Cotswolds retreats: 10 of the prettiest, most peaceful inns and hotels

The honey-stoned heart of England is famed for its quintessential English villages – and tourists. But you can still find some off-the-radar hideaways

Situated on the River Windrush in the Cotswold hills, Burford is sometimes called the gateway to the Cotswolds and has one of the prettiest high streets in the district – but it does teem with tourists in summer, making the Maytime Inn, just a couple of miles away in neighbouring Asthall, a great place to retreat to after a day’s exploring. The six bedrooms ooze rustic chic, while the restaurant serves convivial sharing boards and pub classics, with wood-fired pizzas at weekends – best eaten in the large garden, with tranquil views of the rolling hills beyond. There are sometimes quizzes and live music in the evenings. Doubles from £130 B&B; themaytime.com