THE Masons Arms, dating back to the 14th century on Devon’s stunning Jurassic Coast, is a truly delightful hotel, as Iwan Davies found on a weekend break.

DISCOVERING the Masons Arms, and the charming village of Branscombe and its picturesque surroundings, was a piece of seemingly outrageous good fortune that you feel you just have to share with others.

This most marvellous of revelations thoroughly deserves to be praised to the rafters.

This award-winning hotel, pub and restaurant with its wonderful staff is just a 10-minute walk from Branscombe Beach and around the same time in the car away from the delights of Lyme Regis just over the border in Dorset, this is an ideal base to explore a gorgeous part of the world.

It is a gateway to lovely beaches and the spectacular walks offered by 95 miles of both counties’ Jurassic Coast.

The Masons Arms is a thatched inn that dates back to 1350, a former cider house which was named in honour of the thirsty men who drank here in between cutting the stone used to build Exeter Cathedral.

You’ll instantly fall for the timber frames, low beamed ceilings, pine cladding, whitewashed walls and a roaring fire to go with the relaxed and friendly feeling and the prospect of lazing in the sun at the tables outside.

I was lucky to visit here on a glorious sunny weekend with my wife and 13-year-old daughter in June which coincided with my birthday (I won’t reveal which one) and we really couldn’t have had a better time.

The hotel has 27 bedrooms. We were in a comfortable Superior Room which was huge, stylish with a king-size bed and a sofa-beds and wonderful bathroom.

Drinking and eating is a real treat here and the aim of sourcing the very best of local Dartmoor produce pays off with an excellent menu that includes dishes like chargrilled West Country ribeye steak (one of the best I’ve ever tried) and half grilled lobster.

With six locally brewed bitters and a cracking wine list, you won’t go far wrong.

The Masons Arms is a real treasure, a four star hotel that fully merits the plaudits received from top guides like Harden’s and Sawdays – and now the Argus’ Escape!

• Hotel room rates vary between £95 and £195 at the Masons Arms, Branscombe, Devon, EX12 3DJ. Telephone: 01297 680300, www.masonsarms.co.uk