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Found within a short drive of Stratford Upon Avon and located just two miles from the picturesque market town of Chipping Campden and the world famous Hidcote Manor Gardens, The Ebrington Arms is an un-spoilt 17th century inn that radiates charm and character from its quaint yet stylish decor, open log fires and Cotswold stone walls. The area where it is located is renowned for fantastic walking, notably the famous Cotswold Way. Horse riding, fishing, cycling and shooting can also be enjoyed here. For groups quad biking facilities are arranged by the Cotswold Quads.

Expect to find tuna carpaccio, radish, parmesan shavings and lemon olive oil, pan fried breast of wood pigeon, braised lentils and chorizo and bruschetta of wild mushrooms for a first course. Mains might consist of beer battered fillet of pollock and roasted root vegetable cassoulet. Homemade puddings feature specials such as passion fruit and orange tart with star glaze and Rocombe Organic ice creams.

This handsome 17th/18th century town house, clearly the property of some local grandee in the prosperous past, is now serving the community in other, but just as meaningful, ways. Right in the centre of the beautiful country town of Chipping Campden, with excellent shopping and crammed full of character and fine buildings, The Kings is well placed to provide the ideal haven for comfort and convenience.

In winter there are substantial log fires, in summer the gardens make a pleasant setting for al fresco meals and drinking. And should you be completing the 100 mile Cotswold Way from Bath here, where better than to afford yourself some recovery time.

In a dining room dominated by an inglenook fireplace and a large wood panelled settle expect to find modern British food served by staff who take a genuine interest in their guests. Starters of pressed venison terrine, deep fried cod and salmon rice balls or a duo of smoked Scottish salmon with grated horseradish and home cooked gravadlax with cucumber noodles are the order of the day, with usually about eight dishes from which to choose.

There must be numerous 'heart-of-the-Cotswolds' villages all with picturesque reasons for the claim but villages like Paxford lend reality to the picture. There are views but they don't get in the way of a working village that has at its heart The Churchill Arms. This refuge from a rude wide world has been consistently applauded by customers and critics alike.

When it comes to the food, The Churchill Arms sources only fresh ingredients, mainly from local suppliers. Consider starting your meal with a chicken and mushroom pancake; smoked haddock rarebit with a soft boiled egg, or a soothing pea and ham soup. Among mains, breast of pheasant is served with port and green peppercorns while monkfish medallions are accompanied by sweet and sour butternut, and rump steak comes to the table with balsamic onions and blue cheese glaze.

For dessert there is triple chocolate torte with raspberry parfait, and sticky toffee pudding. There is a choice of beers and local real ales. The wine list is imaginative and well-priced; there is also a good selection by the glass.

Should you wish to stay, there are four fully equipped ensuite bedrooms.

Imagine a cosy 15th-century Cotswold cottage, complete with such accessories as wood panelling and oak beams, and you have The Malt House. The atmosphere is well laid back, but certainly not on the part of the staff who are completely on the mark. There is nothing fancy about the food, which is to compliment Janice Rodgers's cooking, much of it using organic material.

The 14th century Charingworth Manor Hotel can be found between Chipping Campden and Banbury, delighting the people who visit it with its beautiful setting and excellent facilities. The manor house is built of Cotswold stone and sports quite a few original features such as exposed beams with medieval decoration, flagstone floors, and open fireplaces.

Let's now explore the hotel's dining facilities, where the AA rosette John Greville Restaurant offers dishes created from the very best Cotswold produce. The à la carte changes to reflect what's freshest in the market, and you could expect a great choice of meat, fish, and vegetables there. The time-honoured tradition of Sunday lunch is one to look forward to, so get set to spend lazy afternoons with the family or friends.

In good weather, meals can be taken al fresco on the terrace.

Charingworth has retained its unspoiled antiquity whilst adding its own spa, indoor heated swimming pool, and a well-equipped gymnasium.

Conveniently located in the Lower High Street of Chipping Campden, one of the area's most beautiful villages, is The Red Lion Inn, a welcoming, old refuge that offers comfortable accommodation and the best of fresh and wholesome modern British cuisine.

On the regularly changing seasonal menu, you will find well-loved classical recipes that are given a welcome international twist or a special Cotswold flavour. Red Lion's chef ensures that meat and game are of the finest quality, and vegetables and fruit are handpicked daily.

The restaurant menu could feature a lightly spiced crab salad with avocado and peppered tomatoes; pork belly pot-roasted in calvados and thyme with chorizo and caramelised apple, and a Mediterranean vegetable tian baked with goats' cheese and dressed with reduced balsamic vinegar. Local ham hocks and trout could appear alongside game pots on an exciting and varied specials board.

With its cosy atmosphere, the bar is a great place to enjoy New and Old World wines, ales, and guest beers.

Guests can choose between two dining venues at The Cotswold House, both serviced from the same kitchen under the capable direction of their head chefs. On offer are innovative menus with freshly created dishes that display the best of seasonal modern English cooking.

Pop in to the chic yet relaxed Hicks' Brasserie to read the papers, for a light lunch, or simply to chat with friends over a bottle of wine. With a range of options from breakfast through to dinner, the food is a touch simpler and certainly cheaper when compared to the more sophisticated Juliana's Restaurant.

Amongst six or so starters, expect to find chicken liver parfait with red onion marmalade and rustic bread, and baked mini camembert with tomato croûtes. Main courses encompass pan-seared salmon with char-grilled asparagus, sautéed new potatoes, cherry tomatoes, herb cream, and spinach; and good old back bacon steak with bubble and squeak, served with fried egg and spring vegetables from Drinkwater's Farm.

In the charming market town of Chipping Campden, where most places can be reached on foot, the Eight Bells is just minutes away from the town square. This fourteenth century pub accommodated the stone masons who built the church and later became a home for the tower's bells. Today it is a delightful inn also, where you can stay in any of the well furnished seven rooms or simply enjoy a good meal in their restaurant.

Expect a typical gastropub style of starter with the seared Evesham asparagus spears with gruyere cheese, sun dried tomatoes wrapped in Parma ham, grain mustard dressing and a crisp salad while the mains of smoked salmon, prawn and spinach tagliatelle topped with a tomato and basil coulis, served with garlic bread is excellent. For dessert, try the dark chocolate cheesecake with Chantilly cream or the cheese board and you could relax over a wide selection of local ales and ciders at their traditional bar.