A golden stone Carolean manor house-turned-rectory in an ‘idyllic setting’ is run as a ‘welcoming, comfortable and relaxing’ hotel, under highly experienced manager Dorian Charlton.

‘The place abounds with creative uses of old, mainly farm, paraphernalia.’ Guide inspectors enjoyed Nick Dent’s diverting Georgian farmhouse turned dog-friendly hotel with most rooms in converted outbuildings.

This ‘amazing’ restaurant-with-rooms in a converted 18th century malthouse overlooking the stunning Evenlode valley. Its new young and dynamic owner is Adam Taylor, and Michelin-starred chef Matt Weedon (a member of Slow Food UK’s Chef Alliance) has recently taken over the kitchen.

On fine days, guests eat and drink alfresco in front of this 15th-century inn, watched over by two towering clipped yews.

‘What a setting!’ On the banks of the River Coln, a busy former 17th-century coaching inn (Cotswold Inns and Hotels), in a quaint village William Morris described as the most beautiful in England.