In the heart of Chipping Campden, the Cotswold House Hotel proves a draw for Group Travel World magazine's Vanessa Hardy and her family...

“Arriving, as we did, on a very cold, wet afternoon, a roaring fire and the very friendly team at reception proved the warm welcome we needed! Despite the fact that the hotel’s in the centre of Chipping Campden, the car park was easy to find and just a short walk from the hotel’s entrance, via a lovely garden pathway,” says Vanessa.

“The town itself is picturesque, with all the antiques and arts and crafts shops you’d expect in such chocolate box surroundings. And back in the hotel, we loved our room. It was spacious, with two extra beds for Max and Macey, who loved the huge oval bath. Everything we needed was on hand, from tea and biscuits to an iron, and it’s worth reading the guest information booklet that you’ll find in the rooms as it’s full of useful tips, as well as tales of the hotel’s resident ghost. We made a quick visit to the spa, which, sadly for the kids, is adult only. It was lovely and relaxing – the one downside being that my husband Mark and I had to go one at a time while the other babysat!

“We ate in the Bistro – one of two restaurants in the hotel – and the food was fantastic, with a great selection on both the adult’s and children’s menus. We started with a great value charcuterie platter, but my main (slow cooked beef in Jack Daniel’s sauce) was the star of the show – washed down with a bottle of house merlot. All the staff, both in the restaurant and the hotel, were very attentive, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere from the get-go. I’d definitely recommend a stay, as the surrounding area – even in the pouring rain we had – is stunning. We’ll just hope for sun next time!”

Rooms start from £140 bed and breakfast, plan your stay at cotswoldhouse.com