Treavel Feature: Wyck Hill House, Stow-on-the-Wold

One such place is the Windrush Valley and the area round Stow-on-the Wold. It’s a landscape of rolling green hills, gentle forests and incredibly attractive little villages.

Built in gorgeous Cotswold stone; Stow, Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water - all in close proximity - are the epitome of rural England - thatched cottages, country pubs and tumbledown little bridges over babbling streams,

Despite seeming like a trip back in time, all this is a mere 90 minutes from London Paddington via First Great Western, so eminently reachable - although it has to be said the local taxi companies are well aware of the paucity of public transport and charge accordingly.

Our nest for this plunge into the countryside was the amazing Wyck Hill House Hotel - a former feudal home built around 1720.

Wyck Hill House sits in 100 acre grounds

As you walk into the impressive lobby with it’s imposing wooden staircase and period furnishings you know you are in for the luxurious stay.

It really is a grand old place and its history as an old school building becomes apparent when you start to explore - from the old bell visible half way up the stairs to the library bursting with leather bound books.

There are four different parts to the hotel - the very original building, the sympathetic new wing, the lovely little coach house, and orangery which has Mediterranean style tiling and rooms with patios.

After a restorative drink in the heated outdoor terrace we set about exploring the 100 acre grounds.

The windrush valley is full of lovely little farm buildings

We strolled around the immaculately manicured lawns before heading into the woods where we seemed to be the only people for miles around.

A bridle way runs through the woods and it’s a short 45 minute stroll down the hill to Upper and Lower Slaughter, which really are like relics from days gone by and well worth a visit.

In the evening we dined barbecue style at The Inn in Fossebridge - a former 17th century coaching house - before heading back to our lodgings for a long, relaxing rest.

In the morning we made full use of the hotel’s spa facilities and emerged form the steam room in our fluffy robes feeling tickled and pink in equal measures.

The weather was obligingly clement so we sat on the terrace admiring the views over the valley whilst munching on a tasty chicken salad and a couple of shandies.

But all too soon, it was time to return to reality - but we headed home thoroughly relaxed from the luxurious break and fully invigorated from the clean country air.