Nestled in a picturesque Cotswolds village, The Manor House Castle Combe exudes a magnetic energy that begins on the winding drive leading up to the 14th-century retreat.

With a Michelin-starred restaurant, alfresco dining, The Full Glass Bar (180 gins and counting), lounges for coffee or afternoon tea, private dining rooms and even a country pub in the village (The Castle Inn), there’s a dining experience for every occasion at The Manor House Castle Combe.

Taking its name from the river that runs through the hotel grounds, the Bybrook restaurant is the jewel in the Manor’s crown. Executive chef Rob Potter has retained a Michelin star here since 2017. He leads a brigade of talented chefs in creating seasonal dishes from local and British ingredients, enhanced by expertly matched fine wines.

Feast on Cornish wild turbot with white asparagus, Petrossian caviar and seaweed butter; Herdwick lamb with morel, wild garlic and kohlrabi; or Yorkshire wagyu with yukon gold potato and celeriac.

Make it an occasion by staying over in the historic hotel or mews cottages and exploring the Italian gardens, River Bybrook and 365 acres of grounds which include an 18-hole championship golf course. You can even arrive by chopper as The Manor House has a helipad.

Trencherman’s tip

Romantic getaway? The Bybrook dine-and-stay package includes tasting menu for two, a luxurious night in a room of your choice and breakfast.