Stay at the Bay Tree hotel and relax in the garden with a jug of pimms, afternoon cream tea and a game of croquet. In the picture-postcard town of Burford, the southern gateway to the Cotswolds, is to be found the charming Bay Tree Hotel. Set amidst the celebrated ancient black and white timbered buildings and those constructed from the beautiful honey-coloured local stone, a scene is created which beyond doubt has an aura of yesteryear. Areas serviced: Worcesterwww.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.ukThe Green, WR12 7AA

Buckland Manor, the Best Leisure Hotel in the British Isles, near Broadway, dates back to the thirteenth century and is set in glorious grounds featuring immaculate gardens with running stream, small waterfalls, croquet lawns and tennis courts. The ancient valley in which Buckland Manor now stands was first mentioned in around 600 AD, when the land was owned by the Abbey of Gloucester. It was later recorded in the Domesday Book. Areas serviced: Worcesterwww.bucklandmanor.comBuckland, WR12 7LY

Located in the Heart of the Cotswolds, the privately owned Dormy House Hotel is utterly civilised, yet completely unstuffy. It is a lived-in, much-loved home from home, where nothing is too much trouble and no corners are cut. Come when you want to get away from it all. But want to feel, above all else, at home. Areas serviced: Worcesterwww.dormyhouse.co.ukWillersey Hill, WR12 7LF

The Lygon Arms is a small family run hotel well known for its friendly atmosphere and traditional English food offering accommodation, restaurants and public bar. Originally a 16th Century Cotswold coaching inn, the Lygon Arms is situated in the beautiful high street of Chipping Campden. Chipping Campden is well placed for touring the surrounding Cotswold villages, Stratford on Avon and Shakespeare Country. For lovers of walking and the scenic countryside the Cotswold Way and Heart of England walks are close to the town. Areas serviced: Worcesterwww.lygonarms.co.ukHigh St, WR12 7DU