Gin enthusiasts will love the interactive Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery tour in Laverstoke. You’ll learn about the history of the brand before entering the scent room where you’ll then select the botanical fragrances that appeal to your taste before enjoying a cocktail at the end.

Oakley Hall – just a 10 minute drive away – has partnered with the distillery and is the perfect countryside retreat for the weekend when you’re visiting the area. Set in 315 acres of sprawling acres of grounds and woodland, this beautiful Georgian mansion is home to 50 luxurious rooms and a quaint garden cottage. The 18th century architecture has been complimented with modernised touches in its decor.

Equally charming are the courtyard rooms, located at the back of the building behind the bar area. Our home for the night, I found the room to be spacious, clean and luxurious, while sleep was a dream thanks to the crisp Egyptian cotton linen on the super king-size bed.

The gem for me in Oakley Hall is the 2 AA Rosette Glasshouse Restaurant. They follow the ‘field-to-fork’ philosophy, meaning all their produce is locally sourced while herbs, vegetables and fruit are grown in their own gardens. The Crab Tian to start was light and fresh, while the Mackerel is wonderfully cured giving it an abundance of flavour.

The Pork Duo was excellent. Slow-cooked pig cheeks and tenderloin roulade, both were tender and enhanced in taste thanks to the ‘home-grown’ apple wedges and cider sauce.

Whether you’re visiting for the gin, the fine dining, the promise of a good night’s sleep or even if you’re looking to partake in the archery or clay pigeon shooting, Oakley Hall Hotel shoots and scores on every target.

Fore more information visit www.oakleyhall-park.com