The Wheatsheaf Inn & Hotel

Oh, where to start with this one? Except to say, if you’re heading for the Cotswolds and are looking for somewhere offering top-notch food and some seriously stylish rooms, look no further – this 17th-century inn is a gem. The 14 individually styled and contemporary bedrooms offer king size beds with Egyptian cotton duvets, B&O TVs, recordable Sky systems, complimentary wifi and handmade toiletries. Power showers come as standard, but the top-line ’Excellent’ rooms have baths as well – indeed room 1 has an enormous bathroom and two-person tub. Children are welcomed with open arms (there’s a playhouse and fun kids’ menu illustrated by local school kids, as well as rows of child-size Hunter wellies.

The management are also '‘happy to welcome dogs as much as people’. They’re not kidding. Dogs (both locals and tourist varieties) can be seen in the bar and restaurant contentedly munching on bowls of dog treats, and can be left unattended in rooms. Dogs even get a welcome bag complete with branded bandana and natural shampoo products. The area is full of glorious walks – a four-hour round trip is particularly popular - and walking maps are provided to guests. Dogs can wander freely in a large new garden that opened in 2019 complete with pizza oven and bar which is packed in the Summer. The Wheatsheaf’s restaurant is great, and a destination in its own right, and the Gun Room is a superb 25 seat private dining room that is frequently booked by shooting parties… and their dogs.