Lords of the Manor

The building began as a substantial 17th-century manor and remained a family home for centuries before becoming a hotel, which means it carries real character from all those generations of inhabitation. You can feel that history in the way the place is run.

The rooms are spacious with countryside views, and each one is different, so there's nothing cookie-cutter about staying here. Outside, eight acres of gardens give you plenty to explore on foot, or you can simply sit by the fire with a drink if the weather doesn't cooperate. The restaurant has earned a strong reputation for its cooking, so you can eat well without needing to venture elsewhere unless you particularly want to.

Upper Slaughter itself is lovely for a gentle walk around the village. From here, Bourton-on-the-Water is just a short distance away if you fancy a bit more bustle and activity, while Stow-on-the-Wold and the broader region are easily accessible for day trips. Most guests come specifically to slow down and simply be, rather than to rush around checking things off a list. That's genuinely what this place does well, encouraging you to properly unwind.