Trot off to new hotel

This has to be one of the most unusual hotel names ever: The Pig – In the Wall. But then the Southampton shabby chic property is set within the port’s historic medieval walls. And it is the sibling of The Pig – In the Forest, the award-winning Brockenhurst-based country hotel.

The Pig – In the Wall has 12 rooms with prices from £115 a night and offers “a touch of luxury combined with homely charm”. The bedrooms boast assorted furnishings, comfy beds, “larders” stocked with snacks and drinks and Nespresso machines. And they are divided into “Snug”: quiet, intimate and quirky rooms located in the eaves, with original beams, slanted ceilings and walk-in monsoon showers; “Comfy” with 6ft beds and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers and “Spacious”, with the added benefit of a stand-alone roll top bath, some being in the bedroom.

The little piglet also has a lounge serving salads and light bites such as charcuterie boards, together with great wines by the glass. It’s also a place where you can pop in for a coffee and a pastry.

There’s no restaurant but guests can get free transfers to The Pig – In the Forest just 20 minutes away.

See www.thepighotel.com or call 08450 779 494.