The fields are zipping past the window in a massive patchwork of green.

Trees, fields spotted with sheep and cows, ancient stone villages and forests are all blending into the gigantic green canvas rolling out before me.

A country girl all my life, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a landscape so green and lush – even in the rain and drizzle, it’s shining.

We’ve just turned off the M3 at Winchester, so far a fairly innocuous journey via strips of grey tarmac through Dorset and into neighbouring Hampshire.

Modern technology and innovation making the journey time fast, at one hour thirty, but not the best showcase for some of the stunning scenery you know is hiding just out of reach behind the barriers.

But turning off the motorway you are greeted immediately by rural West Sussex. It’s beautiful.

We drive for an hour through deer parks, past castles and manor houses and golf courses.

The Halfway Bridge pub is gorgeous, set just back from the busy road in Lodsworth, although you would never know – it’s that quiet.

It is an old coaching house, used in the 17th century as a pit stop on the busy route to London.

The old red-brick building has been renovated and added to over the years, with nooks and crannies and old fireplaces.

It’s been renovated superbly, maintaining its history but with lots of luxurious touches.

The staff were friendly and welcoming, they couldn’t be more helpful and showed us to our room.

The guest rooms are tucked around the back of the pub down a little lane. The old converted barns have been done very sympathetically, with old beams running along the ceiling and on the walls. Considering the British Summer Weather was with us – read drizzly and overcast – the rooms were lovely and warm.

Fully kitted-out with tea and coffee making facilities and a chic bathroom, we were soon installed and ready for the main event.

If, like me, and you love nothing better than a good meal - hearty portions, great wine and no washing up – the Halfway Bridge is for you.

The food is excellent, from the sea bass and samphire to the steak, it was cooked and presented well.

The deconstructed desserts were something to behold. I had the posset with raspberry - it came looking like so many psychedelic yet tasty dots on the plate. But be under no illusion, it was superb.

The restaurant boasts a fine wine list for even the most picky of connoisseurs.

And breakfast was no less delightful. Going for the full English I was not disappointed, and had I not been driving, I could have indulged in a Buck’s Fizz or Bloody Mary to start my Sunday morning off right.

Driving back, we stopped at one of the nearby castles littering the landscape for a walk and watched a spot of cricket on the green.

Altogether a lovely relaxing break in a very quaint and English country garden.