Located in one of England's prettiest villages, Lower Slaughter Manor offers the best of luxury accommodation in a stunning rural idyll.

The 17th century country house boasts period features throughout including regal four-poster beds in some rooms.

Mixed with this is contemporary decor and cutting edge technology including iPod docks and free WiFi in every room, alongside the standard TV/DVD, a fabulous array of l'Occitane toiletries, free sherry and fresh fruit.

Other top-notch hotel facilities include five acres of landscaped gardens, a croquet lawn and tennis court.

However, it is the delightful village of Lower Slaughter that really sells the manor. Crossed by the River Eye, the rural retreat is full of olde worlde charm from the charming church to pretty cottage gardens.

For more stately hotels in the Cotswolds, nearby Washbourne Court is a great choice. The building was once an Eton cramming school before a conversion into luxury holiday living.