The New Inn

Traditional English inn with 14 stylish rooms - a romantic retreat in a little-known Cotswolds village

Country Life magazine calls Coln St Aldwyn 'the 7th prettiest village in the UK'. Visiting in December, we wove our way through frost-covered country lanes to reach it. Over a bubbling brook, past green fields and clusters of limestone houses, the sky a stunning wintry blue. By the time we arrived, we were smitten.

The ivy-covered inn sits at the heart of the village and is a focal point for visitors and locals alike. Its bar offers a roaring fire and Gloucestershire ales; its restaurant is award-winning yet unpretentious. In a former life this was a 17th-century coaching inn, built during Elizabeth I's reign, yet the exterior is the only thing that shows its age. Inside, everything is beautifully spruced up - the beamed ceilings and ancient nooks restored, the rest given a 21st-century makeover. Colours are bright, textures are pleasing - handcarved woods, satins and velvets - and there's a delightfully relaxed feel to it all. Sleep soundly, and by day try something quirky: trout fishing, clay pigeon shooting and polo lessons.

Highs

• The village: tucked in the countryside between Cirencester and Burford, it's one of the Cotswolds' secret gems
• The rooms: each is decorated differently, all are lovely and the attention to detail is excellent
• The ambiance: boutique in look but laid-back in style
• The breakfast: interesting options include porridge with double cream and whisky or grilled kippers

Lows

• We had a few reports of lacklustre service since we last stayed; we are monitoring the situation
• The menu changes seasonally, and with only 4 choices for each course, you could get bored if staying a few nights. There are barely any veggie options either
• Only 1 twin room, and 1 single, so it's best suited to couples
• The corridors in the Dovecote wing are ugly compared to those in the main building