Minster Mill Hotel & Spa, Minster Lovell, Cotswolds

Minster Mill enjoys a gorgeous setting in a pretty Cotswold village near Oxford. We loved the medieval church of St Kenelm nearby, in front of the great ruins.

Minister Mill sits in 65 acres of grounds, close to the picturesque Cotswolds village of Minster Lovell. It's also near Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
By car: The hotel is around 70 miles from London (2 hours), 15 miles from Oxford (30 minutes) and 80 miles from Birmingham (2 hours). Private parking is available.
By rail: London Paddington to Charlbury takes just over an hour. Charlbury is a 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel. thetrainline.com

The hotel is split between a lovely converted old mill, and modern annexes - although the interiors there are still stylish. It's popular with business people during the week. Weekenders who want to escape the city will like the wide terrace by the river - the perfect spot for afternoon tea.

Explore the wonderful newly planted wildflower meadow in the grounds.

• Free parking
• Spa
• Swimming pool
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Pet-friendly
• Tennis court
• Croquet lawn
• Gardens

The two Garden Rooms, which have their own small conservatories, are our favourites, and we love that the riverside rooms have private terraces with fire pits.

Classic Rooms, Garden Rooms, Superior Rooms, Feature Rooms, Junior Suites
Facilities include: double beds, ensuite bathrooms, Nespresso coffee machine, tea, high thread-count luxury cotton bed linen, mini bar and personal safe, Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, L'Occitane skincare and bath lotions, free Wi-Fi

There's an inventive choice of starters, such as juniper-cured trout with grapefruit. For your main, try the dreamily succulent Cotswold venison with pickled blueberries. Be ready for quite pricey bar and food bills though.

The Restaurant: Regional and seasonal menu, contemporary British dishes. Mains from £20-£28. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
Mill Bar: Deli sandwiches and refined pub food, extensive wine list. Mains from £12-£24. Open for lunch and dinner.