EATING IN THE COTSWOLDS

Burford, although in Oxfordshire is known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds and it is a very cute picture box, one street town, definitely worth a visit. Lots of shops squished into a small space but do not be tempted to try lunch at the Burford House. We had booked for lunch the previous week and so they had plenty of notice that we were coming. Lunch was a two course choice, but inevitably they only had one course available, no home made lemonade, one chicken, one Eton mess, you get the picture. They were not prepared and we had the distinct impression that we were being given last nights left overs, except there weren't many left overs.

Chipping Sodbury, in Gloucestershire is another one street market town with the new addition of Hamptons deli and coffee shop. As soon as you walk in, the owner waves and shouts 'hello', you just know he cares and the food and service on offer reflect that. Homemade cakes and salads make this a great place to stop off for lunch or afternoon tea.

Tetbury, just up the road from Chipping Sodbury is home to Highgrove, Prince Charles Gloucestershire residence. We booked months in advance for a tour of the garden and were not disappointed. Shown round for nearly two hours in a small group, we really felt as though we could bump into Prince Charles at any minute. Whether you are a royalist or not, you cannot failed to be impressed by his mischievous garden designs and whimsical outdoor architecture, ending with the piece de resistance, a beautiful mosaic courtyard bursting with Mediterranean colour and vibrancy. We finished the tour with tea and cake in the function room, whilst admiring our purchases from the Highgrove gift shop.

The Duchess of Cornwall still has a home just over in the next county of Wiltshire, just outside the picturesque village of Lacock. The village has been used in many period adaptations and we most famously used for scenes in the BBC's Cranford and Pride and Prejudice. A great place to stay and have lunch is 'At the Sign of the Angel' where we had the most amazing Sunday Roast, served in tureens on the table. You must book in advance otherwise you will not get a table though, it's incredibly popular.

Another village that the name 'chocolate box' was invented for is the village of Castle Combe, where the Rex Harrison version of Doctor Dolittle was filmed. This is home to the Manor House, very popular for weddings due to the stunning surroundings and also perfect for afternoon tea. This is not just any afternoon tea, plates full of different shaped cakes keep coming to the table and its very hard to resist.