on a miserable day.

Crab & Lobster: gastropub, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus. Mains include pan-fried fish of the day, Selsey crab thermidor and rump of lamb. Open daily from 12pm (hours of service will vary).