The Manor House

A traditional, luxurious bolthole with grounds that roll down to Castle Combe – England’s most complete medieval village – this is a classic country house retreat with a good dollop of history thrown in.

Golfers come for the Peter Alliss-designed 18-hole course (and to settle in for post-round drinks at the elegant clubhouse), while couples come for the romantic four-poster rooms, Michelin-starred dining at the Bybrook restaurant and the gorgeous Italian gardens that wrap around the hotel.

Proximity to the village is the extra bonus – meaning guests are free to explore in the early morning or late afternoon, when the coach parties and crowds have left.