Best Western Royal Chase Hotel

Formerly a 17th-century monastery, the Best Western Royal Chase is housed in beautiful tree-lined grounds close to the centre of Shaftesbury. Its tucked-away location adds a soothing sense of calm, and the friendly local service team don't burst the bubble. In the Byzant restaurant, the kitchen turns out unfussy dishes such as forestiere terrine with home-made chutney, Dorset leaves and home-baked bread, followed perhaps by the likes of pan-fried fillet of sea bass with dauphinoise potatoes, shellfish bisque and samphire, and for dessert, chocolate cheesecake with pistachio ice cream. If you've got the kids in tow, check out their special menu in the family-orientated country bar.