The yellow submarine in the grounds and a hedge sculpture of a giraffe set the scene at this playful, quirky hotel, in a traditional honey-stone building that is both family and dog friendly. Homewood exudes eclectic eccentricity: reception has a plethora of clocks, and a seating area has rows of copper kettles, while the dining room has a wall adorned with antique plates, another with dried flowers. Part of Ian and Christa Taylor's Kaleidoscope Collection (see The Bird, Bath), it's all good fun, and there's a complimentary pantry with jars of sweets, soft drinks and fresh milk. Bedrooms are all different but even the least expensive ones have mood lighting, an espresso machine and luxury toiletries, while some suites have their own hot tubs. Some of the decor is unexpected, with unusual modern art – or even a series of crochet circles – on the wall . In Olio restaurant and on the terrace, Mediterranean-influenced dishes include whole sea bass with olive tapenade, BBQ rubbed pork loin steak or wild mushroom gnocchi. You can wallow in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub well into the evening, and there's a boutique spa for treatments.