Instead of rolling up in the coach at Bibury, one of the Cotswolds' prettiest villages, we're going to walk there from the nearby estate village of Coln St. Aldwyns, following the valley of the river Coln and arriving in Bibury via a stunning 17th/18th century hamlet and watermill and the run of weavers' cottages known as Arlington Row.

Like Bourton, Bibury sits right beside a pretty little river, this time the Coln, and its warm grey houses follow the contours of the valley; slate roofs are like long rows of mossy steps and cottage gardens are bright with flowers. Bibury was well-known for its busy woollen mill and Arlington Row housed weavers in medieval period and today has a successful trout farm and The Swan Hotel, a charming stop for coffee.

After building up our appetites with our river walk, enjoy a delectable lunch at Barnsley House, which boasts the quintessential English garden with knot gardens, statues by Simon Verity and a working kitchen garden that supplies much of the produce found on the menu at our lunch. Take a guided tour with a head gardener through four acres of carefully tended grounds designed by plantswoman Rosemary Verey, who designed for a glittering roster of clients around the world. King Charles  visited Barnsley House to take inspiration for the garden at Highgrove, and Sir Elton John and the New York Botanical Gardens have also called on her talents.

Our final destination today is Calcot & Spa – with stylish rooms, a sublime spa and top-notch dining, all set within 220 acres of rewilded Cotswolds countryside perfect for romping. Arrive in time to relax and possibly take a soak or get a massage…dinner on your own this evening, may we suggest nibbles at the Hive lounge or dinner at the acclaimed Brasserie.

CALCOT & SPA (B, L)