After whizzing first through idyllic Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire countryside en route to our first night destination stay – The Frogmill, Cheltenham – our thoughts sped towards the romantic retreat ahead of us. A quick turn and easy-to-find exit later, and we’d arrived at our destination – a sprawling, honey-coloured Cotswold stone inn.

After a friendly welcome at reception, we were led up through a series of winding stairways to a good sized double at the top of the building. Views of the rolling Cotswold countryside made up the panorama, while a comfortable looking king-sized bed got our relaxation vote. We also spied a bottle of champagne cooling in the corner, while mod cons – like a flat screen TV meant we needn't venture far for simple home pleasures.

We arrived on a Friday night and Adam’s Pantry – the 40-seat main restaurant – buzzed with the murmur of like-minded local couples out for the night. In the country pub-style bar, a jovial Scottish bridal party (the Frogmill also has a wedding license and an imposing reception hall to boot) provided happy background chatter to our dining experience. We ordered succulent crispy duck and bacon salad to start, while head chef Adam Murray served up two 8oz Cotswold steaks, on a weighty me-Tarzan-you-Jane-style wooden platter for the main event.

the intimacy. Despite its sprawling size, the Frogmill has enough cute little nooks and crannies to really snuggle into after dinner. Plus – you’re only a five mile drive from pretty-as-a-picture Cotswold villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

being part of the action 24/7. Our authentic shutter windows overlooked the main entrance and things didn’t quieten down until everyone had gone to bed.

Rooms from £69 per room per night, including a delicious full English breakfast, The Frogmill Hotel, Shipton Oliffe, Andoversford, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 4HT (01242 822911 / 0843 357 5546), res.frogmill@bespokehotels.com

bespokehotels.com/thefrogmillhotel