THE REDESDALE ARMS

In bustling Moreton-in-Marsh, the Redesdale Arms is unfussy, peaceful and well placed for both country walks and cookware-shop pottering. Proof positive that you can meet The Good Hotel Guide’s standards two years running at just £85 a night. Doubles from £85, B&B; 01608 650308, www.redesdalearms.com

THE KING’S HEAD

Bledington is the perfect village – even the ducks on the green look well groomed. The great trick at the King’s Head is to serve up a high standard of bolt-hole hospitality, and top-notch food, without abandoning the informality of a proper local. Pub rooms from £70, B&B, fancier courtyard rooms from £100; 01608 658365, thekingsheadinn.net

THE FALKLAND ARMS

If you can think of a better motto than this, you’re reading the wrong box: “Real Ale, Real Food, Real People – Real Pub.”The Falkland, in Great Tew, has pork pies on the bar, regular live music and a beautiful pub garden. Its six rooms are cute, not twee, while the welcome is chatty and, well, real. Doubles from £80, B&B, 01608 683653, www.falklandarms.org.uk

THE WHITE BEAR

What a Cotswold weekend should be about – staying in Shipston-on-Stour, within easy reach of lovely countryside, at the White Bear. You’ll get a smart room and a good dinner, then you’ll wander into the bar and get locked-in with the convivial locals. Doubles £86, including dinner and breakfast; 01608 661558, www.whitebearhotel.co.uk

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