The Double Red Duke, Clanfield, Oxfordshire, UK - Explore & Book

"Housed in a 16th-century inn set among quaint English countryside, this thoughtfully renovated retreat is bringing weekend-breaking with loved ones and socialising back with a bang. The pioneers are local couple Sam and Georgie Pearman (who also run The Swan in nearby Ascott-under-Wychwood). She’s queen of funky interiors, he’s king of innovative menus, so you can expect plush rooms and amazing food. Downstairs, they’ve created a warren of living and dining spaces, including a fire-warmed snug, a bright garden room with climbing jasmine, a private feasting room, and an open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs cooking on an open fire. Outside, it continues, with a terrace for alfresco dining, a garden with a sweeping lawn ringing the property and a shepherd's hut for relaxing treatments. Some of the 19 bedrooms open onto the garden for extra tranquility. In all rooms, you can expect jazzy wallpapers and locally-sourced antiques. Come here to escape cooped-up city life; the Duke’s location in a small Oxfordshire village makes it ideal for weekend breaks. The Cotswolds are on your doorstep, as are a host of outdoorsy activities and family-friendly days out. This is country living meets urban style and we loved our stay here. Highs The assortment of living and dining spaces creates a buzzy and friendly atmosphere – this would be a great place for private parties or get-togethers Delicious food and cocktails served by happy staff Gorgeous bedrooms decorated with quirky market finds and many with sumptuous rolltop baths Surrounded by beautiful countryside and pretty Cotswold villages; Blenheim Palace and Oxford are within 30 mins Ideal for weekend escapes; London is two hours away by car Lows Due to the sociable vibe, a couple of the ground-floor rooms could suffer from a touch of noise pollution from the dining areas and kitchen Be prepared for some punchy pricing for their wines Although it’s ideal for weekend breaks, getting here by public transport isn’t easy as there’s no train station nearby Parking can be tricky at busy times" - Aidan Forestier-Walker