Manor House at Castle Combe

EVEN THE GARGOYLES and stone dragons seem to smile as you approach The Manor House Hotel at Castle Combe. This ivy-clad, well mannered romantic getaway near Bath sits serenely amid sweeping lawns and ancient trees.

If you‘re after a quintessentially English setting, look no further. This five star romantic hotel in the south Cotswolds sprawls at the foot of a wooded valley in a picture-postcard village. Carvings, columns and baronial splendour are rampant at this 14th-century manor, with lavish rooms and the cosiest cottages.

Dating back to the 14th century, The Manor House at Castle Combe is a luxury hotel set in 365 acres of parkland. It has a wealth of dark-oak panelling, stained glass mullioned windows and magnificent open fireplaces that blaze away in winter. There‘s an attractive bar opening onto a terrace for summer drinks, and plenty of cosy nooks for an intimate tête a tête.

Mellow stone cottages

Bedrooms are spread between the main manor and the charming, mellowed-stone cottages. Our rose-petal strewn four poster bed in the Lower Thompson junior suite was just the ticket, while the fabulous bathroom had a free-standing roll-top bath in front of a log fire (as well as underfloor heating), and a walk-in double shower.

Breathable, hand-made mattresses ensure deep slumbers, and there‘s a pillow menu too. Lavender and geranium scented candles were a nice touch alongside the highbrow toiletries.

Cottages ideal for a romantic sojourn include Woodford, with its own patio and splendid contemporary bathroom. All are nicely tucked away in the grounds.

Dining at The Manor House at Castle Combe is a treat. Chef Richard Davies boasts a Michelin star and his delicious creations are served by an attentive young team in the Bybrook restaurant - named after the river that runs past the grounds. We were happy to hang out later in the Full Glass Bar, with its contemporary dark wood panelling and chrome and mirrored bar.

Outside, listen to the birdsong on a riverside stroll in the grounds, or enjoy the valley views from a gothic-style summerhouse amid the statuary in the Victorian garden. Active types can tee off at The Manor House at Castle Combe's championship golf course, or dabble at pitch-and-putt or croquet. The pretty-pretty village of Castle Combe lies at the end of the drive.

© Room for Romance