Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

There’s an irony somewhere that one of the most perfect country house hotels in Britain was conceived by a Frenchman.

Now owned and run by Belmond, Le Manoir was originally the creation of world-renowned chef Raymond Blanc, who also still hosts a superb cooking school here.

It’s a stunning Oxfordshire country manor house with 32 sumptuously comfortable rooms and suites, each individually designed by the man himself.

The pristine gardens that surround the manor supply the kitchen with fruit and vegetables, including rare and unusual varieties, sourced by Blanc on his travels abroad and bought back to create a true one-of-a-kind garden.

Don’t come expecting spa facilities and swimming pools – this is a place to eat, drink and generally indulge – and in spite of its hefty price tag and upscale reputation, it has a wonderfully informal feel.