Thyme, Lechlade, Cotswolds

A track through sheep fields leads to Thyme, which feels other-worldly. Famously pretty Burford is eight miles away - we recommend visiting The Lamb Inn on Sheep Street.

The location is easily accessible by car via Oxford or Cirencester, and it's half an hour's taxi ride from both Kemble station to the west and Charlbury station to the north.

By car: 2 hours' drive from London and 1 hour 15 minutes from Bristol. Free on-site parking available.

By train: London Paddington to Charlbury (via Oxford) takes 1 hour 15 minutes, after which, a taxi takes 30 minutes. Book trains to Charlbury.

Everything has been cleverly orchestrated to maximise tranquillity - from the calming colours of the décor to the abundant flower arrangements (from Thyme's own cutting garden).

There are plenty of facilities, from the swimming pool fed with pure spring water to the tennis court and the cookery school in the tithe barn.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Tennis court
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

In keeping with the organic ethos, all of the rooms are named after plants. There are also three cottages - Pear Tree (one-bed), Old Walls (two-bed) and The Gardener's Cottage (three-bed).

Room types: Teeny Cosy, Cosy, Courtyard, Elegant, Divine, Garden, English Rose, Cedar of Lebanon, Cottage

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, luxury bathrobes, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Ox Barn is run by Caryn's son Charlie (an ex Quo Vadis chef). The restaurant offers a dextrously-devised short menu, much of it dictated by what's freshly available from the garden, such as fennel served with cod and persillade. We loved the wonderfully piquant desserts include clementine and Campari sorbet.

The Ox Barn: modern British fine dining. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

The Baa Bar: all-day dining and drinks. Open daily, 10am-11pm.